CCSS Math Activities
Ferris Wheel
Wheel the resource right into your classroom. Young mathematicians use given dimensions of a Ferris wheel to write a height versus time function. They use their functions to answer a set of questions about the Ferris wheel.
GeoGebra
More Ferris Wheels
Take a ride on a Ferris wheel. Using sliders to adjust the parameters of a Ferris wheel, pupils investigate the height of a point over time. The interactive traces out the curve on a time-height graph. Learners use what they learned to...
101 Questions
Ferris Wheel
Around and around you'll go! Learners analyze the periodic nature of a Ferris wheel. Using a trigonometric function, they make predictions about the location of a specific car at the end of the ride and its total trips around the circle.
EngageNY
The Height and Co-Height Functions of a Ferris Wheel
Show learners the power of mathematics as they model real-life designs. Pupils graph a periodic function by comparing the degree of rotation to the height of a ferris wheel.
EngageNY
Ferris Wheels—Using Trigonometric Functions to Model Cyclical Behavior
Have class members going in circles as they model the path of a Ferris Wheel using trigonometric functions. Building on the previous lesson in this series on transformations, learners use trigonometric functions to model wheels of...
EngageNY
Ferris Wheels—Tracking the Height of a Passenger Car
Watch your pupils go round and round as they explore periodic behavior. Learners graph the height of a Ferris wheel over time. They repeat the process with Ferris wheels of different diameters.
CK-12 Foundation
Double Angle Identities: Ferris Wheel
Use a Ferris wheel to soar to new heights of understanding on double angle identities. Here is an interactive that applies an example of a Ferris wheel to show how doubling the angle does not double the value of a trigonometric ratio....
CK-12 Foundation
Length of a Chord: Distance Across a Ferris Wheel
An interactive presents two friends on a ferris wheel with the task of finding the distance between the them. Pupils create the chord between the two friends and calculate its lengths using trigonometric ratios.
K20 LEARN
Round and Round We Go
Connect the dots on trigonometry with K'nex. Scholars use a K'nex model of a Ferris wheel to collect data points to plot on a height versus time graph. They'll then consider what type of function best models the data in the graph—and...
Curated OER
Invent It!
Learners explore invention and unveiling of world's first Ferris wheel, analyze photographs and poster of first Ferris wheel, and discuss engineering achievements of Ferris wheel, including how it worked, how it was built, and its...
Curated OER
As the Wheel Turns
This is not your typical Ferris wheel problem. For this exercise, your class will combine their knowledge of sinusoidal functions as well as linear motion to come up with parametric equations that model the position of a point on the...
Mathematics Assessment Project
Representing Trigonometric Functions
Discover the classic example of periodicity: Ferris wheels. Young mathematicians learn about trigonometric functions through Ferris wheels. They match functions to their graphs and relate the functions to the context.
GeoGebra
Getting on the Right Wavelength
Predict an equation that waves up and down. Pupils set the height, radius, and period of a Ferris wheel. The learners write a sine equation to match the graph of the height of a point on the wheel as a function of time. Running the...
Mathematics Vision Project
Module 6: Trigonometric Functions
Create trigonometric functions from circles. The first lesson of the module begins by finding coordinates along a circular path created by a Ferris Wheel. As the lessons progress, pupils graph trigonometric functions and relate them to...
Curated OER
Sunshine Math- 2
In this math applications worksheet, learners solve 8 varied problems that include basic operations, geometry, elapsed time, logic and story problems.
Flipped Math
Modeling with Trig Functions
Find out what to do with Ferris wheels that keep going up and down. Individuals learn how to determine the frequency of a trigonometric function. Pupils use their knowledge of trigonometric functions to model periodic motions like Ferris...
K5 Learning
Multiplication Word Problems #3
How many people can ride a Ferris wheel with 14 seats, each of which holds 6 people? Learners assess this and four other multiplication word problems, and are encouraged to show their work. They use double- and triple-digit numbers, and...
Curated OER
Circumscribed Polygons
Students investigate polygons and construct ferris wheels. In this geometry lesson plan, students create a circle and differentiate properties of circles and polygons. They compare the relationship between angles and circumscribed polygons.
EngageNY
Tides, Sound Waves, and Stock Markets
Help pupils see the world through the eyes of a mathematician. As they examine tide patterns, sound waves, and stock market patterns using trigonometric functions, learners create scatter plots and write best-fit functions.
Curated OER
Ferris Wheel Problem
Students use two pairs of parametric equations to describe two objects in motion. They determine when two objects are the closest. They simulate the behavior of the two objects and interpret the behavior of the objects in motion.
Curated OER
Math Maven's Mysteries
In these story problem worksheets, students read the story problem 'The Big Top Carnival Caper' and use the information within the story to help them solve the problem. Students determine the cost of balloons for every 10th person who...
Curated OER
A County Fair Can Lead to an Exploration of Math, Science, and Literature
A county fair can provide an educational experience for students.
EngageNY
Extending the Domain of Sine and Cosine to All Real Numbers
Round and round we go! Pupils use reference angles to evaluate common sine and cosine values of angles greater than 360 degrees. Once they have mastered the reference angle, learners repeat the process with negative angles.
EngageNY
From Circle-ometry to Trigonometry
Can you use triangles to create a circle? Learners develop the unit circle using right triangle trigonometry. They then use the unit circle to evaluate common sine and cosine values.