Can you imagine having to share a calculator during the PSATs and not having your own calculator in math class? These are the issues that face my hardworking and dedicated students.
My students are passionate learners who attend a public high school on the lower east side of Manhattan.
My school is project based and it requires students to do complex math projects over the course of several weeks and then describe their process in writing. My students come from all five boroughs and many live in public housing. They are dedicated, motivated learners and many commute over an hour to come to school. My students are inquisitive and creative and eager to know the process behind mathematical equations. They need calculators!
My Project
This year not every student was able to have their own calculator during the PSATs. The PSAT is a timed exam that affects students' college scholarship possibilities. Without their own calculators, students have to do calculations by hand. This results in fewer test questions answered which means unnecessary points lost.
In geometry class, students would be able to use calculators to find various 1, 2 and 3 dimensional measurements including decimal and fractional values (including pi) quickly. Students can also use calculators to find missing side lengths of triangles using the Pythagorean theorem when the value is not a perfect square.
In calculus class, students can use calculators to quickly and correctly find values of functions, particularly with negative and decimal values. Students can also use calculators to find approximations for functions values to better understand the concept of limits of a function.
To live up to their potential, my students need calculators!
At many schools, having a calculator is a basic requirement for a math class.
My students have perceived and have learned complex subjects without calculators. With these calculators my students will be able to learn more quickly and efficiently. Furthermore, they will have the same opportunity to do well on the PSATs as other students in America. My students need basic tools to allow them to beat the odds.
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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. Feingold-Shaw and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
