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 |
Link | https://www.niwa.co.nz/education-and-training/schools/resources/climate/modelling |
Access | Online/Offline |
Computer Skills | Basic |