Pre-Calculus Class At The Beach: Trigonometric Equations

From Clayton Payne, Pre-Calculus Teacher

The Pre-Calculus class went on a field trip to the beach on Thursday, February 11. To evaluate the Pre-Calculus students' ability to write trigonometric equations from data (usually in the form of sterile graphs), we left the classroom and traveled down to Cardiff Reef. We observed the breaking waves, Socratically identifying how each aspect of what we were watching corresponded to the graphs we had previously made. The surfers weren't struggling with their math, but their desire to be out in the water!

The activity began with a simple question, "How would you write the equation of what we were seeing?" In mixed ability groups, students formulated strategies for collecting data while on land. These groups compared methodologies, agreeing on the best to use. As the class began collecting data, critiquing each other, I had the pleasure of sitting back and watching them ride their intellectual curiosity just as the locals were riding the waves.

We had an open critique of the data, the surfers explaining certain natural phenomenon as represented in the numbers. Once appropriate sets of data were agreed upon, students set to work writing the equation. How did they know if they were right? They used a smartphone to check the surf report, discovering that what they had calculated was just what the app was reporting. (I'm not sure who was being held more accountable, the students or the app!)

While they had to be resourceful, show perseverance, and hold each other accountable, the real success is that they found the mathematics in something they love and appreciate... while having fun!