[Phys-L] Re: Why Calculators? (Was: Calculators a Distraction?)

[Bernard Cleyet <anngeorg@PACBELL.NET>]

His reply:


"Funny you should bring this up today, because this morning I gave my
physics students an introductory lesson on entering and graphing data on
the calculators.  We have TI-83+ models; they are programmable but I
don't teach that aspect.  I expect my students to be able to derive
linear & power functions and determine simple 1-variable stats with the
calculators.  They will also be using trig functions soon as applied to
simple vector problems."

bc

Bernard Cleyet wrote:

> The AP teacher at NSHS has a box of calcs. (~ two dozen) for the
> students' use.  Therefore, no further learning necessary.   I've
> enquired as to what kind and verify if they are required.  I think they
> are TI 83's.
>
> bc, late
>
> rlamont wrote:
>
>
>
> > I totally - absolutely - agree. No one should spend more than $15
> > on a simple solar calculator. If a complicated expression must be
> > evaluated or if a graph must be made to conceptualize what is
> > going on, it's time to move to Excel. I can help a student with
> > an error they make while setting up a spreadsheet. I can't help a
> > student with an error they have made in a long calculation using
> > calculator that I would need about a week to learn how to
> > operate.
> >
> > Bob at PC
> >
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > -----Original Message-----
> > > From: Forum for Physics Educators [mailto:PHYS-
> > > L@list1.ucc.nau.edu] On Behalf Of Gary Turner
> > > Sent: Monday, February 07, 2005 12:14 PM
> > > To: PHYS-L@LISTS.NAU.EDU
> > > Subject: Why Calculators? (Was: Calculators a Distraction?)
> > >
> > >
> > > One of my pet peeves right now is trying to show college
> > students how
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > to do
> > > elementary arithmetic on a $100+ calculator.  Apparently,
> > somewhere
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > along
> > > the line, they were told to buy this thing, but were never
> > shown how to
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > actually use it.  Some students can't do any more with it than
> > the sort
> >
> >
> >
> >
> > > of
> > > calculator that comes free with a box of corn flakes!