Maths Careers: How mathematics helps solve murders
This collection contains a range of teaching materials to support the Maths Careers article 'How mathematics helps solve murders' by Hazel Lewis.
The resources include a link to the full article, classroom resources for teaching trigonometry and ideas for how best to teach trigonometry in real-life contexts.
How mathematics helps solve murders
"When detectives arrive at the scene of a murder they are presented with lots of evidence, ranging from tiny unseen hairs or particles which could provide DNA, to bigger more noticeable clues such as potential murder weapons. Some of the most gruesome and obvious clues are usually bloodstains, and, by using mathematical analysis, these bloodstains can provide powerful evidence as to what happened."
Pythagoras and Trigonometry
This sub-collection of resources from the Virtual Text Book collection contains five resources designed for use on an interactive whiteboard to aid the teaching and learning of a variety of topics in ‘Pythagoras and Trigonometry’. Each resource is an interactive Excel worksheet to encourage teacher-student interaction. The topics covered are:
• Basic Trigonometry
• Cosine Rule
• Pythagoras
• Sine Rule
• Trigonometric Graphs
Motivating Maths at GCSE: Outdoor Trigonometry
In this video resource from Teachers TV teacher of mathematics Andy Grice, delivers a practical lesson on trigonometry to a class of GCSE students. Working in groups, they first estimate the height of four buildings on the school site. They then measure actual distances and angles which are used, back in the classroom, to calculate the heights of the buildings and compare these to their original estimates.
Trigonometric Ratios
These materials from Defence Dynamics encourage the use of problem solving skills and knowledge of trigonometry to directly assist the Royal Navy in a series of civilian and armed forces personnel rescue efforts from as far north as Scotland down to Cornwall.
Students can watch video footage of real-life rescue efforts and test their skills through the accompanying multiple-choice quiz.
The mathematics of aircraft navigation
This resource, from Mathematics for Engineering Exemplars, shows the application of mathematics within the aeronautical industry. Students are given a scenario which involves the recovery of stranded mountaineers by a rescue helicopter and the considerations required for a successful outcome. Trigonometry, formula transposition and vector mathematics are used to calculate distance, bearings, fuel consumption and flight time.
Detailed notes and examples are provided and there are extension activities for students to complete, together with learning outcomes and assessment criteria.
Helicopter Rescue
In this problem the learners, acting as a helicopter-rescue crew, are asked to rescue a casualty and get them to hospital. The teacher chooses the challenge level by setting the values of some variables. Students will represent and analyse a problem mathematically, interpret and communicate solutions.
Plus magazine: Crime fighting maths
This Plus magazine article explores further ways in which mathematics helps to fight crime, including in fingerprinting, car accidents and catching a getaway car through number plate recognition.
Maths career profiles
This booklet has been provided by More Maths Grads and it is designed to highlight the versatility of mathematics and to show that a degree in the mathematical sciences can take students anywhere; it can open doors, from developing software technologies to being a professional rugby league player. Working on exciting and innovative projects, mathematicians are highly valued and an essential element of any successful team.
