*Middle School Calculators – Students in 6th-8th grade will need to bring a calculator to math class each day. Either a scientific calculator or a graphing calculator is acceptable. Texas Instruments is the brand of calculator that is preferred by math teachers in high schools. You may choose to purchase either a scientific or graphing calculator for 6th-8th grade math at Zion. The cost of a scientific calculator is $10-15. If you are thinking about purchasing a graphing calculator, understand that it costs about $100. Please do not buy one until you feel that your student is responsible enough to care for an expensive calculator and can keep track of it. If you are considering purchasing a graphing calculator, high schools recommend purchasing a TI-83 series or TI-84 series graphing calculator. I own both a TI-83 Plus and TI-84 Plus CE. They offer the same mathematical functions. The TI-83 Plus is the more affordable graphing calculator that requires batteries. The TI-84 CE has a color display, requires charging, and has a higher price tag. Both are great calculators. Watch for sales! Last summer I found TI graphing calculators starting at $89.99 at Walmart and Staples (Office Max will price match). You may find even better prices by shopping online!
Note: Algebra students at Zion will learn how to use a graphing calculator for specific concepts. I have one calculator that can be borrowed during class if you choose not to buy one now. I encourage students to become familiar with a graphing calculator before taking upper level high school math classes. Graphing calculators may also be used on the SAT and ACT tests.
