G10 Math mini survey: using Trigonometry

The motley crew of G10 Students joined me on a math journey for a couple of afternoons after they had completed their GCSE exams for some fun practical learning. I wanted to show how the theoretical knowledge they had gained during the year for the academic papers could actually be applied in real life.

To that end, they built their own home made inclinometers (clinometer) which measures base angle, measured base distances and using the information were then able to calculate the height of the object in question.

Working In groups of 3, 1st up was the school's basketball hoop - was it regulation? what was the actual height (they physically measured it later on) and how close were they to it. What were the errors and why?

With confidence gained, they then proceeded to measure the height of the gazebo and even the High school building.

During the final afternoon they took all they learned and measured and calculated the required data to measure the height of the temple on the hill from BSS.

I personally enjoyed spending time with them and it was nice to see some of them demonstrate the equipment and explain calculations to parents on the HS annual day too.

In future, whenever these students see surveyors working in the field, (with professional laser guided equipment, for example) I hope they will recall what they did and that the principles of trigonometry still underpin and remain as the foundation to this work.

with warmth,

Vikas Teacher

G11/G12 Maths