A Calculator For The Middle School Student

There has been much discussion about the use of calculators at the elementary level. Some say calculator use in the lower grades inhibits the learning of basic math concepts. Others hold that using a calculator helps young students concentrate on understanding math concepts by reducing the time spent manually working on tedious calculations. While a calculator may be optional for students in elementary school, by middle school it will become as much a part of back to school basics as notebooks and backpacks.

Choosing an appropriate calculator for the middle school student is based upon functions and finances. Most students at this level need a relatively simple calculator that offers basic math functions. If the calculator will only be used during middle school, there are several good options available. The TI-73 from Texas Instruments is intended for middle school students. It performs basic arithmetic and graphing functions and cost is nominal. Another inexpensive calculator for this age group is the Casio fx-55 PLUS elementary/middle school fraction calculator. Hewlett-Packard, Sharp, and Cannon also offer modestly priced calculators that will adequately meet the requirements of the middle school student.

The High School Student’s Calculator

High school signals a major change for students. At this level, an advanced scientific calculator is mandatory. Although some states still only require 3 years of math to graduate, most states and many colleges and universities now have a 4 year requirement that includes a minimum 2 years of algebra and 1 year of geometry. If admission to college is the goal, “strongly recommended” courses should be part of the high school student’s curriculum. Math courses range from Elementary Algebra and Algebra I as a freshman to calculus, trigonometry, statics, and probability by the senior year. High school teachers offer recommendations on specific models of calculators that the student will need to successfully complete course requirements.

Since cost now becomes a factor, multi-year use is another important consideration. If the student already has a TI-83 Plus or TI-84 Plus, trading up to a more expensive calculator is really not necessary. Both these calculators are capable of performing all but the highest mathematical functions and both are accepted by the ACT and the SAT. If an upgrade is in the cards, the TI-Inspire (non CAS), HP 48G (with the infrared port covered), and Casio FXCG10 Prizm are also allowed for ACT-SAT testing.

The College and Beyond Calculator

You’ve made it! High school graduation is behind you and you’re on your way. Moving up to college brings with it a whole new spectrum of calculator requirements. A must-have for college students studying math, physics, chemistry, astronomy, engineering, or architecture is a good scientific calculator. Basic scientific calculator functions include scientific notation, logarithmic and trigonometric functions, exponentials, and roots beyond the square root. More advanced models also perform many of the functions common to graphing calculators like hexadecimal, binary, and octal calculations, complex numbers, statistics and probability functions, matrix calculations, physical constants, and calculus. Texas Instruments, Hewlett-Packard, Casio, Canon, and Sharp are the most popular brands of scientific calculators. In addition to versatility, recent models from all now feature dot matrix displays.

For many college students and business professionals, a graphing calculator is the better choice. In addition to the functions noted for the scientific calculator, a graphing calculator is able to plot graphs, solve simultaneous equations, and perform other tasks with variables. The best graphing calculators are also programmable, allowing customization of applications. Some come equipped with CAS (Computer Algebra System), which enables manipulation of algebraic expressions and exact form answers without numerical approximations. Top choices in this area are the HP 50G, TI-Nspire CAS, the TI-89, and the Casio ClassPad. Graphing calculators are also versatile enough to move from the educational setting to business applications to gaming with ease.

If your supply list for this school year includes a new calculator, check us out at www.CalcSwap.com. If you’ve got a graphing calculator already and want to get cash back, www.SellYourCalculators.com offers competitive buy back prices for your current model, giving you a cushion against the cost of your upgrade.

Contact us today for more information.