Texas Instruments TI-Nspire Review

This is the Texas Instruments TI-Nspire....does it not look awesome?! I was seriously excited to be able to review this product because my daughter has just started Junior High School this year, and math is not one of her best subjects. I can relate. Math and I never got along either. And Texas Instruments must understand the reluctance some of us have when it comes to math and science subjects, because they also included a "TI-Nspire For Dummies" Book!

I admit it was a little daunting to start learning how to use the TI-Nspire, but oh my goodness, what a wonderful thing this instrument is. I know my daughter is going to be using this for her Junior High, High School and College years.

Here is an idea of what you can do with TI-Nspire with TI-84 Plus Keyboard:

• View multiple representations of a problem on a single screen
• Grab a graphed function and move it to see the effect
• "Link" representations: Manipulate the properties of one and observe instant updates to others without switching screens
• Create, save and review work in electronic documents, like a computer
• Activate the handheld's Press-to-Test feature to block access to certain geometry features not allowed on state exams
• Experience identical functions on the handheld and TI-Nspire Computer Software (Windows© or Mac©). Your students can use the software independently or in tandem with the handheld for work in and out of class
• Project a full interactive handheld alongside a large handheld screen to demonstrate concepts to your class usingTI-Nspire Computer Software - Teacher Edition.

The TI-Nspire is perfect for Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1 & 2, Geometry, Trigonometry, Statistics, College Math, Pre-Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Business, and Finance. Impressive.

And even though the SAT/ACT's are still a bit away for my daughter, guess what? The TI-Nspire is actually APPROVED for using with those exams. Thank-you Texas Instruments!

From their website:

"TI-Nspire and TI-Nspire CAS technology was developed hand-in-hand with educators worldwide and built on proven graphing technology which research* shows has a positive impact on student achievement. This exciting learning technology offers both handhelds and computer software for the flexibility to meet different classroom needs.

Permitted on SAT, ACT, AP, PSAT/NSMQT, IB and Praxis exams, as well as many state tests."

I am so looking forward to watching my daughter use this new calculator and getting the added support she needs to succeed in her education. Thank-you Texas Instruments. Seriously.


This post was written as part of a program for Family Review Network and Texas Instruments, who supplied the product for review.

Summer Adventures Missed, Milestones Reached

I have stayed in denial as long as I possibly could. Sigh. My baby starts Kindergarten on Thursday, and my daughter starts...eeek.....Junior High. Double Sigh. I try to comfort myself with the knowledge that my two year old (yes, I say TWO, not Two and a Half, or almost Three...JUST TWO!) will still be home with me. But where the He** has the time gone? How can we be at these milestones already?

If I could flashback in time, I would go back to early summer days when time seems like it will meander along, not fly past like a freight train on a mission. And I would take all the family on a wonderful summer adventure. One where memories are made and treasured. Forget about a new washer, I would happily spend the money for such a dream vacation soaking up precious time with my kids and hubby.

Thanks to Mom Central, I became familiar with www.epicsummer.com and Vail Resorts, and as I read more about the summer adventures they offer, I envisioned my family right there.....enjoying the sun, the water, the fun and the carefree spirit that would undoubtedly envelop us all. No stress, no worries, no deadlines, no 'milestones' waiting to bring tears to my eyes and tugs on my heart. Just pure simple fun and togetherness. I reflected on how many family trips we have put off for work reasons, or simply did not have "time or enough money" to plan. Missed memories. Missed time with my kids. Sigh.

Yes, I have decided, as these precious days I take for granted go through another metamorphosis, that I don't do a good job at prioritizing. In fact, I think I suck at it. Nothing can stop my little guy from heading through the classroom doors come Thursday, with a backpack that is too big, and a nervous smile as he waves goodbye to me...his mommy that will be wearing very dark sunglasses and a watery smile on her face. And my daughter will eagerly albeit nervously, join her friends and proudly enter Junior High on Thursday...not realizing as I do, that she is pulling farther away from me all the time.....and that everyday I become less of a little girl's hero. These things I cannot change.

But there are things I can and will change.

We will spend more time together as a family. We will hike up glorious mountain trails together enjoying nature, we will go horseback riding and go to a real cowboy campfire dinner (omg...my boys would have smiles that would forever last in my mind ....no camera even needed!). I will prioritize better and plan family vacations and adventures. When a little annoying voice in my head tells me that I should save the money for a new washing machine, I will now tell that little voice exactly where it can go. A new appliance can't hug my heart, but memories of wonderful family vacations together can. Will I lay down at night in bed, regretful, knowing I have let precious family time slip out of my hands? Nope. Not again.

On Thursday, I will be sad. No doubt. I will be excited and happy and proud of my kids too. But sadness will rule. But I will remember my new resolve. I will be making the most of each and every day with my children, and planning memories that a family adventure will be bringing us, soon.


I wrote this review while participating in a blog and giveaway campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Epic Summer and Vail Resorts. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.