Activity Overview
In this lesson, students contribute data points to build graphs of the sine and cosine functions. The transition from trig ratios to trig functions is a particularly difficult one, but it is also one where the social space of the TI-Navigator™ Activity Center can provide powerful assistance. By taking ownership over different individual values of the sine and cosine functions, students can bootstrap their way from a ratio-based understanding of trig to a function-based understanding.
Before the Activity
If you are using the TI-Navigator System with the TI-73 you will need the attached .pdf file.
Make sure you are familiar with the following TI-Navigator™ system functions: Send to Class, Collect from Class, Screen Capture, Quick Poll and Activity Center
Download the attached activity resource files to your computer
During the Activity
Students will:
Build from an understanding of trigonometric ratios toward basic concepts in trigonometric functions
Grow from a numeric representation of trigonometric functions to a graphical representation
After the Activity
Assess your students understanding by using the Quick Poll feature as desired.