The purpose of the Trig*Star program is:

1.  To promote the study of trigonometry in high school and to promote excellence in the mastery of trigonometry by honoring the individual student who has demonstrated superior skill among classmates at the High School level.

2.  To acquaint the high school trigonometry students with the use and practical application of trigonometry in the surveying profession.

3.  To build an awareness of surveying and mapping as a profession among the mathematically-skilled high school students, career guidance counselors and high school math teachers.

How It Works:

A sponsor is needed for each high school.  (If you click on the link of Trig*Star Representatives at the bottom of this page, a local sponsor will be found for your school).  The local sponsor must be a NSPS Member or an Affiliate Member. 

Only one Trig*Star winner will be allowed per high school per academic year.   There absolutely no cost for the school to hold a Trig*Star contest.  The local sponsor pays all fees and provides a prize for the winning student.

Local, State and National Prizes:

Prizes for each high school winner vary between $25 and $100 in value, depending upon the local  sponsors.  Winners also receive an engraved Trig*Star Plaque.

The scores and times of all the high school winners throughout the state are compared.  The highest test score with the lowest completion time is declared the State Trig*Star.  The Wisconsin Trig*Star prizes are:

First Place: $500 to the student and $500 to the student's math teacher.

Second Place: $250 to the student

Third Place: $100 to the student

The state Trig*Star winner takes a national test (administered locally and sent to the national office) where the national winners are determined.  National Prizes are:

First Place: $2000 to the student and $2000 to the student's math teacher.

Second Place: $1000 to the student and $1000 to the student's math teacher.

Third Place: $500 to the student and $500 to the student's math teacher.

Trig*Star Schedule:

The contest is usually held in the spring semester, from February through April.  Prior to the contest (about a few weeks before) the local surveyor sponsor will want to meet with the math class or classes to describe the Trig*Star contest and also discuss the rewarding careers in surveying and mapping and the practical applications of mathematics used in these careers.  Example trigonometry solutions of practical surveying problems may also be demonstrated. 

The local high school winner will be determined within a week after the contest.  Presentation of the prizes and awards will be arranged with the high school.  The state winner will be determined in May and the national winners will be determined in July.

For more Trig*Star Information:

Back to Trig*Star Web Page

Send comments about this web page to: Al Melbard (melbarda@matc.edu)