Sine (or cosine) Wave Stencil

🗻 Teachers! Tired of grading sine waves that look more like  mountain ranges? 

🌊 Students! Want to make a perfect wave every time? 

Try these stencils!

Version 1 

The original version I made for Precalc classes. Has an x-axis scaled in radians and a little unit circle with key values that can be aligned with the graph. Flip over to graph cosine. Small and compact. 

Version 2

Made by request for Algebra 2 classes (or anyone not comfortable with radian markings.) Extended to two full periods for sine to avoid confusion. Edges thickened slightly to survive classroom use.  

Other Features:

Both versions align with ¼" (4 square per inch) graph paper to have 12 squares per period (nicely divisible for axis scaling.)

One end of both models has a right angle for general sketching use. The other end is curved so it is easier to get stencils facing the same way in a stack. 

Classroom use:

These are great for supporting specific learners, one-time activities, or everyday classroom use.

For a thinking challenge, have students draw a wave and THEN give them an equation. The challenge becomes locating and scaling the x and y axes.

Printing Advice:

These print well at default settings (0.2mm layers, etc.) The finer details (esp on model 1) will test your bed adhesion and first layer. The rulers are small enough that you can iterate on printer settings until you get it right before printing en masse. 

These are very satisfying to peel from the bed (let it cool so they don't bend permanently.)

I can print the smaller models 8-at-a-time and the larger ones 6-at-a-time. It is not too much work to print off a full class set whenever needed. They are also cheap enough to give to students and not worry too much if one breaks or wears out. 

I've attached models with no text so you can add whatever you want using the text feature in your slicer or CAD app.

Confession: These models were originally hacked together in Tinkercad some time ago. There may be some lumps and bumps along the way. But they have worked well for me over the years. Please enjoy!

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I used to be really interested in comparing sine and cosine graphs, but as I got older I realized it was just a phase.

Remixed substantially to print thinly, fit on graph paper, add multiple periods, add strength, and have different types.