Fireworks: Trigonometry Inquiry Project

In this inquiry-based project, students will learn how to use basic trigonometric functions such as cosine, tangent and sine to find the missing side distances and angles of a right-angle triangle.

Students will explore how fireworks of varying heights will affect the viewing angle and line of sight for the viewing audience.

Students will design their own fireworks show that will include 4 different colours of fireworks. Each firework choice has a differing explosion height, which will slightly change the triangle angles and dimensions. This creates a variety of size combinations for the triangles making each student's fireworks show unique.

Students will complete the following for each of their four triangles:

• trigonometric calculations for the length of each side and angles
• draw and label the triangles to scale using graph paper
• answer several reflection questions regarding their fireworks show.

The project will require graph paper and a calculator to complete. This is a great activity to help students understand how the use of trigonometric functions can be helpful in the real world. You can also try my bundle of angles/trig projects that include 3 unique inquiry based projects for students of all learning types.

Inquiry-Based Learning: Trigonometry Bundle (3 Activities) by Mitchell Zuvela | TpT (teacherspayteachers.com)

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