Education Technology

Can You Find Your Bearings?

Subject Area
Math: AP Precalculus: Trigonometric and Polar Functions
Math: Precalculus: Applications of Trigonometry
Math: Geometry: Right Triangles and Trig
Math: IB: Analysis-Approaches
Math: IB: Applications-Interpretations
Level
9-12
Activity Time
50 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-84 series
Resource Types
Lessons
Exam Prep

Can You Find Your Bearings?

Activity Overview

In this activity, students will review how to find bearings through given descriptions and reading diagrams. 

Objectives

  • Students will explore the definition of a bearing and how to represent it in a diagram given written details.
  • Students will be asked to use their knowledge of bearings to find distances and angles in several differing scenarios.
  • Students will try to make a connection with how to understand these topics in IB Mathematics courses and on their final assessments.

Vocabulary

  • Bearings
  • Supplementary Angles
  • Clockwise

About the Lesson

In mathematics, a bearing is the angle in degrees measured clockwise from the north. Bearings are usually given as a three-figure bearing. For example, 30° clockwise from the north is usually written as 030°. Bearings are commonly used when traveling by plane, boat, or just navigating a hike. 

*Note: This activity includes optional IB support, including the IB Questions download for students who are preparing for the IB Exam. 

Subject Area
Math: AP Precalculus: Trigonometric and Polar Functions
Math: Precalculus: Applications of Trigonometry
Math: Geometry: Right Triangles and Trig
Math: IB: Analysis-Approaches
Math: IB: Applications-Interpretations
Level
9-12
Activity Time
50 Minutes
TI Calculator
TI-84 series
Resource Types
Lessons
Exam Prep
iPad is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
Vernier EasyData,Vernier EasyLink and Vernier EasyTemp are registered trademarks of Vernier Science Education.