Trigonometric ratios

Royal Navy Search and Rescue

Synopsis

In addition to its military role, the Royal Navy's Fleet Air Arm also provides Search and Rescue cover to large sections of the UK coastline. Royal Navy helicopters are constantly available, flying missions that are far-reaching and varied, including long-range medical evacuation from ships at sea, rescuing surfers, making hospital transfers from remote areas and giving assistance to foreign vessels.

A series of real-life case histories provides students with a memorable and inspiring context for learning; each Episode in this lesson requires students to assist as a member of the Search and Rescue Team, identifying the likely locations of victims through the application of trigonometric ratios and through establishing the area of various shapes (triangles and quadrilaterals). Every task is supported by video footage or other stimuli, and case histories range from the rescue of swimmers washed out to sea in bad weather, to the recent rescue of the crew of the MSC Napoli. Exercises are progressive, with the final task being a multi-step activity. Students are encouraged to apply common-sense to their findings and to make realistic recommendations to the pilots they are briefing.

MOD Topic

Royal Navy Search and Rescue

Curriculum Checklist

1.1 a, c; 1.3 b; 2.2 h, o; 3.2 c, f, h; 4 a.

Curriculum Links

• History
• Citizenship

Prior Knowledge

Basic understanding of Pythagoras' Theorem and its contextual use.
Ability to visualise 3D projections.

Learning Outcomes

Lower ability students will:

• Be able to apply Pythagoras' Theorem with some prompting.
• Be comfortable applying trigonometric ratios to 2D applications.
• Be able to explain their findings using plain English.

Average ability students will:

• Be able to correctly apply sin, cosine and tangent with some prompting.
• Be able to confidently apply Pythagoras' Theorem without prompting.
• Feel comfortable using mathematical language to explain some findings.

Higher ability students will:

• Be able to apply trigonometric ratios confidently in 2D and 3D applications without assistance.
• Be able to use mathematical language to explain outcome.
• Be able to demonstrate accuracy though inverse calculations.

Lesson code

M7