Text Set 2: Trigonometry

Text Set 2: Trigonometry

·      S.O.S. Mathematics: Trigonometry

http://www.sosmath.com/trig/trig.html

Grade level: 12.0

While the reading level of this collection of pages may be a bit high, it has excellent diagrams that present trigonometry in a variety of ways.  Here, the links between the geometric and the algebraic conceptions of trigonometry are made clear.  This is a good extension for a high performing student, or a student who has been accelerated and is studying independently.

·      Math is Fun: Introduction to Trigonometry

http://www.mathsisfun.com/algebra/trigonometry.html

Grade level:  6.8

This page from Math is Fun is written in a simple, conversational style and is accessible to both those reading below grade level and those whose math vocabulary may be weaker.  However, I find that the greatest value is in the interactive flash elements halfway down the page – students can move a point around the unit circle to create a right triangle and examine its trigonometric ratios.

·      Khan Academy:  Basic Trigonometry

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/trigonometry/basic-trigonometry

Grade level:  12.0

Khan Academy is a great resource for those students that prefer auditory methods of taking in information (most of the information is conveyed graphically or verbally).  The videos show trigonometric concepts and how to use them, in the form of notes that the author puts on a slide.  The author talks the students through what he is doing, and is clear and direct; as well, his mouse/pointer is always visible and follows which element of the notes at which he happens to be looking at any given point.  And of course, this lesson includes the interactive quiz questions that Khan Academy is famous for. 

·      Trig Cheat Sheet

http://tutorial.math.lamar.edu/pdf/Trig_Cheat_Sheet.pdf

Grade level: 2.4

This is a sheet of trig formulas and trig identities, conveniently condensed, with figures illustrating the general case.  There isn’t much reading (verbal) in this resource, but math-specific literacy is necessary for comprehension.

·      Cliff’s Quick Review Trigonometry

https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=qo8GBrUfGIcC&source=productsearch&utm_source=HA_Desktop_US&utm_medium=SEM&utm_campaign=PLA&pcampaignid=MKTAD0930BO1

Grade level:  9.4

Cliff’s Quick Review is exactly what is says – a quick crash-course review of trigonometry concepts.  It is heavily verbal, though the reading level appears to be accessible for the majority of high school sophomores.  It is available as an e-book download from this link in the Google Play store (which is great for tech schools, though Apple users may run into some compatibility issues), as well as a hard copy from your local bookstore. 

·      Trigonometry (Corral, M.)

http://www.mecmath.net/trig/trigbook.pdf

Grade level:  11.0

Corral’s text on trigonometry is a good extension for students who would like to read trigonometry in the context of how mathematics looks when it is published within the field.  It connects trigonometry to history and other branches of mathematics.  

·      Wikibooks: Trigonometry

http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Trigonometry

Grade level:  7.8

Wikibooks has a good collection of information, free and available on the web to anyone, on trigonometry.  It gives us three books, organized by increasing difficulty and frequency of use of concepts present in other branches of mathematics (matrices, calculus, computing).  Topics are arranged by page, and include many diagrams.  This resource is also useful for students and teachers to think and talk about what makes a good figure – there are editors’ notes on how figures will be updated to be clearer and more useful.

·      Applications of Trigonometry (Clark University)

http://www.clarku.edu/~djoyce/trig/apps.html

Grade level: 10.9

This page gives a quick run-down of some trig applications, and the historical context in which they developed. 

·      Math Central: Applications of Trigonometry

http://mathcentral.uregina.ca/RR/database/RR.09.01/trigexamples1.html

Grade level: 8.2

This page gives a couple of unconventional examples of applying trig.  In addition, they’re examples that the average layperson can encounter, not just examples found in physics or engineering contexts. 

·      Fascinating Facts of Mathematics

http://malini-math.blogspot.com/2011/08/applications-of-trigonometry-in-real.html

Grade level: 8.6

A quick succinct list of traditional applications of trigonometry, complete with example pictures.  The pictures have figures overlaid that connect the trigonometric model with the real world context.  

·      Slideshare: Real World Uses of Trigonometry

http://www.slideshare.net/ihatetheses/real-world-application-of-trigonometry

Grade level: 12.0

The reading level on this is a bit high, but this slideshow is an excellent resource for connecting trigonometry to the real world.  It showcases how certain careers make frequent use of trigonometry, and then give details about those careers such as salary and areas of study needed. 

·      WISC-Online: Practical Trigonometry

http://www.wisc-online.com/Objects/ViewObject.aspx?ID=MSR3603

Grade level: 4.6

This is an interactive slideshow that poses some really great application problems within the context of a machine/prototyping shop.

·      Clark University: History of Trigonometry Online

http://www.clarku.edu/~djoyce/ma105/trighist.html

Grade level:  12.0

This is a brief online outline of the beginnings of trigonometry, complete with figures and historical context.

·      Applications; Web-Based Calculus

http://ualr.edu/lasmoller/trig.html

Grade-level: 12.0

This page gives a brief history of trigonometry, with a focus on its journey through various cultures and its (mis-)translations.

·      TI-Nspire: Sinusoidal Modeling

http://education.ti.com/en/timathnspired/us/detail?id=469A5FBBB74F4031882FEC9806D32867&t=3270A55B10BB4BF29C7D8883E3990203

Grade level: 6.9

This exploratory activity extends knowledge of trigonometry from geometry to algebra and statistics, and models the use of trig functions to model oscillating phenomena.