Directions for Creating a Clinometer

Trigonome“tree”

Project

We can use trigonometry to easily measure the heights of tall objects, such as trees, that would be difficult to measure directly. In this project we will be constructing a device called a clinometer to help us measure angles of elevation, thereby allowing us to use trigonometric ratios to find inaccessible heights.

You will be working with a partner on this project.

Part 1 Constructing the Clinometer

Working with a partner, follow the directions for “Constructing a clinometer on the pages 4 and 5. Be sure to follow all directions carefully to ensure the accuracy of your measurements.

Part 2 Measuring Heights of the Classroom Ceiling

We will be doing this part of the project in class. The first object you will be measuring is the height of the classroom. Refer to the figure below.

c

d



a

b

Record the measurements for each of the following:

1.  For a, measure the distance from the floor to the student’s eyes.

2.  For b, measure the distance from the student to the wall.

3.  To find angle , use the clinometer. One student will sight the

top of the wall through the straw and the other student will read

and record the angle measurement on the protractor.

4.  To find c and d you must complete the computations using trig ratios. Show all work! Include Part 2 in your final project.

Part 3 Measuring the Heights of Tall Objects

In this part of the project you will be using your clinometer to find the heights of tall objects, both inside the school and outdoors. For all parts of the project you must include the following:

1. A typed description of the situation.
2. A typed explanation of the setup and execution of your measurements.
3. A sketch clearly labeled and drawn to scale. (Include scale.)
4. Solutions with all computations shown.

You are required to find the heights of three objects, one must be a tree and one must be a building. For each object you will be graded using the rubric below.

Scoring Rubric

Score

/ Explanation of situation, setup and execution
(Graded Once) / Labeled Sketch / Computations / Classwork Problem
(Graded Once) / Clinometer
Graded Once / Overall Appearance (Graded Once)
4 / Understanding of measurement technique evident / Sketch with complete labeling and scaled reasonably accurately / Complete and accurate with no errors / Figure complete, calculations accurate / Correct placement of protractor, straw and string, calibrations accurate / Typed and all figures neatly drawn, with a
typed cover page included
3 / One or more minor concepts missing or not mentioned / Sketch with most things labeled and scaled adequately / Complete with only one or two minor errors / Figure complete, calculations with only minor errors / Incorrect placement of one object, calibrations accurate / Typed, figures drawn neatly, but no over page included or not typed
2 / One key concept missing / Sketch with missing labels and/or poorly scaled / Complete with key errors / Figure complete, calculations with key errors / Incorrect calibrations or incorrect placement of objects / Typed, figures not drawn neatly, cover page included but not typed
1 / An attempt is made in typed format / Sketch attempted, but not accurate / Incomplete with key errors / Figure incomplete, key errors / Incorrect calibrations and incorrect placement of objects / Typed, no cover page included
0 / Not included / Not included / No computations /

Not included

/

Not included

/

Not typed

Object
1 / / /
Object
2 / / /

Object

3 / / /

Directions for Constructing a Clinometer

Required Materials:

o  Drinking straw

o  Protractor

o  Metal washer

o  15 cm string or dental floss

o  Cardboard or file folder

o  Glue or tape

o  Something to punch a small hole

Construction of the Clinometer

1.  Tape a protractor to the top of a piece of cardboard or a file folder approximately 1 cm from the edge. Make sure that the edge of the protractor is parallel to the edge of the cardboard.

2.  On the cardboard, recalibrate the angle measures as shown in the figure on page 5.

3.  Tape a straw along the top edge of the cardboard. Make sure the straw is parallel to the top edge of the cardboard and the flat edge of the protractor.

4.  Punch a small hole through the cardboard at the center of the protractor’s circular scale. (Refer to figure on next page.)

5.  Insert one end of the string through the hole and tape it securely to the back of the cardboard.

6.  Tie a washer to the other end of the string.

Clinometer

Straw Hole for string

Protractor

String

Washer

Names of Partners ______

Score

/ Explanation of situation, setup and execution
(Graded Once) / Labeled Sketch / Computations / Classwork Problem
(Graded Once) / Clinometer
Graded Once / Overall Appearance (Graded Once)
4 / Understanding of measurement technique evident / Sketch with complete labeling and scaled reasonably accurately / Complete and accurate with no errors / Figure complete, calculations accurate / Correct placement of protractor, straw and string, calibrations accurate / Typed and all figures neatly drawn, with a typed cover
page included
3 / One or more minor concepts missing or not mentioned / Sketch with most things labeled and scaled adequately / Complete with only one or two minor errors / Figure complete, calculations with only minor errors / Incorrect placement of one object, calibrations accurate / Typed, figures drawn neatly, but no cover page included or not typed
2 / One key concept missing / Sketch with missing labels and/or poorly scaled / Complete with key errors / Figure complete, calculations with key errors / Incorrect calibrations or incorrect placement of objects / Typed, figures not drawn neatly or cover page included but not typed
1 / An attempt is made in typed format / Sketch attempted, but not accurate / Incomplete with key errors / Figure incomplete, key errors / Incorrect calibrations and incorrect placement of objects / Typed, no cover page included
0 / Not included / Not included / No computations /

Not included

/

Not included

/

Not typed

Object
1 / / /
Object
2 / / /

Object

3 / / /

Scoring Rubric

Date Project Due ______10 points will be deducted for each day late!

Total Score: ______/40 points Project Grade ______

1