Transforming the Sine Function
In this lesson, Mary and Claire modify the sine function to give the height above the ground of a student named April as she travels on a Ferris wheel.
Episode 1: Making Sense
The students draw a picture of April’s Ferris wheel and estimate her height at several points on her journey.
Episode 2: Exploring
Claire and Mary use a calculator to find April’s height above the ground when her angle of rotation is 1 radian, 2.5 radians, and when she is at the top of the Ferris wheel.
Episode 3: Repeating Your Reasoning
Mary and Claire explore how to modify the sine function to give April’s height above the ground at any angle of rotation as she travels around the Ferris wheel.
Episode 4: Reflecting
Mary and Claire reflect on how to modify a sine function to create a function that gives April’s height above the ground at any angle of rotation. They describe how the different parts of the function correspond to different features of the Ferris wheel.
Mathematics in this Lesson
Targeted Understandings
Common Core Math Standards
Common Core Math Practices