Model Rockets & Trigonometry Project

Strand 4: Geometry & Measurement
Concept 1: Geometric Properties
PO 11: Solve problems using the sine, cosine, and tangent ratios of the acute angles of a right triangle.

In geometry, students are working on finishing their model rockets, which we will hopefully launch before spring break.  Students will be using concepts we are learning about basic trig ratios, in order to measure the angle of elavation for their rocket, and calculating the approximate altitude that it reaches prior to ejecting the parachute.

This year, we are not using pre-made rocket kits, so it has been challenging to build the engine mounts to fit the various tubes the students are using.  We have aluminum foil, paper towel, and wrapping paper rolls as the body tubes.

Coasters 2010-2011

Click a coaster below to see the specs:

Dune                     Silver Bullet

Twittle Master        Purple Tiger

Black Widow          Armageddon

Dominator              Tornado

Goliath                   Comanche

Death Trap             Outlaw

World's Longest Basketball Shot

In geometry, we are learning about the Pythagorean Theorem and special right triangles.  Students are working on a special project to find an application of one of these concepts and write a geometry problem about it.  Never challenging the students to do something I wouldn't want to do myself, I have come up with the following example and video.  I saw this video last summer on Winners Bracket.  Not sure how far it made it, but it is pretty cool.

Shot by Evan Sellers off of the Vulcan Monument. Estimated height of shot is 130 feet, estimated distance of hoop is about 165 feet.  What is the distance from the monument to the rim? 

Circle of Friends

Our next Meeting is on Monday, March 7th, a scavenger hunt (Amazing Race Style) around campus.

See brochure for more information on Circle of Friends. (click to make larger)