DALLAS, Nov. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- This back-to-school season, students from across the country shared why they love their favorite Texas Instruments (TI) (NASDAQ: TXN) calculator for a chance to win a classroom visit from Mayim Bialik, neuroscientist and star of the hit comedy "The Big Bang Theory." Of the 178 teachers and students who submitted photos and videos on Instagram and Twitter using the hashtag #ilyTIcontest, Nashville Big Picture High School won the grand prize with a creative rap video on why they love the TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator. They also took home a classroom set of 30 TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculators, TI's newest calculator.

"It was so inspiring and exciting to see so many students and teachers from all across the US using their creativity and imagination to showcase why they love their TI technology," Bialik said. "The winning video from Nashville Big Picture High School features an exceptionally enthused Mr. Richardson and his students showing that math is awesomely rhythmically fun."

Bialik signed autographs and met with students to share her story and the limitless possibilities that STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) can provide them. Nashville Big Picture High School is a unique school within the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools that offers a dynamic learning environment with curriculum especially relevant to the real world and tailored to student interest. As part of the school's innovative education offerings, students are paired with an expert mentor in their field of interest to complete an authentic project that benefits the student and the mentor at the internship site.

"I often try to explain to my students how valuable STEM subjects are, but Mayim is definitely taking that to the next level," said Derick Richardson; math advisor, teacher and winner of the contest. "TI technology helps students grasp abstract concepts taught in mathematics at a higher level, and this contest was a great opportunity to meet a need for more TI calculators at our school."

As part of the contest, 10 runners-up also received a TI-84 Plus CE graphing calculator in the color of his or her choice. Those entries will also be featured on the TI Education Technology Twitter, Instagram and Facebook social media channels. With options like Radical Red, Positively Pink or Plum Pi, students can make their learning fun and personal, while bringing complex math and science concepts to life.

"Since the launch this year of the TI-84 Plus CE, our slimmest, sleekest graphing calculator yet, we've seen very positive feedback on the benefits of its features and functionality," said Peter Balyta, Ph.D., (@pbalyta), president of TI Education Technology. "We're glad people had fun with this contest and were able to express how TI technology helps them learn science and math concepts in the classroom."

As the holiday season quickly approaches and parents are looking for a beneficial gift for students that they can use in middle and high school and beyond, here are some tips for choosing the right calculator for your student:

• Ask your student's teacher:  A graphing calculator may be the most important purchase you make for your student, so ask your child's teacher what he or she recommends and what will be used in class.
• Check high-stakes exam acceptance: All major exams, national and state, have specific calculator acceptance policies. Check to make sure the calculator you plan to buy is accepted before you make the purchase.
• Think long term: Quality graphing technology will last students from middle school through high school and into college. Think what math and science courses your student will be taking, be it geometry, algebra or advanced-level chemistry, so that the purchase can last a lifetime.

About Texas Instruments:

Education Technology, a business 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 effective use of graphing calculators improves the mathematical skills of students and their attitudes toward mathematics. For more information, visit www.education.ti.com.

Texas Instruments Incorporated (TI) is a global semiconductor design and manufacturing company that develops analog ICs and embedded processors. By employing the world's brightest minds, TI creates innovations that shape the future of technology. TI is helping more than 100,000 customers transform the future, today. Learn more at www.ti.com.

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SOURCE Texas Instruments