Download Mathematical Topic: Sine Curves

Robert Betz
Mathematical Topic: Sine Curves
Purpose: The purpose of this activity is to give the students a deeper understanding of sine curves through a
tactile activity.
Overview: The students will split into groups of three and collect their materials. The students will construct a
unit circle on letter paper and an x and y axis on a piece of butcher paper. Using spaghetti, the students will
construct a sine curve on the butcher paper. Described in more detail on following pages.
Common Core State Standards:
 CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.TF.A.1
Understand radian measure of an angle as the length of the arc on the unit circle subtended by the
angle.
 CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSF.TF.A.2
Explain how the unit circle in the coordinate plane enables the extension of trigonometric functions
to all real numbers, interpreted as radian measures of angles traversed counterclockwise around the
unit circle.
Mathematical Practices:
The CCSSM mathematical practices covered in this activity include Trigonometric Functions. This activity
makes a connection between the Unit Circle and the Sine curve.
Grade Levels: 9-10
Background Knowledge:
 Understanding of the Unit Circle
 Understanding of Trigonometric Functions
 Geometry and Algebra I
Source:
Lesson Plans by Michael D. Sturdivant
Mathematics Instructor
Arkansas School for Math & Science
May, 2002
http://octm2009spaghetti.pbworks.com/f/Trig+Graphs+and+Laws.pdf
Time: 50-65 minutes
Materials Needed:
o Butcher Paper
o Yarn
o Tape/Glue
o Protractors
o Compasses
o Spaghetti
o Markers (different color than the yarn)
o One sheet of letter-size paper
Activity Type: Cooperative Learning
Robert Betz
I chose this activity because it is one that I have seen in person and the students seem to benefit from
the link between the two mathematical representations. I was unable to find the original handout
included from my in-class experience, but this lesson plan is very similar in the steps and material used
in the activity. As a follow-up or extension, this activity can also be used to create a similar model using
the unit circle and the cosine curve.
Strengths:
 The activity creates a tangible relationship between the unit circle and sine curve
 It allows the visual or kinesthetic learner an opportunity to pull a great amount of substance
from the lesson
Weakness:
 Amount of room needed for activity
Procedure:
1. The teacher will explain the activity to the students
2. The students will gather in their assigned groups and collect their materials
3. The students will begin following the procedure of the handout
4. Instructor will move throughout the room answering any questions.