Casio Enhances Classroom Instruction With The Launch Of New Fx-55 Plus Manipulative Kit

Casio America, Inc. is proud to introduce its latest comprehensive solution in mathematics education, the fx-55 PLUS Manipulative Kit. The kit includes Casio’s easy-to-use, fx-55 PLUS fraction calculator in addition to twenty other math tools designed for elementary level mathematics. The manipulative kit was created in partnership with EAI Education Distributors to address- all National and Common Core Standards, and provides teachers with a simple and dynamic way to engage students while enabling them to make meaningful, mathematical connections. The fx-55 PLUS Manipulative Kit will be showcased at the National Council of Teachers in Mathematics (NCTM) annual meeting in Denver, CO, April 17-20, 2013 in Casio’s booth #2121.

“At Casio, we are always working to develop new resources and technologies that benefit both students and teachers. The fx-55 PLUS Manipulative Kit offers educators the necessary tools to advance students to higher levels of mathematics,” said Andrew Zweig, general manager of Casio’s Consumer Products Division. “We take pride in fostering a greater understanding of mathematics and will continue to integrate the best technology in classrooms across the United States. Our exclusive distribution through EAI is based on their expertise and availability of strong elementary tools like math manipulatives.”

The fx-55 PLUS Manipulative Kit provides valuable inquiry-based activities that have been proven to increase student achievement in mathematics. Focusing on third through fifth grade classes where fractions, decimals, and algebra are an essential part of the mathematics curriculum, the kit includes Casio’s fx-55 PLUS fraction calculator. Casio’s fx-55 PLUS, in combination with all the kit components, makes it easier to begin exploring essential math concepts in the younger grades. With large, color coded buttons (i.e. green for fractions, white for numbers, blue for operations, etc.), students will adapt to the technology with ease and be able to conceptualize connections across multiple mathematics topics to prepare students for success in Algebra I and beyond. In a continuous effort to support schools with a 360° solution, Casio also offers paid Professional Development services for teachers who require assistance integrating all the kit components seamlessly into their daily instruction.

Along with Casio’s fx-55 PLUS Calculator, the fx-55 PLUS Manipulative Kit includes a poster, a teacher’s guide, Emulator Software and a comprehensive set of manipulatives, listed below: 

• (20) sets of Fraction/Decimal Tiles w/Tray (51 pieces each)
• (1) set of Double-Sided Jumbo Magnetic QuietShape® Blank Fraction Tiles (67 pieces) 
• (1) Teaching Arithmetic: Fraction Series - Set of 3 books 
• (10) sets of QuietShape® Fraction Circles: Numbered (51 pieces each) 
• (1) set of Fraction Pattern Blocks - 700 pieces 
• (5) sets of Deluxe Fraction Squares (51 pieces each) 
• (5) sets of Double-Sided Fraction/Percentage Circles (51 pieces each) 
• (10) 60in/150cm Retractable Tape Measures 
• (1) EAI® Colt 290 Stopwatch
• (1) Base Ten Intermediate Set: Blue Plastic (enough pieces for 13-25 students) 
• (1) Set of 1000 Katie Kubes™ 
• (3) sets GeoModel® 5cm Folding Nets - Set of 11 
• (1) set GeoModel® 10cm Folding Shapes - Set of 11 Solids and 11 Nets 
• (1) 200 Chart (0-200) 
• (10) 10-Sided Dice 
• (10) 20-Sided Dice 
• (20) SmartPAL® Sleeves 
• (20) Dry-Erase Markers 
• (20) CleanWipe™ Cloths 
• (20) Sets of reproducible blackline masters

Casio worked directly with EAI Education to develop the fx-55 PLUS Manipulative Kit with the goal of helping teachers build their lesson plans in order to create dynamic math lessons and build conceptual understanding. EAI Education sells directly to administrators and teachers and also offers Casio’s comprehensive portfolio of education products. The fx-55 PLUS Manipulative Kit is available to schools through EAI Education or directly from Casio for an MSRP of $575. To assure active engagement by all students in the classroom, EAI Education recommends that schools also purchase an fx-55 PLUS calculator for each student.

For additional information on Casio’s calculators, please visit www.CasioEducation.com.

About Casio America, Inc.
Casio America, Inc., Dover, N.J., is the U.S. subsidiary of Casio Computer Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of consumer electronics and business equipment solutions. Established in 1957, Casio America, Inc. markets calculators, keyboards, digital cameras, mobile presentation devices, disc title and label printers, watches, cash registers and other consumer electronic products. Casio has strived to fulfill its corporate creed of “creativity and contribution” through the introduction of innovative and imaginative products. For more information, visit www.casiousa.com.