If you’ve got a kid in highschool math (or even some middle school math) you just can’t get by these days without a calculator, and the gold standard of calculators is the Texas Instruments TI-84~ that’s the awesome, graphing calculator. Your kid needs one, and they aren’t exactly cheap-as in around $119. But that’s ok, because Texas Instruments calculators LAST.
When Princess first hit Algebra (she was in advanced math, so that was in 8th grade) she needed a calculator. . . so I pulled out my TI-83 from 1990 that I had used all through college and beyond. It was still chugging away like a champ, even if it didn’t look as “cool” as some of the new ones. So when you buy one of these calculators, it really can be a long term investment!
So today I’m going to tell you a bit about the TI-84 Plus CE calculator–which the kind folks at Texas Instruments gave me to try. This new generation TI 84 Plus CE is 30% lighter and thinner than earlier models, has a vibrant backlit screen, preloaded apps and images, and a rechargeable battery. It’s also approved for PSAT, SAT, ACT college entrance exams and, most importantly for us, the NY State Regents Exams.
The calculator comes with charging cords, computer cords, plug, a cover, and instruction manuals. The charging port is on the side of the calculator.
I kind of wondered about the rechargeable battery–I mean, how long does it keep a charge? According to the literature, for average student use the calculator will go TWO WEEKS on a single charge. That’s not bad.
The applications that come on the calculator are pretty cool too–Cabri™ Jr. Geometry App, a spreadsheet app, Conic Graphing App, Inequality Graphing App, the periodic table, Polynomial Root Finder and Simultaneous Equation Solver App, Probability Simulation App (so it can roll dice, flip a coin or draw a random card), and many more. That’s a lot of bang for your buck.
And speaking of bang for your buck–one of the perks of having the various cords and cables which come with the calculator is that you can hook it up to a computer and upgrade the software and changes come out. That way your student will always have the most up to date version.
So suffice it to say, it’s a pretty cool calculator.
Next is the giveaway, but before I get to that I’ve got a bit more to tell you. You see, when I was at the Blogger Bash conference this summer and met the kind folks from Texas Instruments, I also got the chance to meet Baltimore Ravens Offensive Lineman John Urschel.
So what does a football player have to do with a calculator? Well it turns out that he knows a few things about math. . . he’s working on his Ph.D in Mathmatics at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and is a published mathematician.
Not what you’d expect eh?
He also is a super frugal guy–he is known in the NFL for having a small, beater car and living an average middle class lifestyle. No mega mansions and Lamborghinis for him. I like the guy’s style!
So John is involved with Texas Instrument’s “STEM behind Sports”. One of their special programs is “Field Goal for the Win!” is a free activity for students using TI-84 Plus and related calculators. In the game the student looks at the science and math behind scoring a perfect field goal.
In the game students look at the the relationship of time, distance and elevation, while building reasoning skills and discussing why a kick fell short or was good.
Urschel is excited to be involved and help kids fall in love with math like he has, “Math isn’t just about solving problems in the classroom… The connection between STEM and sports is a powerful one and understand this connection will help students succeed on the field and off of it.”
Now on to the giveaway! One lucky person is going to win their very own TI 84 Plus CE calculator (color will be randomly selected) valued at $119. This giveaway is open to residents of the US, and will run one week from 9/14/16 until 9/21/16.
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Disclosure: This is a sponsored post. I’ve received product samples for my time and efforts in creating this post. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
They are so pretty this year!