20250730 MAV25 synopsis - Flipbook - Page 124
SESSION G: Friday, 2pm-3pm (cont.)
G31 APPLICATIONS OF TRIGONOMETRIC
FUNCTIONS IN ASTRONOMY
Subtheme: Innovation and inspiration
Stephen Broderick, St Ursula’s College, QLD
(Year 11 to Year 12)
Trigonometric functions will be used to model celestial
motion, from our Moon’s phases to distant exoplanets.
Starting with sine and cosine functions to describe the Moon’s
cyclical phases and extend this to the orbital positions of
Jupiter’s moons, using circular motion and angular frequency.
The same principles apply to exoplanets, where transits and
radial velocity curves reveal orbital elements and masses.
Kepler’s Laws, especially the third law: tie these observations
together, linking period and distance. TI-Nspire technology
will be used to model, visualise and present data - bringing the
harmony of the cosmos to life through mathematics.
Key takeaways:
1. Participants will understand how trigonometric functions
model real astronomical phenomena.
2. See how Kepler’s Laws can be used to analyse orbital data.
3. See how TI-Nspire technology can simulate and explore
celestial systems interactively.
Remember:
Participants will be provided with a TI-Nspire calculator
during the session. Participants may bring their own graphical
calculator.
G32 FLUENCY WITH MEANING: EMBEDDING
MATHEMATICAL FLUENCY INTO DAILY
INSTRUCTION
Subtheme: Pedagogy and curriculum
Patrick Kennedy, Our Lady Star of the Sea
(F to Year 6)
Fluency in mathematics is about more than speed; it’s about
flexibility, efficiency, and deep understanding. In this session,
we’ll explore the vital role fluency plays in supporting students
to become confident and capable mathematicians, and
how it can be intentionally developed alongside conceptual
understanding.
Drawing from the evidence on how students learn as recently
published by the Grattan Institute and AERO, we’ll unpack
how explicit teaching builds accuracy, and how targeted
fluency routines, warm-ups, review, and spaced practice, can
consolidate knowledge, strengthen retention, and reduce
cognitive load.
Participants will explore practical, engaging strategies for
embedding fluency into everyday lessons across all levels of
primary, with a focus on purposeful repetition and responsive
teaching. Whether you’re designing a daily review or a
structured lesson sequence, this workshop will help you make
fluency a natural, embedded, and essential part of every
maths block.
Key takeaways:
1. Engaging strategies for embedding fluency.
2. Purpose of repetition.
3. Responsive teaching.
Supported by
THE MATHEMATICAL
ASSOCIATION OF VICTORIA
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