Trigonometry in PhysicsMini Cast, Dallas/Ft-Worth

Room D216, Session 4, 1:00-2:00

Trigonometry in PhysicsPresenters

Kevin Roberts, Physics, Argyle High SchoolClay Stanfield, Physics, Richardson High Schoolkroberts2@argyleisd.comjames.stanfield@risd.org

Trigonometry in PhysicsIn physics we use trigonometry for a variety of tasks:Measuring and estimating distancesVector problems where X and Y components are separatedProjectiles at angles, forces at angles, hanging objects, inclined planes and free-body diagrams, collisions in 2 D

Trigonometry in PhysicsStudents learn about Sine, Cosecant (Sin-1), Cosine, Secant (Cos-1), Tangent and Cotangent (Tan-1) in math class. It is briefly introduced in geometry class, and is then extensively worked with in pre-calculus class usually midway through the year.There are many students that simply cannot relate the mathematical functions to the real world applications that present themselves in physics class.

Trigonometry in PhysicsWe can minimize the “trauma” on the students by pre-teaching the implementation of these functions, before we need them in physics class.

We suggest 3 activities from www.teachengineering.org (NSF National Science Digital Library)

Trig River grades 8- http://tinyurl.com/hxxpvcx

Trigonometry via Handheld device grade 11 http://tinyurl.com/z359666

Trigonometry via Mobile Device grade 11 http://tinyurl.com/zlgy9h3

Trigonometry in PhysicsTrigonometry lab in class:

Hands-on Activity: Trigonometry via Mobile Device

Students investigate the relationships between angles and side lengths in right triangles with

the help of materials found in the classroom and a mobile device. Using all or part of a meter

stick or dowel and text books or other supplies, students build right triangles and measure

the angles using a clinometer application on an Android® (phone or tablet) or iOS® device

(iPhone® or iPad®). Then they are challenged to create a triangle with a given side length

and one angle. The electronic device is used to measure the accuracy of their constructions.

Trigonometry in PhysicsFollow Up Project:

Measure heights of objects around school or house:

Trigonometry in Physics

Trigonometry in Physics

Hands-on ActivitiesWe have a few activities to help students practice measuring angles (some struggle to use a protractor) and then finding vector components and vector addition.

Spring Scales and a hanging massThis activity comes from the Principles of Technology

curriculum. You can vary the angles and mass for a

variety of resultant vectors.

Collisions in 2DThis little apparatus is from Flinn Scientific.

One marble rolls of the ramp and collides at an angle with the second marble.

Using carbon paper to track landing spots, and aprotractor and meter stick we can break some vectorsinto components and get a resultant.

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Session ID: 78tinyurl.com/dfwminicast16