Texas Instruments Introduces Interactive Tools for Science and Math Classrooms

DALLAS, March 10, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- With the introduction of its new high-resolution, backlit color-display TI-Nspire™ CX handhelds and TI-Nspire™ Lab Cradle, Texas Instruments makes it easier for science educators to bring the interactivity of TI's Nspired Learning to the science classroom.

TI brings together TI-Nspire CX handhelds and software, TI-Nspire Lab Cradle and the new Vernier DataQuest™ application for TI-Nspire to create the TI-Nspire™ Lab Station. Using the tools that make up the customizable TI-Nspire Lab Station, teachers can build dynamic and interactive inquiry-based labs and experiments.

With the TI-Nspire Lab Station, science educators can conduct dozens of labs for physics, chemistry, and biology classes using more than 55 Vernier sensors. The TI-Nspire Lab Cradle can receive input from up to five sensors simultaneously for multi-channel data collection. Math teachers can also use the Vernier DataQuest app to collect real-world data to model mathematical concepts such as rate of change.

"I use data collection weekly in my classroom," said Todd Morstein, a chemistry teacher at Glacier High School in Kalispell, Mont., and an instructor for TI's T3™ - Teachers Teaching with Technology™ professional development organization. "My students go into the lab with TI-Nspire technology and Vernier tools to collect variables such as temperature and conductivity. When we return to the classroom, my students analyze that data graphically and numerically to make the real-world chemistry connections that I'm looking for."

The Vernier DataQuest app is a key feature of the TI-Nspire™  CX handheld's version 3.0 operating system, as well as TI-Nspire™  software version 3.0. Owners of previous generations of TI-Nspire technology, such as TI-Nspire handhelds with Touchpad and TI-Nspire handhelds with Clickpad, can get the Vernier DataQuest application free by downloading and updating to OS version 3.0.

"The TI-Nspire CX handheld's full-color display and its ability to display color graphics, photos and animations give educators more freedom than ever before to create interactive lessons for physics, chemistry and biology," said Erick Archer, science subject matter specialist for Texas Instruments Education Technology. "By combining the handheld with the Vernier DataQuest, app, data collection tools and the TI-Nspire Lab Cradle, teachers now have a single, full-function, mobile lab station for classroom and field study."

TI-Nspire CX Handheld and Software Version 3.0

The TI-Nspire CX and TI-Nspire CX CAS handhelds deliver a 16-bit, 320 x 240 pixel high-resolution color display for clear, crisp viewing. With this display, teachers and students can see sharp, full-color images and animations. The new TI-Nspire CX handhelds offer a slim profile, sleek design and rechargeable battery.

With the full-color display, students can view images and more clearly interpret data, charts and graphs, all of which help them better connect complex concepts to real-world learning.

"Color has added a whole new layer to learning and visualization for my students. They can actually see what's going on. Visualization is particularly important in chemistry to help students understand this tiny world. We can make objects stand out because of the color," Morstein said.

The TI-Nspire CX handheld is permitted for use on the SAT*, AP*, PSAT/NSMQT**, IB®, and ACT® college entrance exams, as well as many state standardized tests.

TI-Nspire Software, version 3.0 includes the new PublishView™ feature, a digital content authoring and publishing tool. With the PublishView feature, educators can create interactive lessons that can be published to the Web or easily printed as worksheets. Students can use the PublishView feature to create printed reports and computer-based class presentations. The software can be loaded on a PC or MAC® computer.

Nspired Learning

Along with the handheld and the TI-Nspire Lab Station, TI's Nspired Learning classroom offering includes student monitoring and assessment technology, ready-to-use lessons and professional development services. With its Nspired Learning solution, Texas Instruments empowers teachers to create interactivity in their science classrooms in ways that complement the way they teach and the way their students learn.

When a TI-Nspire handheld is linked to a teacher's classroom computer via the wireless

TI-Nspire™ CX Navigator™ system, teachers can better understand the progress of individual students, personalize their teaching style to fit class needs and promote discussions that allow students to share ideas and learn from each other.

For more information on the TI-Nspire CX handhelds, TI-Nspire Lab Station or the full line of TI-Nspire technology and resources, visit http://education.ti.com/tinspire.

About Texas Instruments

Education Technology, a business unit of Texas Instruments, provides a wide range of tools connecting the classroom experience with real-world applications, helping students and teachers to explore mathematics and science interactively. TI's products and services are tested vigorously against recognized third-party research, which shows that the use of graphing calculators helps improve the mathematical skills of students and their attitudes toward mathematics. For more information, visit education.ti.com.

Texas Instruments (NYSE: TXN) helps customers solve problems and develop new electronics that make the world smarter, healthier, safer, greener and more fun. A global semiconductor company, TI innovates through manufacturing, design and sales operations in more than 30 countries. For more information, visit ti.com.

*SAT and AP are registered trademarks of the College Entrance Examination Board, which was not involved in the production of and does not endorse these products. PSAT/NSMQT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination Board and National Merit Scholarship Corporation, neither of which was involved in the production of, nor do they endorse these products. Visit http://www.collegeboard.com/ for more information. ACT is a registered trademark of ACT, Inc., which was not involved in the production of and does not endorse these products. IB is a registered trademark of the International Baccalaureate Organization, which was not involved in the production of and does not endorse these products. Policies are subject to change.

Mac® is a registered trademark of Apple, Inc.

SOURCE Texas Instruments