Aim: How do we use trigonometry to determine appropriate dimensions?
Based on a project idea by Lukas Tarrao
Course: Geometry
Prior Knowledge:
- Students should be able to determine the length of a side of a right triangle given another side length and an angle of elevation.
- Students should be able to determine an acute angle measure in a right triangle given two side lengths.
Pre-Lesson Activity
- Pre-Lesson Homework: Determine the slope required by local or state law for an accessibility ramp Then determine the angle of elevation defined by that slope, rounded down to the nearest degree.
- Teacher: Choose a local building with an entrance that is substantially above ground (such as your school or a local courthouse.
Activity
- Measure the height of the entrance to the building that you selected. Determine the angle of elevation required to build a straight ramp to the entrance that meets accessibility guidelines.
- To keep the ramp within the building’s property, the ramp may change direction. Determine the number of times the ramp must change direction in order to reach from the ground to the entrance and meet accessibility guidelines.
- Write a letter to an appropriate person (such as the principal of your school) suggesting the best option for the ramp. Justify your answer with appropriate calculations. Include appropriate diagrams of the ramps, properly drawn to scale and labeled with appropriate measurements.
Task Rating (see the equity task rubric for details):
- Rigor: 2
- Diversity: 2
- Identity: 2
- Justice: 2