Dianee Faye Collier – Trigonometric Function: What’s Your Function?

This project-based unit places the student in a role as a mathematician. Each pre-calculus student will look for a scheme to represent trigonometric functions in a musical way. Students will use music to help them understand the mathematics of trigonometric functions. Each student team will build a homemade musical instrument and tune the instrument using trigonometric graphs. CBR2 motion detectors will be used to create trigonometric graphs of the sound waves created by the instruments. This data will assist students in the tuning process of their instrument. Each team will create a presentation demonstrating the connection between the instrument they built to its mathematical connections and trigonometric functions.