Classroom/Laboratory Activity: Modeling Temperature Data by using Trigonometric Functions

A classroom/laboratory activity to model temperature data by using trigonometric functions.

Students will model given temperature data (for Wellington, New Zealand) by using sine and cosine functions. They will compare models and discuss their observations. This activity can be replicated for any location for which temperature data is available.

Use this tool to help your students find answers to:

  1. Write trigonometric equations to model the given temperature data.
  2. In which scenarios would the sine function be a more suitable model for temperature data? In which scenarios would the cosine function be a more suitable model for temperature data?

About the Tool

Tool Name Using trigonometric functions to model climate
Discipline Mathematics and Earth Sciences
Topic(s) in Discipline Trigonometric Functions; Sine Functions; Cosine Functions
Climate Topic Climate Variability Record
Type of Tool Laboratory Activity
Grade Level High School
Location  Oceania
New Zealand
Wellington
Language English
Translation
Developed by Lesley Mackintosh
Hosted at National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research, New Zealand
Link https://www.niwa.co.nz/education-and-training/schools/resources/climate/modelling
Access Online/Offline
Computer Skills Basic

 

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