In our pre-algebra and pre-algebra honors classroom we will be using the Texas Instruments TI-73 Explorer Calculator to enrich our math lessons. These are advanced function calculators that have many capabilities including the ability to create graphs on the output screen.
If you would like to read more about the TI-73 Explorer, you can visit the Texas Instruments website here...
http://education.ti.com/educationportal/sites/US/productDetail/us_ti73.html
and here...
http://education.ti.com/educationportal/sites/US/nonProductSingle/parentsquestions_topten.html
While you will have access to these calculators while in the classroom, you cannot bring them home with you! However, you can use a virtual calculator at home on the computer! To install a virtual version of this calculator on your home computer, please follow these basic steps...
- Go To The Following Website: http://education.ti.com/educationportal/downloadcenter/SoftwareDetail.do?website=US&appId=177 Click the "TI-83 Plus SDK" Link
- Click the RUN button on the pop-up window.
- If you see an Internet Explorer Security Warning, click RUN.
- Click the Continue Button
- Click the Yes Button on the License Agreement Box
- Click the Next button to begin setup
- Click the Next button to install in the specified folder
- Click the Next button to add the application to the program group
- Click the Next button to start copying files
- Click the Finish button to complete setup
- Your computer must be restarted in order to complete the setup of this program. At this time you can click the OK button to restart your computer. You may also click Cancel to restart your computer at a later time. The calculator application will NOT work properly until you restart your computer!
- Once you have restarted your computer....
TI-83 Plus Flash debugger will show up as an icon on your desktop
- Double click on the icon
- Click File
- Click New
- Choose the calculator you want (TI 73)
- Click on Debug (at the top) and choose GO
- The calculator will show up and it is ready to use.
Rest assured that math assignments will not REQUIRE the use of this calculator, and can be completed with any calculator on the market or using no calculator at all. In an effort to expose you to new technology and develop a deeper understanding of how to use the math concepts we teach, we will be using these calculators during the year. I encourage you to download the virtual calculator and have fun exploring the various capabilities of this cool tool!