The Common Core strand of Functions has students investigate various graphs of cubic, parabolas, absolute vale and trigonometric functions. These graphs are then shifted and the calculator shows these changes. Graphing shifts by hand on paper would be tedious and take a long time.
The school enrollment is 1200 students.
The ethnicity makeup is 27% Hispanic and 73% white. In 2013-14 18% of students were classified as Socio-Economically Disadvantaged.
44% of freshmen, 25% of sophomores and 15% of juniors take Algebra 1. 23% of freshmen and 10% of sophomores take Algebra Readiness. Algebra 1 is a high school graduation requirement.
Three years of math are required to graduate. 112 students are enrolled in PreCalculus. I have half of them. At this level math, they are college eligible. A graphing calculator is something they started using last year. Many students "borrowed" one from the math department last year and need to "re-borrow" one this year. We have an AP Calculus BC class this year which adds to the number of students who need graphing calculators.
My Project
Students use the calculator for a variety of different problems. One of them is finding the area under curves. Another is using it to check integrals and derivatives on more complicated questions. These problems meet the Common Core Standards for Math (CCSM). When studying limits, the graph of limits on a calculator is compared to the algebra result. With a graphing calculator, these are easy tasks; without a graphing calculator these problems are not possible or more difficult. Lastly, students demonstrate knowledge of both the formal definition and the graphical interpretation of continuity of a function.
Graphing calculators are an important tool for students to interpret the problems they explore and solve. By providing these calculators to all students we are closing the gap between those who have access to the technology and those who don't.
Graphing calculators are a recommended tool for students in upper math classes.
They are checked-out to the students for the following reasons:
1)Students are financially unable to afford them, or 2) Their graphing calculator has been stolen or damaged.
Implementing the new Common Core Standards, means providing access to the tools that will help them succeed.
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