Beginner's Guide to Aerodynamics
Displacement Problem Set

Subject Area: Trigonometry

Grade Level: 11 - 12

National Mathematics Standards:

• Demonstrate the ability to read written presentations of mathematics with understanding.
• Apply trigonometry to problem situations involving triangles.

National Technology Standards:

• Research Tools - Use content-specific tools, software and simulations (e.g., environmental probes, graphing calculators, exploratory environments, Web tools) to support learning and research.
• Problem-Solving and Decision-Making Tools - Routinely and efficiently use on-line information resources to meet needs for collaboration, research, publications, communications, and productivity.

Objectives:

After reading an explanation from a NASA Web-based textbook, you will demonstrate an understanding of the text by applying it to solve displacement problems of gliders. You will:

• Calculate the length of a side of a triangle using a trigonometric function.
• Calculate the measure of an angle given two sides of a triangle with a trigonometric function.

Beginner's Guide to Aerodynamics is a "textbook" of information prepared at NASA Glenn Research Center to help you better understand how airplanes work. Click Beginner's Guide Index to access the list of slides available at Beginner's Guide to Aerodynamics. Open the slide called Glider Trajectory Problem from the series and read the explanation. Then using the information, complete a set of problems designed to demonstrate your ability to solve displacement problems of gliders.

Click Displacement Problem Set Activity to begin the problems.

Assessment:

You, or you and your partner(s), will be evaluated on the accuracy or feasibility of your answers.

Evaluation:

You will demonstrate the ability to use information found on the World Wide Web to apply trigonometry to real life problems.

Submitted by:

Michael Burich, Shaw High School, East Cleveland, Ohio

E-mail: burich@juno.com