One Step Further (ICT Integration)

ICT resources for maths teachers

Advanced graphs

In this workshop we will continue exploring graphs by looking at trignometric identities.

The value of graphs in spreadsheets is that, once you have drawn the graph, you can change values and observe the changes taking place in the graph. This makes spreadsheets a good learning tool. In the course on Developing classroom resources for maths you will design a lesson integrating ICT in this way. As you learn more about graphs, start to consider ways in which you could use graphs in Microsoft Excel to teach mathematical principles.

By the end of this activity you could achieve the following outcomes:

- Plot and draw graphs of trignometrical identities
- Create a list of graphs that you could draw and manipulate with Microsoft Excel.

2 hours

Follow these steps to complete this activity. While practising with Microsoft Excel, look for contexts that are meaningful to you in your classroom and create documents that you can adapt and use at a later stage. We will make suggestions about what documents to create, but if you prefer, you may create documents to suit your own needs.

	Description	Resources
1	Work in pairs (45 min) Trignometric graphs The graphs of the three trigonometric ratios, sine, cosine and tangent can easily be plotted using Microsoft Excel. Open the Excel workbook and follow the example for sinA. Calculate the values for sin2A and 2sinA Draw all three identities on one chart.	» View the example workbook » How to draw charts
2	Work in pairs (45 min) Challenge Create a sample of graphs that graphically prove the following trigonometric identities or any other identity. sin ( A + B ) = sin A cos B + cos A sin B and sin 2 A = ½ (1 - cos 2A )
3	Meet in groups or as a class (30 min) Discuss your work by displaying and sharing your solutions with your colleagues. Create a list of other graphs that you could draw and manipulate with Microsoft Excel.
4	Work on your own (between workshops) Plan some worksheets using graphs and think about how you would construct them in Equation Editor. Next time you have the opportunity, create these worksheets using Microsoft Word's Equation Editor.
5	Community of teachers Join the Partners in Learning Network and find a community of teachers online.	» Go to the Partners in Learning Network

Recommended next activity:

» Pulling it together