Have you tried to write a paper and not have a pen? How about cook macaroni without a pot? Without the proper tools the task seems impossible. This is what it is like to study high school mathematics today without a graphing calculator.
My students want to learn.
They come to school and do their best to engage in the classroom activities. They depend on me to provide them with an education that will best prepare them for their future. For this to happen they need access to the best tools.
We are a public 9-12 high school located in a rural area of the county and serve 1300 students. While some students can afford a calculator others cannot. I seek to end this inequity.
My Project
For students to learn mathematical modeling it is important for them to discover and understand the various representations: graphs, tables, equations, descriptions, and context. The graphing calculator allows students to explore these connections.
Just as a pencil is needed every day in class so is a calculator. Its use far surpasses the basic operations of add, subtract, multiply, and divide. When students learn to use the tool effectively it opens up the door for deeper discussions about the mathematics. Thus, the daily use will have a significant impact on the students.
Currently students share calculators. I hope to build a class set over time so that every student can have access to this important tool every day.
I want my students to have the tools they need to learn.
Support for these materials will greatly be appreciated. I have witnessed the change in math education as graphing calculators have been implemented into the classroom. I firmly believe that their use can make math more accessible to all students.
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As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. McPherson and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.