Project Overview: 

A clinometer is device used to measure the angle of elevation.  In this project, we will determine the heights of tall objects using the angle of elevation, the height of the measurer, the distance from the measurer to the tall object, and trigonometry.

How to make a clinometer:

1. Get your supplies: a drinking straw, a semicircle piece of cardboard, a base to mount the semicircle of cardboard (optional), tape, protractor, string, and a weight (such as a washer).

2. Use a protractor to divide the cardboard into intervals measured in degrees going from 90 to 0 to 90.  In other words, 90 should be marked at the top right and at the top left and 0 should be at the center of the bottom of the curve.  Your intervals should not be greater than 5 degrees.  Rather than create this by hand, you may tape a photocopy (enlarge if necessary) of a protractor but be sure to use whiteout and renumber the intervals to match the specifications.

3. Tape a straw along the straightedge of the semicircle.

4. Tape the string exactly at the center of the straightedge.  You will not get accurate readings unless the string is at the center.  Also do not use very thick string.

5. Attach the weight to the string so it hangs taut.  To check for accuracy, when you hold your clinometer parallel to the ground (no elevation) the string should hang at 0°

6. Decorate your clinometer.

Using your clinometer:

1. Stand in front of a tall object that is perpendicular to the ground.  Your measurements will not be accurate if the object is not upright and/or you are not standing at the same level as the object.

2. Group member A will look through the straw and tilt his/her head up until he/she can see the very top of the object.

3. Group member B/C will read and record the angle measurement on the clinometer.  Wait until the string stops moving and very carefully approximate the degree measure.

4. Group members B/C will measure and record the distance between where group member A is standing and the base of the tall object.  Be sure the tape measurer is on the ground and runs from the base of A’s feet to the base of the object via shortest path.

5. Group members B/C will measure the distance between group member A’s eyeball and the ground.  Make sure member A is not slouching!

·        You will complete this process with at least 6 tall objects around the school including the light fixtures at the school’s entrance, the height of the overpass walking from Lindquist into the gym, the flagpole in front of Lindquist commons, the stadium lights if the field is accessible, and two object of your choice.  Rotate roles and be sure to record each group member’s role.  Also be sure to use each clinometer at least once.

·        Once we return to classroom, a copy of your data will be collected.  Every member should have a copy of the data.

·        During the rest of class and for homework, your group should calculate the height of the object using the distance between group member A and the object, the angle of elevation, the eyeball height, and the appropriate trigonometric function.

What each group will hand in:

1.      Each member’s clinometer.

2.      A report detailing the measurements of at least 6 tall objects, three of which must be the DS flagpole, entrance light fixture, and the gym overpass.  You can opt to do a group report or an individual report.  If you do a group report, be sure to state who wrote up which objects and be sure to equally divide the tasks.

·        Your report must be detailed and well organized.

·        Include the table showing all measurements made and whose clinometer was used for each reading. 

·        Identify which group member was responsible for each part.

·        Draw a picture for each object with the measurements labeled.  Show all of the trigonometric calculations and work necessary to determine each object’s height. 

·        Please have the final calculated height in inches.

DUE DATE:  Clinometer must be constructed by Tuesday October 30^th.  If we are able to go outside on Tuesday, then the project will be handed in at the beginning of the next class (Wednesday for H block and Thursday for A block).    If we are unable to go outside the due date will be announced later.

GRADING:  Each group member will be given a grade based on their clinometer construction, participation in group measurements, contributing to the group report if applicable, following directions, neatness, and accuracy. 

Name______________________________                                          Clinometer Project Grade

Group Members: