First lessons with graphics calculators	ISBN 0-9541020-5-3
By Alan Graham and Barrie Galpin	PHOTOCOPIABLE

Published March 2005 The aim of this book is to help teachers who are ready to take their first steps using these powerful machines in their mathematics teaching. Many teachers are aware of the potential of graphics calculators to provide motivating learning environments, but they have not had the time or opportunity to master the machine for themselves. They are understandably cautious about experimenting with using the calculator with their students. At the same time, many schools have purchased class sets of graphics calculators, realising that they provide a cost-effective way of meeting requirements to use new technology as part of the mathematics curriculum. The result, too often, is calculators collecting dust in cupboards, with teachers feeling guilty but unable to get started with their use. This book provides guides for 20 different lessons that can be used by teachers and students who have never used a calculator before.

Features of the lessons Simplicity Each lesson is based around a different mathematical theme and uses a very small subset of the calculator's commands. Since every lesson is designed for use by total beginners, the instructions for using the calculator are very detailed, with key presses spelt out and pictures of what you should expect to see displayed on the screen. No progression! Any of the lessons can be used by students who have never used a graphics calculator before, so they assume no previous calculator skills. One lesson does not build on the next, though there are lots of suggestions for follow-up lessons including those available in other A+B Books resources. Mathematics The lessons are grouped roughly according to whether their mathematical theme falls under the heading of Number, Algebra, Shape or Handling Data. Handouts Each lesson includes a two-page handout that may be photocopied for distribution to students.The handouts are divided into a series of activities. Each lesson has a Key Corner showing where to find all the necessary keys. Teacher pages Two pages for each lesson, divided into three sections: an introduction to the lesson, including a list of the new calculator skills together with the key mathematical ideas; solutions to, or comments on, the activities; detailed suggestions for follow up and extension work. Some of the follow-up ideas can be accomplished without further calculator skills, whereas others refer to development using additional written resources from A+B Books. The fun factor We hope you and your students have fun creating and using the lessons. To help this along we have sometimes included quirky titles for the activities and make frequent use of calculator cartoons.

A typical handout page

A typical teacher's page

About the book   Photocopiable to enable multiple copies of handouts to be made within school. A4 size and containing 90 pages. Spiral bound to make photocopying easier.   The calculator We assume that students will be using either the Texas Instruments TI-83 or TI-84 family of calculators. If you are using a different model of calculator, you will find the book a good source of ideas but some of the screenshots and key presses may be different, Price is £30 plus £1.60 for post and packing. Ordering is easy by phone, email or post. Click here for details.

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