GROUP INTEGRATED
PROJECT
Bruce Brant and Inna Diordieva
December 6, 2011
Climate Change Topic
The distribution of the climate zones has been changing.
Climate change effect - the expansion of the tropical band.
Why it is hotter at the equator?
Science
experiment to
support the theory
Mathematic Topic
Right Triangle Trigonometry.
Reinforcement of curve fitting skill using TI 83/84 calculator.
Calculation of angle of
incidence of the
sunlight.
Temperature Differentials (due to angle of
thermometer)
Data from the experiment
0 min.
3 min.
6 min.
9 min.
12 min.
Thermometer A
Thermometer B
Thermometer C
Thermometer D
Thermometer E
Students express a
side through other side
and an non-right
angle.
Students graph
experimental
data.
15 min.
Technological Tool
• The TI 83/84 calculator is used to analyze the
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temperature soak data from the experiment
Data plotting gives students a visual representation of
the temperature as a function of incidence angle
Linear regression provides one way to model the data
Students can choose from and study the benefits of
several other curve fit functions
The calculator provides residuals which can be used to
analyze the value of alternate modeling approaches
There is no right answer, students use this tool to support
critical thinking about the mathematics involved in
modeling the data
Assessment Item
Assessment Worksheet
1. Write an equation for AB as a function of a and AC. ______________________________________
2. If the constant solar radiation along b perpendicular to the Earth is S, write an equation for the
radiation on the Earth’s surface (AB) as a function of incidence angle (a) and latitude (j). ___________
3. If you were given a data table that listed the average yearly temperatures for cities as you travel
from the equator towards a Pole, what trend do you think you would see in the temperatures? What
would be the reason for such a trend? ___________________________________________________
4. How does the global warming affect the climate zones distribution? __________________________
5. How does the climate change effect on weather, wildlife, glaciers, sea levels and human health? __
6. Using curves that were constructed from the experimental data what would be your prediction for
the temperature reading after 6 min if a thermometer was placed at the angle of 75°? _____________
7. Natalie rides a horse all the way down a straight slope from the top of a hill that is 23 meters tall.
The slope makes a 10 degree angle to the flat ground. How many meters long was the ride? _______