Lesson Plan: Direct Instruction

Class: Algebra II
Lesson Descriptors Subject: Algebra II Topic: Trigonometric Ratios Date: 10/16/12 Audience: High School Students Materials: Scientific calculators, visual aid

Teacher: John Musselman

Standards & Benchmarks CCSS M.G.SRT.6 Understand that by similarity, side ratios in right triangles are properties of the angles in the triangle, leading to definitions of trigonometric ratios for acute angles. CCSS M.G.SRT.8 Use trigonometric ratios and the Pythagorean Theorem to solve right triangles in applied problems. Objectives TSW generate the three trigonometric functions from a right triangle. TSW approximate values of trigonometric functions using a calculator. TSW solve real-world problems (such as height of a flagpole from its shadow length and the angle of the sun) using the trigonometry of right triangles. Provision for diverse learners LD allowance for calculator usage GT challenge reliance on calculator ELL visual aid with vocabulary and diagrams of right triangles

Technology Scientific Calculators

Integration of Faith and Learning Prayer at the beginning of class

Instructional Phases
Phase 1: Focus (warm-up)
This is the start of a new unit so there will not be group-work time for homework or a quiz to start off class. The warm-up will involve a short review of prior learnings about triangles and, more specifically, right triangles. One key element that should be brought out in this discussion is that right triangles cannot have just any side lengths. A fact that can be shared is that the term trigonometry comes from the Greek for triangle measure.

Phase 2: Construction (students build meaning)

Students will be given the definitions for the three trigonometric functions. They will be given the abbreviations sin, cos, and tan note that this practice was put into place by Euler (E.C. credit question on quiz?). Introduce the mnemonic soh-cah-toa. This information can all be put on a visual aid along with a labeled right triangle for ELL and LD students, especially, but also to aid retention for all students. Explain how to calculate values from the trigonometric ratios on a calculator. Work several examples on the board by hand with students checking results on calculators. These problems should cover missing parts of a triangle (as much as is possible at this point) as well as at least one word problem with a real-world example, such as height of a flag-pole or length of a building access ramp with a specified grade.

Phase 3: Assessment (students & teacher reflect on learning)

Homework problems from the textbook are assigned and a quiz is possible at the start of the next class period.

References: Advanced Algebra University of Chicago School Mathematics Project

Revised 8.17.11