I try to make the most of our 100 minute class sessions by guiding my students through mathematical explorations every day. Math isn't a list of facts that need to be memorized it is a beautiful subject whose strength is in its applicability and complexity.
My students are eager to succeed.
At our school the majority of students have their sights set on college. The main question is whether it will be a two year or four year that they will start at. This year I have the honor of teaching Precalculus and AP Statistics. That means every student in my class has this goal of college, however many of them are still struggling with how they will get there and what they will do once they do.
My Project
When you combine learning through exploration and a common drive to succeed and reach college level mathematics the natural tool to achieve both is a graphing calculator. Through the use of a color graphing calculator the Precalculus students will be able to see the functions come to life on the screen. They can download a picture of a rainbow and turn that rainbow into a parabolic function and be able to break it down to its characteristics. The AP Statistics students will use this tool to complete statistics tests to turn raw data into calculations that can be used to infer upon larger populations and broader scopes. By visualizing and manipulating the math these students that are eager to succeed will be able to see the math in the world around them and build a deeper understanding and connection to the subject.
This year my students as well as the students throughout the country will take a new type of test, a test that is brought to us through the common core standards, a test that will be on the computer and ask students to know and understand math in a way they have never been expected to before.
These calculators will allow me to prepare my students not only for this test but the world of math that will unfold before them as they move through my course and on to their dream of college.
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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. Harrell and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
