From: Ed.Kwasniewski@f240.n353.z1.fidonet.org (Ed Kwasniewski)
Newsgroups: k12.ed.math
Subject: AP CALCULUS
Date: Thu, 27 Aug 92 00:42:00 PST
Organization: FidoNet node 1:353/240 - The Polish Connecti, Westbank BC

Hi Sheila 
 
On 08-21-92 Sheila King wrote to Ed Kwasniewski... 
 
SK> 1993 (maybe the 1993 ones weren't available yet). But I had seen 
SK> examples of the "scientific calculator" questions. To me, they seemed 
SK> pathetic excuses inserted into the exam expressly for the purpose of 
SK> saying "the exam now requires a scientific calculator". 
 
:)  Agreed ... what I see is essentially the same questions that have 
been in old exams but using numbers that 'don't work out'.  But, I think 
this is just a beginning.  As you mention later, by 1995 graphics 
calculators will be used in the course and I think the AP Board is using 
the next two years to plan the revised course.  I'm hoping they are going 
to really make use of the power of the graphics calculator. 
 
In the mean time, the scientific calculator questions will get people 
thinking about and working towards implementing graphic calculators (and 
software like Maple and Derive) in their calculus courses.  I'm also 
going to keep my eyes on the reaction of the colleges and universities 
up here in BC.  At present most do not allow the use of calculators of 
any sort during first year calculus! 
 
SK> Calculus late last year (I think it was in April). Did you attend the 
SK> teleconference last year about the use of graphing caculators in the AP 
SK> class, and the possible requirement starting with (I think 1995) that 
SK> students will need a graphing calculator for the exam? At my school 
 
Nope I missed it ... but, there is going to be an AP workshop in 
Victoria this fall and I intend to attend the Calculus sessions.  I hope 
they'll answer some of my questions re. the implementation of 
calculators and mathematics software in the AP calculus courses.  Now 
where is that application???? 
 
SK> right now all the teachers seem to think that requiring students to 
SK> buy a graphing calculator is an extravagance, and something that many of 
SK> our students can't afford. As a matter of fact, many of the teachers don't 
SK> think we should require students in second year algebra to purchase a 
SK> scientific calculator, despite the fact that they are available for 
SK> under $20! 
 
Two years ago a couple of students and I bought Casio fx-7000G 
calculators for about $95 (about $80 US) each.  A dealer in Vancouver just 
sent me some info regarding the TI-81 ... its price was about the same. 
They are more expensive than a simple scientific calculator but 
necessary (in my mind) for any student going into senior math.  What is 
interesting is the price of math software!  If you haven't seen it yet 
try to get a copy of DERIVE.  The Student edition may not have the power 
of the biggies (Maple etc.) but it runs on an 8086 (or higher :) and has 
a price tag of about $60 ($50 US). 
 
I'm also wondering how my grade 7 parents are going to react when I 
insist each of their children bring and use calculators in math!? 
Should be an interesting year :) 
 
Cheers ... Ed 
 
... OFFLINE 1.40 


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