EngageNY
The Height and Co-Height Functions of a Ferris Wheel
Show learners the power of mathematics as they model real-life designs. Pupils graph a periodic function by comparing the degree of rotation to the height of a ferris wheel.
Curated OER
Matchstick Math: Using Manipulatives to Model Linear, Quadratic, and Exponential Functions
Playing with matches (unlit, of course) becomes an engaging learning experience in this fun instructional unit. Teach pupils how to apply properties of exponential functions to solve problems. They differentiate between quadratic and...
EngageNY
Graphing the Tangent Function
Help learners discover the unique characteristics of the tangent function. Working in teams, pupils create tables of values for different intervals of the tangent function. Through teamwork, they discover the periodicity, frequency, and...
EngageNY
Revisiting the Graphs of the Trigonometric Functions
Use the graphs of the trigonometric functions to set the stage to inverse functions. The lesson reviews the graphs of the basic trigonometric functions and their transformations. Pupils use their knowledge of graphing functions to model...
EngageNY
Graphing the Sine and Cosine Functions
Doing is more effective than watching. Learners use spaghetti to discover the relationship between the unit circle and the graph of the sine and cosine functions. As they measure lengths on the unit circle and transfer them to a...
EngageNY
Properties of Trigonometric Functions
Given a value of one trigonometric function, it is easy to determine others. Learners use the periodicity of trigonometric functions to develop properties. After studying the graphs of sine, cosine, and tangent, the lesson connects...
EngageNY
Tides, Sound Waves, and Stock Markets
Help pupils see the world through the eyes of a mathematician. As they examine tide patterns, sound waves, and stock market patterns using trigonometric functions, learners create scatter plots and write best-fit functions.
West Contra Costa Unified School District
Key Features of Graphs
The key is ... After a day of instruction on key features of graphs, groups create a poster and presentation on the key features of their given function graph. The resource provides an extension activity of "telephone" using...
EngageNY
Basic Trigonometric Identities from Graphs
Have young mathematicians create new identities! They explore the even/odd, cofunction, and periodicity identities through an analysis of tables and graph. Next, learners discover the relationships while strengthening their...
EngageNY
Ferris Wheels—Tracking the Height of a Passenger Car
Watch your pupils go round and round as they explore periodic behavior. Learners graph the height of a Ferris wheel over time. They repeat the process with Ferris wheels of different diameters.
Curated OER
Applying Trigonometric Functions To Real Life
Students examine where trigonometry exists outside the classroom. In this trigonometry lesson plan, students create trigonometric functions to match the data provided and to solve word problems relating to the real world.
Curated OER
Graphing at all Levels: It's a Beautiful Thing!
Mixing math and art is done in this lesson by applying graphing knowledge to create a unique piece of art. This lesson varies acording to the graphing knowledge of the artist. First, learners identify and review various types of graphing...
EngageNY
Addition and Subtraction Formulas 1
Show budding mathematicans how to find the sine of pi over 12. The third lesson in a series of 16 introduces the addition and subtraction formulas for trigonometric functions. Class members derive the formulas using the distance...
EngageNY
The Motion of the Moon, Sun, and Stars—Motivating Mathematics
What does math have to do with the behavior of the earth and sun? Learn how the movement of celestial bodies has influenced the development of trigonometry. Scholars connects the details in mathematics to their...
Alabama Learning Exchange
Float or Sink?
Experiment with mass and density as scholars figure out what makes things float or sink. First, they watch a podcast introducing these concepts. Be sure to use the comprehension question to test their understanding. Young scientists...
Curated OER
Woody Sine
Students explore the concept of sine. In this sine lesson, students create a sine graph from tooth picks. Students create a unit circle with tooth pick length radius. Students then take the tooth picks from the unit circle and put them...
Curated OER
A Polynomial Quilt
Tenth graders create polynomial quilts. In this polynomials lesson, 10th graders use concrete models, such as construction paper, to create various shapes described. Students use the FOIL method to multiply terms and to get a square...
Alabama Learning Exchange
There's Gold in Them There Hills
Need to build a laser fence on Mars? In this cute maximizing-area lesson, young explorers pretend to be prospectors on Mars and must determine the best way to use 20 meters of fencing in order to maximize their area. In addition,...