The cost of Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium calculators is $2227, including shipping and <a target="new" href="http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm" onclick="g_openWindow('http://www.donorschoose.org/html/fulfillment.htm', 300, 800, 'fulfillwindow');return false;">fulfillment</a>.
I am submitting this proposal on behalf of the ten students in my Advanced Algebra with Trigonometry class at Lindblom Math and Science Academy in Chicago. Linblom is a newly reopened high school on the south-west side of the city where part of our mission is to provide our students with unique experiences in math and science promoting their growth as independent thinkers.
My approach to providing our students with unique opportunities in math and science is to provide them with active approaches to learning math. From experiments and projects to presentations, I expect our students to understand what they are learning. Part of my approach is to incorporate the use of innovative technology. Currently, I am in the process of incorporating the use of Computer Algebra Systems (CAS). CAS can provide students with the ability to learn math through symbolic notation (written sentences) in addition to numeric notation. By using this symbolic notation students are required to not only solve mathematical expressions and equations numerically but, also are required to explain in writing what's happening. CAS is a technology which is available on the Texas Instruments TI-89 Titanium calculator which, are not available to us at this time.
I would like for my class to have their initial experience with CAS when they learn how to simplify rational expressions. The wonderful thing about this technology is that it does not have a limit at that topic; CAS can be used throughout the advanced algebra with trigonometry curriculum well into the calculus curriculum.
I strongly believe that by incorporating this technology into my advanced algebra with trigonometry class that our students will gain a better understanding of the algorithmic steps in completing higher level mathematics. There are so many cases where students study mathematics and learn a process but don't understand the “why” behind the process. I feel that the use of CAS can help alleviate that problem.
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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 Ms. D. and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.