Navigating by the Numbers
Students learn that math is important in navigation and engineering. Ancient land and sea navigators started with the most basic of navigation equations (speed x time = distance). Today, navigational satellites use equations that take into account the relative effects of space and time. However, even these high-tech wonders designed by engineers cannot be created without pure and simple math concepts — basic geometry and trigonometry — that have been used for thousands of years. In this lesson, these basic concepts are discussed and illustrated in the associated activities.
A sextant used for nautical navigationCopyright U.S. Geological Survey http://walrus.wr.usgs.gov/infobank/programs/html/definition/nav.html
Engineering plays a part in the design and creation of navigational devices that are used for safety and recreation. Math is an essential engineering tool (you don't have to love math, but you do have to know how to "do" math to "do" engineering). Navigational satellites designed and tested by engineers use equations that take into account the relative effects of space and time. Since these satellites often use the sun's energy to power electronics, engineers must accurately calculate the optimal angle to orient a satellite's solar array using mathematical concepts such as the Pythagorean Theorem. Engineers use their math skills to calculate the future relative positions of these objects since they are continuously in motion.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Describe how navigation and engineering are based on mathematics
- Describe how the Pythagorean Theorem solves real-world problems.
- Explain the difference between accuracy and precision