Trigonometry through a Ferris Wheel

Students graph the basic trigonometric functions in the traditional study of trigonometry. The students master this material by memorizing it and thus have little comprehension of why and how each value in an equation affects the graph. Here, Kaplan offers an activity designed not only to review and solidify this material but also to engage students in an experiential learning opportunity that requires precise manipulation of the constants (a, b, c and d) in a realistic setting. This project involves building a Ferris wheel from K'nex construction materials, gathering data, and finding a particular trigonometric function to represent the height of a particular seat on the Ferris wheel during its revolutions.