Graphing Calculators

In high school, I remember using the graphing calculators once in every unit and we were even told that we would not be tested on using these calculators. Therefore, before we even began, we all knew that this was simply a mandatory aspect of the curriculum and we did not have to worry about the lesson.  I did not enjoy these lessons because I would often get confused about how to use the calculators and then I would fall behind in the lesson. With all of the new educational technology that is being used in classrooms, I often forget that graphing calculators can also be used since they are usually not the most engaging piece of technology. However, using CBRs with the graphing calculators can completely transform a lesson and make it interesting for students. 

Calculator-Based Ranger (CBR)

We used the CBRs in an introductory lesson about rates of change. Rather than use the technology to simply fill a mandatory expectations, this activity was truly engaging and I believe students would enjoy this exploration. We were asked to replicate the given graphs with the CBR in groups of about 4 or 5 people. Our group had an amazing time trying to match the graphs perfectly and realized that we were learning about rates of change in a truly authentic way. What I found interesting about this activity was that it was very memorable. For example, I would remember how my group members or I walked (or ran) to match the given graphs much more than if a teacher simply told me what they would look like. This activity involved hands-on experiential learning that would get students fully engaged in the learning. The consolidation portion of the lesson was also very valuable because it ensures that the students understand rates of change and how this can be applied to linear functions. I would definitely use this activity in my future classroom.