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:
Write trigonometric equations to model the given temperature data.
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
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