Tri to Find an Angle on Trig By Katy Wertz and Kris Ramsey, Northwestern H.S.  
 
 
Introduction
     How can you measure the height of a tree without climbing it?  How can you model sound and light waves when you can't even see them?  In this investigation you will discover the three main trigonometric functions and some of their applications.

EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT IT!
Click here for your complementary copy of the Trigonometric Review.
 

Process
You will be put into groups of two for this investigation.

Day 1:  Print out the Trigonometry History Worksheet and with your partner answer the ten questions using the Historian links provided.  YOU MAY HAVE TO HUNT FOR SOME OF THE ANSWERS!  Answers must be received via e-mail or a hard copy before Day 2 class.

Day 2:  After a brief class discussion over the history questions, you and your partner will need to decide who will be the Triangle Expert and who will be the Circle Expert.  Print out the appropriate worksheet of your expertise and complete it.  The worksheets are to be completed and turned in by the end of class on Day 3.

Day 3:  Work day!

Days 4, 5, & 6:  Print out the Technician Worksheet.  Use the Technician links to find examples similar to those on the Applications Worksheet and answer the questions on the worksheet.  ALL WORK MUST BE SHOWN!  Your group will be assigned a problem to demonstrate to the class. The presentation can be done using the overhead, marker board, Powerpoint, or video.  Applications Worksheet and presentations are due on Day 7.

Days 7 & 8:  Class presentations and conclusion of Webquest.
 

RESOURCES

Trigonometry History

http://www-history.mcs.st-and.ac.uk/history/HistTopics/Trigonometric_functions.html
 history of trig

http://search.eb.com/bol/topic?eu=115495&sctn=2#s_top
more hist of trig

http://aleph0.clarku.edu/~djoyce/java/trig/
  derivation of words

http://www.coolmath.com/links_trig.htm
   more words

Triangle Expert
http://catcode.com/trig/index.html

http://aleph0.clarku.edu/~djoyce/java/trig/

Circle Expert
http://catcode.com/trig/index.html

http://www.syvum.com/math/trigo/trigonometry2.html

http://aleph0.clarku.edu/~djoyce/java/trig/

Technician
http://www.scas.bcit.bc.ca/scas/math/examples/table.htm

http://aleph0.clarku.edu/~djoyce/java/trig/
 
http://www.syvum.com/math/trigo/trigonometry2.html

EVALUATION

You will be graded on the following:
    1.  Trigonometric History Worksheet - 10 points (both partners receive the same
         grade)
    2.  Triangle/Circle Expert Worksheet - 20 points (you receive the points earned on
         the worksheet you completed)
    3.  Applications Worksheet - 24 points (4 points each; you and your partner receive
         the same grade)
    4.  Presentations -
 
 (Pssst!  Interested in extra credit?)