This activity introduces students to various functions of a circular angle. They are shown a unit circle and a point P that can be dragged around the circle. As the point is dragged, different measures are captured, including angle measures, linear distance, and the area of a sector. The activity concludes with them exploring the x- and y-coordinates of point P, giving rise to the graphs of the cosine and sine functions.
Before the Activity
Download the attached PDF and look over the information on the first two pages. Download and distribute the attached .tns file and Student Worksheet for use during the activity.
During the Activity
Discuss the material from the activity pages and worksheet with students as needed.
After the Activity
Encourage students to summarize what they have learned from completing the activity.
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Vernier EasyData,Vernier EasyLink and Vernier EasyTemp are registered trademarks of Vernier Science Education.
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