Trigonometry Project
Why Trigonometry?
Students keep asking me why they are learning trig and how it helps in real life. Yes. It has a lot of applications in real life when you dive deeper in Trigonometry in PreCalculus and Physics classes. One of them is Bearings. But forget it for now. Let's get back to Geometry. We will apply the Trig in right triangles to calculate the height of the Lanier buildings.
What you need on the day of the activity
Clinometer - Tape measure - Paper - Pen or pencil - Assistant
How
Please follow instructions below to get things done to be ready for the day of the activity. You may choose to work in group, maximum 2 students per group or individually.
Note: If you don't get things done to be ready for the day of the activity, you will not be allowed to participate in the activity.
How to create a clinometer.pdfHow to create a clinometer
How to calculate the height of the building.pdfHow to calculate the height of the building
Tan Table.pdfUse the tangent table to find the trig values
Clinometer-Activity-Work.pdfShow your work on this paper
Work Sample
You stand 40 ft from the North Lanier building. The angle of elevation from your eyes (5 ft above the ground) to the top of the the building is 47°. How tall is the building? Round your answer to the nearest foot.
Clinometer-Activity-Work Sample.pdfClinometer.pdfHomework: individual work
Calculate the height of your house or apartment. You must show work or reasoning to earn full credit.
If you want to see how my former students enjoyed this activity, please click here.