Height-O-Meters*
Grades 68
Written by Cary I. Sneider
*NOTE: This unit is out of print. We have made the book available for free download. This is a 3MB PDF file; it requires Acrobat Reader by Adobe to read the file (available for free from Adobe if you don't have it). Some material included in the original publication has been removed to limit file size and facilitate downloading.
A prerequisite to the exciting GEMS unit Experimenting
with Model Rockets, this guide introduces the important
principle of triangulation (determining location with the use
of angles and degrees) and its application in professions from
forestry to astronomy.
The guide includes a design for simple cardboard clinometers
("Height-O-Meters"), with which students determine
the height of the school flagpole and compare the heights to
which styrofoam and rubber balls can be thrown. Students develop
skills in predicting, estimating, making and calibrating scientific
instruments, measuring in degrees, graphing, calculating, and
interpreting data.
"Going Further" activities relate triangulation to
the real-life activities of forest rangers and astronomers.
Time: Four 45- to 50-minute sessions plus follow-up suggestions.
Comment on this GEMS unit.
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