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Graphing Calculators Can Help Students Succeed on the New SAT
(ARA) - Question: How can a graphing calculator help teens tackle the new
format of the SAT that debuted in March 2005?
Answer:
A. Graphing calculators can be used to solve questions in the expanded math
section in the new format that includes questions covering algebra and geometry.
B. Graphing calculators can help students be more effective while taking the SAT
test.
C. Electronic SAT study cards available on the Texas Instruments Web site for
download on TI graphing calculators give sample questions and explanations of
answers from both the math and verbal sections of the new SAT.
D. Handheld graphing technology can be an important factor to help students
develop a better understanding of mathematical concepts
E. All of the above.
If you answered E, you are correct.
As millions of teens prepare to take the new SAT that debuted in March 2005,
many parents and teachers are looking for ways to ensure teens are ready for the
exam. One of the best tools that can help students prepare for, and take, the
new SAT may already be in your child's book bag: a graphing calculator.
Handheld graphing technology can be an important factor in helping students
develop a better understanding of mathematical concepts, score higher on
performance measures and achieve a higher level of problem solving skills.
A graphing calculator or scientific calculator is recommended when taking the
SAT, since using one may be helpful to students in solving some math questions
on the test.
And while they can assist teens taking the new SAT exam, graphing calculators
are also an excellent study aid that teens can use outside of the classroom to
practice for the test prior to exam day. Whether going to and from school on the
bus, doing homework in their room or studying at the library, students can use
graphing calculators just about anywhere to work on solving practice questions
from the new SAT.
One of the best ways to help students prepare for the SAT is to make sure they
are familiar with the technology they are going to use during the test, which
means they should practice using the graphing calculator well before the day of
the exam.
The following tips can help your teen get ready for SAT success.
1. The test clock is ticking
The new SAT mathematics section includes two 25-minute sections and one
20-minute section. Since all three sections are timed, test-takers might feel
some anxiety about completing all the questions within the allotted time. While
it is possible for every math question to be solved without a graphing
calculator, students who plan to use one on the SAT can make the best use of
their time during the test if they bring a calculator which they are familiar
and comfortable in using.
2. Help for the new SAT's expanded mathematics sections
The new SAT expands math topics in the areas of algebra, geometry, graphing,
statistics and probability, and a graphing calculator will prove handy to help
solve these kinds of test questions. For example, the new test will include more
questions in which trigonometry may be used to arrive at the correct answer, and
may include graphing-related questions that ask students about properties of the
slopes of parallel and perpendicular lines.
3. Learn how to use the graphing calculator and prepare ahead of time
Teens who plan to use a graphing calculator for the test should learn to use the
technology well in advance of test time to help prevent test anxiety. They can
prepare by using the graphing calculator for math and science classes, and by
taking SAT practice tests with the graphing calculator so they will become
familiar with both the types of equations and functions that will be asked on
the test and the best ways to solve them through using the calculator.
4. Graphing calculators are a great portable study aid for the SAT's mathematics
and critical reading sections.
To help introduce students to various types of questions that could be on the
test, including those in geometry, algebra, pre-algebra and critical reading, TI
now offers a useful SAT Prep Questions tool that can be downloaded through the
StudyCards program onto any of TI's TI-83 and TI-84 graphing calculator product
lines.
TI's SAT Prep Questions include sets of electronic flash cards that guide
students through sample questions, allow for the student to answer the question
and then see an explanation of the correct answer. Once these SAT Prep Questions
are downloaded on the graphing calculator, students can work with them anytime
and anywhere.
To further assist college-bound students, TI's educational Web site includes a
variety of SAT StudyCards resources, including the 100 most common SAT words and
SAT terms and definitions. For more information, simply go to
www.education.ti.com.
5. Don't leave home without it
After all the studying and practicing, students will want to put their graphing
calculator and fresh batteries in a spot they will remember on test day, so they
don't leave home without it!
For more information on preparing for the new SAT, visit www.collegeboard.com.
Courtesy of ARA Content