Scientific Calculators

Scientific Calculator Science students need a calculator powerful enough to do any calculation required, but not so complex that most of the functions are never used. To insure being able to do all the calculations needed in basic science classes, a "scientific" calculator is needed.

Scientific calculators have trig and log functions, and work in scientific notation.

    TI 85 graphing calculator
  • Graphing calculators (small picture) are NOT required or even encouraged for most high school science classes.
     
  • Do not buy a graphing calculator as your first calculator. However, they may be needed in some high school math classes and college chemistry courses.
     
  • There are several equally good brands of calculators - including Texas Instruments (TI), Hewlett Packard (HP), Casio, Sharp, and Radio Shack. Most companies have a wide range of models.
    • The TI-30 or TI-35 are perfect for most high school classes - under $20.
    • The TI-92 is a top-of-the-line graphing calculator - about $170.
     
  • The important thing is to be able to use your calculator.
     
  • Don't buy a calculator with features you will not use.