Music as Math Waves: Exploring Trigonometry Through Sound
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
4-3-2019
Publication Title
Journal of Mathematics and the Arts
Abstract
Students studying transformations of trigonometric functions may learn formulas associated with period and frequency without developing an understanding of the concepts themselves. In this article, the authors present a task that uses arts integration in the form of sound waves to help students explore the relationship between period and frequency. Students are guided through a task of generating a ringtone for a smartphone that blends music, maths, and technology. Links to worksheets and a sample ringtone are provided to facilitate a teacher's implementation of the task; suggestions and advice are included. Using the arts to teach traditional STEM topics, an initiative known as STEAM offers promising opportunities for students to apply creative elements to solve technical problems. Although the topic in this article is suitable for precalculus students, STEAM-based instruction is applicable across multiple grade levels.
Repository Citation
Quinn, Candace M.; Smith, Derek K.; Chappell, Michaele F.; Carver, Susan D.; Duffy, Stephen F. PhD, PE; Holcomb, John P.; Jackson, Debbie; and Resnick, Andrew, "Music as Math Waves: Exploring Trigonometry Through Sound" (2019). Mathematics and Statistics Faculty Publications. 340.
https://engagedscholarship.csuohio.edu/scimath_facpub/340
DOI
10.1080/17513472.2018.1552822
Volume
13
Issue
1-2
Comments
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grants No. DUE-1161152 and HRD-1304371. Cleveland State University also contributed substantially to this effort.