This article describes how a series of lessons might be used to allow students to discover the size of the Earth, the distance to the Moon, the size of the Moon, and the altitude of Mount Piton on the Moon. Measurement with a sextant, principles of geometry and trigonometry, and historically important scientists and mathematicians are discussed.

Presents proofs of some trigonometric identities from a geometric point of view. (MKR)

The use of paper folding to study properties of geometric solids is discussed. (SD)

After students learn that it is impossible to trisect an angle using compass and straight-edge, students are introduced to the trisectrix curve which accomplishes the trisection. (SD)

Describes a method of effectively introducing the concept of radian measure that uses Cabri Geometry II software to construct a circle of arbitrary radius and to measure that radius. The goal is to determine how many of these radii fit around a circle. (DDR)

Includes two activities: (1) a skit to review variations of the trigonometric functions, and (2) a geometry problem about maximizing costs that exposes students to a variety of different solution strategies and makes the material more meaningful. (MKR)

The subject of parallax can motivate learning related to measurement of lengths and angles as well as provide an introduction to trigonometric concepts. (SD)

Describes investigations involving data acquisition and analysis using microcomputers running the LOGO programing language. Provides new primitives to add to LOGO to access information from the analog to digital converter of a BBC microcomputer, giving samples of student results. (JM)

The geometry of perspective drawing is developed and discussed. (SD)

Three ideas are explored: (1) an improvement of the SSA congruence theorem for trigonometry; (2) a discussion of the failure of SSA in spherical geometry; and (3) an extension of SSA to spherical geometry and hyperbolic geometry. (MNS)

This review guide, prepared as an aid to teachers of Course III, starts with a pre-test review of Course II topics found again in Course III. The five units of Course III, as outlined in the New York State Syllabus, are then separated into nine smaller units. These include: real numbers; complex numbers; functions; logarithms; trigonometry;…

Describes an activity in which geometry and trigonometry are studied using pyramids. Identical model pyramids are constructed from card stock, along with pyramids of different proportions and cuboids to use as controls. Also includes an investigation of some apparently non-scientific claims. (DDR)

Presents the Morris Loe Angle Trisection Approximation Method to introduce students to areas of mathematics where approximations are used when exact answers are difficult or impossible to obtain. Examines the accuracy of the method using the laws of sines and cosines and a BASIC computer program that is provided. (MDH)

Develops the Pythagorean Theorem in the context of the Van Hiele levels by presenting activities appropriate for each level. Activities point to preparatory development (level 0), give 3 different versions of Euclid's proof (levels 1, 2, and 3), give some generalizations of the theorem (level 3), and explore the Pythagorean relationship in other…

Prepared for use with thirteen modules (CE 025 468-480) in the Unified Technical Concepts postsecondary physics instructional package, this set of eight support modules is designed to strengthen mathematical and laboratory skills in areas such as units, graphing, logarithms, dimensional analysis, and basic trigonometry. Module titles include…