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Article
Riding the Ferris Wheel: A Sinusoidal Model
Problems, Resources, and Issues in Mathematics Undergraduate Studies (PRIMUS)
  • Kathleen Cage Mittag, Georgia Southern University
  • Sharon E. Taylor, Georgia Southern University
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2011
DOI
10.1080/10511970903154636
Disciplines
Abstract

When thinking of models for sinusoidal waves, examples such as tides of the ocean, daily temperatures for one year in your town, light and sound waves, and certain types of motion are used. Many textbooks [1, p. 222] also present a “Ferris wheel description problem” for students to work. This activity takes the Ferris wheel problem out of the abstract and has students explore a hands-on model of a sinusoidal scenario. Students will gather data, create their own sinusoidal function, and then verify their results with a calculator. This activity uses an inexpensive hamster wheel that makes it possible for small groups of students to experience the activity, and it takes only one hour of class time. No expensive data collection devices are required. Students also experience working with number of seats as the independent variable instead of time. We have used this activity successfully with high school, college, and in-service and pre-service teachers.

Citation Information
Kathleen Cage Mittag and Sharon E. Taylor. "Riding the Ferris Wheel: A Sinusoidal Model" Problems, Resources, and Issues in Mathematics Undergraduate Studies (PRIMUS) Vol. 21 Iss. 5 (2011) p. 393 - 400
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/sharon_taylor/19/