First-year physics with the TI-85

Paperback 121 pages. Published by Frank M. Sogandares, Department of Physics, Southern Methodist University, Dallas Texas. Copyright 1992 by Texas Instrument Inc. From the Introduction: when I was teaching first-year physics at SMU you in the fall of 1991, I was asked by Dave Stone at Texas instruments what potential graphing calculators held for undergraduate Physics curriculum. At first I was skeptical- after all, what did graphing calculators do but graph functions? Dave assured me that the TI 85 was no ordinary graphing calculator. After using it for a day or two I saw it was different and agreed to write a short workbook showing the general applicability. My original intent was a workbook 30 are so pages in length. I had so much fun, especially in the last sections, that it grew almost out of control for the time I have allotted. At the end of this project I am convinced that the TI 85 is not merely different, it is a powerful tool which could be used as a highly effective course complement. (I'm sure my wife is convinced as well because she has listened to me blathering for some time. Thanks Les.)