Students as toolmakers: refining the results in the accuracy and precision of a trigonometric activity

Smartphones used as tools provide opportunities for the teaching of the concepts of accuracy and precision and the mathematical concept of arctan. The accuracy and precision of a trigonometric experiment using entirely mechanical tools is compared to one using electronic tools, such as a smartphone clinometer application and a laser pointer. This research has demonstrated how two classroom activities based on tool-making can enhance student measurement and application of accuracy and precision considerations through a trigonometric activity investigating arctan