Replacement TI-84 Graphing Calculators - $4,418

Curricular Area: STEM
Grant Focus: Technology
Schools: Columbia High School

Years ago, pre-Covid, CHS was awarded a grant to purchase 60 rechargeable TI-84 calculators and 6 charging banks. Since then, hundreds of students have used the calculators on a daily basis in classes ranging from Algebra 1 to Calculus. This 2025 grant funds 30 replacement calculators to help replace those that no longer work. Access to a graphing calculator in math class is important to high school students because it enhances their understanding of complex concepts and supports problem-solving skills. Graphing calculators allow students to visualize mathematical functions, such as plotting graphs of equations, which can make abstract ideas more concrete. They also enable quicker computations for complex problems, giving students more time to focus on understanding the underlying principles rather than getting bogged down by manual calculations. Additionally, using graphing calculators fosters technological literacy, which is an essential skill in today’s digital world, preparing students for future careers that may involve data analysis, engineering, or other STEM fields.