Can-do Trigonometry
| Grade | Work Samples | |
|---|---|---|
| Midway through Stage 5 (end of Year 9) | End of Stage 5 (end of Year 10) | |
| Grade A | Bobby Jude Huong | Ashley(A9) |
| Grade B | Stacey Mackenzie | |
| Grade C | Xiang | Jo(C6) Lou(C6) Kerry(C5) Courtney(C5) Jamie(C5) Darcy(C5) Morgan(C5) |
| Grade D | Drew Ali | Shannon(D4) Casey(D3) |
Description of activity
Students will be asked to demonstrate what they understand and can do in relation to their work in trigonometry. Students complete the worksheet.
(Material developed by Dr Doug Clarke for the NSW Government.)
Context
Measurement, Working Mathematically
This assessment activity could be presented to students at the end of a unit on Trigonometry where students have been exploring the ratios of sides of triangles, identifying trigonometric ratios, and applying their knowledge, skills and understanding to a variety of problems.
Areas for Assessment
- Working mathematically
Knowledge, skills and understanding developed through inquiry, application of problem-solving strategies, communication, reasoning and reflection - Measurement
Knowledge, skills and understanding in identifying and quantifying attributes of shapes and objects and applying measurement strategies
Outcomes
Trigonometry (MS5.1.2)
Applies trigonometry to solve problems (diagrams given) including those involving angles of elevation and depression
Questioning (WMS5.1.1)
Asks questions that could be explored using mathematics in relation to Stage 5.1 content
Applying Strategies (WMS5.1.2)
Analyses a mathematical or real-life situation, systematically applying problem-solving strategies
Communicating (WMS5.1.3)
Uses mathematical terminology and notation, algebraic symbols, diagrams, text and tables to explain mathematical ideas
Reasoning (WMS5.1.4)
Explains and verifies mathematical relationships
Reflecting (WMS5.1.5)
Links mathematical ideas and makes connections with, and generalisations about, existing knowledge and understanding in relation to Stage 5.1 content
Criteria for assessing learning
(These criteria would normally be communicated to students with the activity.)
Students will be assessed on their ability to:
- demonstrate knowledge and understanding of trigonometric ratios and their use in solving practical problems.
Possible prompts to assist student engagement
- Why don’t you draw a right-angled triangle to get started?
- Do you remember the names given to each side in relation to a marked angle?
- Can you write down the relationship for sin A in your diagram?
- Can you remember some types of trigonometry questions you did in class exercises?
- Can you use trigonometry to find an unknown side? an unknown angle?
- In part 2, what do you think is meant by the words ‘practical problems’?
- Can you extend your response by creating and solving more difficult questions in part 1? part 2?
Suggested materials
Pen and paper, calculator, worksheet