Calculator needs of students in The Village School of Naples Upper School
Students in Algebra 1 do NOT need a calculator at all. When we do calculations that require a calculator, one will be supplied to the student. However, if parents want to plan ahead, they can look at recommendations for Geometry and Algebra 2.
Students in Geometry have three options:
- A Geometry student does NOT need to purchase a calculator, because one will be supplied when they need it.
- A Geometry student may purchase a scientific calculator. These range in price from $9 to $20. They should have buttons for the functions: sin, cos, and tan. This calculator will not be sufficient for subsequent math courses. Some models to consider are: TI-30 (various models), Casio fx-300MS, Casio FX-991ESPLUS
- A Geometry student may purchase a graphing calculator. It will work for all high school math classes. See the calculators recommended below for Algebra 2.
Students in Algebra 2 should purchase a graphing calculator. During most of the year, these calculators cost about $120, but in August, Office Depot/Max, Staples, Target, and WalMart usually have sales with the calculators costing about $90. Recommendations follow:
- The most commonly used graphing calculator is the TI-84 plus. There are several different versions which basically have the same capabilities. The TI-84 plus CE has beautiful graphics. (The TI-83 plus does nearly as much as the TI-84 plus. The TI-Nspire CX is a good option, but works a little differently from the others.)
- Alternatives are: Casio FX-9860G11, Casio fx-CG10 PRIZM, Casio fx-CG50, and HP Prime Graphing Calculator. The drawback of these is that I am not familiar with them, so the student would be on their own to learn how to use it.
- I do NOT recommend the TI-89, nor the TI-Nspire CAS, which are allowed on AP and SAT exams, but NOT on the ACT exam, because they are more difficult to use and have some capabilities that the student should develop for themselves.
Students in Precalculus should already have a graphing calculator. If not, see the recommendations for Algebra 2.
Students in AP Statistics should already have a graphing calculator. If not, see the recommendations for Algebra 2.
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