reSolve: Trigonometry: Rule of Twelfths

This sequence of three lessons gives students the opportunity to explore how tidal variations can be modelled and predicted using trigonometric functions and approximated with useful 'rules of thumb'. Students use real tidal data to explore how sailors make predictions at sea, draw their own graphs using a range of approximation methods including segments of sine curves and then make comparisons between these methods. The lessons are outlined in detail including curriculum links, materials needed, discussion points and student resources such as links to real data and modelling tools. This sequence is part of the reSolve: Mathematics by Inquiry program.