LAKESIDE SCHOOL

Upper School Mathematics Department

GRAPHING CALCULATOR and SOFTWARE INFORMATION

For Lakeside Upper School Students

July 2007

Graphing Calculators

Because of the exciting new and more visual approaches to mathematics that developing technology allows, all students enrolled in Lakeside’s Upper School math courses are required to own a graphing calculator. The Mathematics Department currently recommends the TI-83 Plus or the TI-84 Plus, but students can get by with an older TI-83 in all but the Statistics course. TI-83/84 Plus Silver Editions are also acceptable.

All of the TI-83/84 models are compatible with each other, and are the ones used in teaching by Mathematics Department faculty. Students with older models of graphing calculators would be at a significant disadvantage in the classroom, and they should check with Mathematics Department head if they wish to use them. The TI-89, a more powerful calculator, may be used for class work and projects, but will generally not be allowed on quizzes and tests.

TI-83/84 Plus calculators are available at major discount and office supply stores, and prices are apt to become quite competitive during the month of August. Please note that financial aid is available for these calculators. Contact admissions and financial aid for further information.

Mathematics Software

The one math specific software application used throughout the math curriculum, and particularly in our Geometry courses, is Geometer’s Sketchpad. It should be pre-installed on all school laptops, and new students will be billed for a user’s license at the beginning of the year.