Trigonometry: Introduction | Precalculus, Module 5

The general key topics for this month will be introductory trigonometry. For details of what will be addressed within these areas, see the learning goals list. We will use the OpenStax Algebra and Trigonometry curriculum from Rice University as an outline and reference; while this is not a test prep class, I am mindful of the fact that learners may have passing credit-bearing exams like CLEP Precalculus as a goal, and the scope and rigor will be consistent. (The next month's unit will be available for enrollment as students near completion of this course.)

Week-by-week we will follow approximately this schedule, adjusting as needed based on learners' interests and needs:
Week 1: Lessons 7.1-7.3
Week 2: Lessons 7.4-8.2
Week 3: Lessons 8.3, 10.3
Week 4: Lessons 10.4-10.5

Class sessions will generally include:
* A warmup problem set using related previous skills
* An outline of the session's objectives, together with an opportunity to ask questions either about recent homework or to clarify concepts mentioned in the objectives
* Presentation of concepts and problems using slides in an Explain Everything whiteboard; learners will be able to use a provided link to write on the slides for purposes like solving an equation or marking important information for setting up a word problem

Between class sessions, learners will receive other information in written, graphical, and video form, as needed based on the topic (for example, a problem-solving process would usually be given in video rather than written form, to allow for proper notation and verbal step-by-step explanation), in the class discussion area.

This class is a one-month unit which would traditionally be taught about halfway through a yearlong precalculus class, but most previous precalculus topics are not conceptual prerequisites for trigonometry. A learner who is familiar from their Algebra1-2 or Integrated Math classes with the concepts of domain and range, graphing, and inverse functions, and with angles and ratios from their previous general math classes, has the key previous knowledge to be successful in this class.