West Morris Mendham High School

Mathematics Department

The recommended calculator brand is Texas Instruments. Most calculators can be purchased in office supply stores (Staples, Office Max, Wal-Mart, etc.) and online (Staples, eBay, etc.)

 

 

Graphing Calculators

 

Faculty members have familiarized themselves with the TI-83 and TI-84 family of calculators. These models are used and modeled in the classroom. If a student uses a different model and/or brand, it is the student’s responsibility to familiarize him or herself with the functions of their calculator.

 

Recently, Texas Instruments released a new calculator, the TI-nspire. There are two versions of this calculator: TI-nspire and TI-nspire CAS. The CAS, or Computer Algebra System, is not permitted on standardized assessments and on most assessments in the classroom. It is advised that if you purchase this calculator that you buy the TI-nspire model without CAS.

 

The TI-nspire comes with two removable keypads. This means two calculators for the price of one! It is currently recommended that students use the TI-84 keypad in the classroom.

Don’t forget to have extra AAA batteries on hand at home!

Calculator Usage Policy for the Mathematics Department

 

Understanding that a comprehensive mathematics curriculum should help students learn to use calculators, computers, and other technological tools as a part of learning mathematics, the Mathematics Departments of the West Morris Regional High School District would be remiss not to make their use an integral part of mathematics education in our schools.  The Standards document of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM, 2000) states:  “Technology is essential in teaching and learning mathematics; it influences the mathematics that is taught and enhances students’ learning.” (Page 25)

 

The NCTM Standards makes it clear, however, that such tools do not replace the need to learn basic facts, to compute mentally, or to do reasonable paper and pencil computation.  The Standards suggests that when used appropriately, calculators and computers enable students to explore new areas of mathematics and to tackle many challenging mathematical problems.  Indeed, calculators and computers with appropriate software can transform the classroom into a laboratory where students can investigate and experiment with mathematical ideas.  To that end, we put forth the following guidelines so that students, parents, and teachers will agree on the use of technology in the classroom.

 

1.           We encourage the appropriate use of technology in the classroom.  Students need to consider when use of mental mathematics, paper and pencil, or a calculator is appropriate.

2.           We encourage students to purchase their own calculator.  Students who use the same calculator on a regular basis become familiar with the functions available on the instrument they use. Personal calculators should have at least algebraic logic (i.e. it automatically follows the standard order of operations), an exponent key to do powers and roots of any degree, a fraction key, a common logarithm (log) and natural logarithm (ln) key as well as simple trigonometric capabilities.  The student’s name should be engraved on the calculator.

3.           By the time the students are enrolled in the higher level mathematics courses, students will need a graphics calculator.  The department will recommend a make and model of calculator appropriate for his/her course.  Special arrangements will be made for students who are not able to purchase one themselves.

4.           To summarize, the calculator requirements for mathematics courses could be as follows:

Any personal scientific calculator for: Studies level courses and Geometry.

Graphics calculator for Academic level courses, Advanced level courses, Honors level courses, AP and IB courses

5.           Although the student may purchase any calculator, classroom demonstrations will be limited to the make and model selected by the Mathematics Department.  Currently, the graphics calculator used by the Mathematics Department is the Texas Instrument 83 and 84 family.

6.           Understanding that the purchase of a graphics calculator represents a considerable expense to the student, the Mathematics Department agrees that a calculator purchased will be useful to the student throughout high school.  Students will not be expected to upgrade for a later course. Students are responsible for replacing their calculator’s batteries.

7.           Students will be required to show all work and be able to explain how they arrived at a solution on assignments and tests.

8.           As new calculators become available, some go beyond the scope of calculators routinely used in the classroom.  For example, the TI-89 calculator performs symbolic operations routinely taught in algebra, math analysis and calculus.  The Mathematics Department reserves the right to restrict use of this, or any, calculator on test and other assessments.

9.           Currently, calculators are strongly recommended on the HSPA, SAT, Advanced Placement, and IB exams. However, many colleges prohibit calculators on their placement exams.

10.         The calculator should not replace fundamental understanding.  It still is necessary to teach a reasonable emphasis on paper and pencil calculation.

From the West Morris Regional District

Mathematics Curriculum: