TAMI Interactive System for Learning Trigonometry

TAMI interactive trigonometry instructional device features flatscreen display with large rotary input.

Jeremy Cook
4 years ago

Consider how you learned triginometry — likely as an abstract series of formulas and numbers which may or may not mesh with reality in your mind until you “get it.” Although there is certainly some value in memorizing trigonometric relationships (SOH CAH TOA anyone?) unless you understand the concepts behind these relationships, the results may be little more than regurgitating facts for a test.

To help students grasp these concepts — even before rigorous mathematical terms are discussed — researchers at the Universidad del Desarrollo in Chile have come up with TAMI, or Tangible Mathematics Interface. The device takes the form of a large screen set at a nearly horizontal angle, on which is displayed a circle with a variety of information.

On top of the screen, a 32-inch interactive wheel allows students to adjust the angle shown within the circle, which in turn displays trigonometric information. This enables students to get a feel for concepts like sine and cosine, in a general sense, while the terms themselves can be defined later. Other controls are available to modify inputs like amplitude and what lesson is being explored, and sound can even be produced to mark special angles or represent trigonometric concepts.

An Arduino Leonardo senses controller inputs, while a computer takes care of the visuals and sound emission. Computer software was written in the openFrameworks C++ library.

[h/t: Creative Applications]

Jeremy Cook
Engineer, maker of random contraptions, love learning about tech. Write for various publications, including Hackster!
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