We keep a caddy full of calculators for our math and science classes at Co-op. All except one is used. We keep a box of TI 30x calculators on a shelf, too. They are work horses! I buy them used at Good Will. During the back to school sales, the TI 30x is $10–$15.
We lend out calculators to the students in class—generally used TI 83 graphing calculators, which I buy in lots. I have had good luck buying used graphing calculators at Good Will. However, I bid on calculators which power on and do not have any bruising on the screen. The weird blotches or scrapes on the screen are often signs the calculator is going to die soon. My target price is $15 per TI 83 calculator.
Use Desmos, a free, on-line, graphing calculator. Many schools now just use Desmos. I’ve played with it; however I don’t think it’s any more intuitive than the TI 83/83 series. I paid for a GraphNCalc83 app once and have downloaded it to every iPad I own. The interface is a bit different from the TI 83 graphing calculator. It does have color! I can connect my iPad to the TV and show kiddos a graph.
There is nothing intuitive about using a graphing calculator. Watch videos! Check out the Math Tutor Videos. My husband, Rob, absolutely loathes graphing calculators. Nearly every teen loves them! He uses them frequently in his math classes; I have to relearn the math operation, show his students the steps or make a video. Kudos to you for persevering! Your teen may need to use one in college!
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