Measuring Inaccessible Heights

Overview

Without mathematics, it is nearly impossible to measure the height of large objects like the pyramids,
parliament buildings or large radio towers. Using trigonometry, you can calculate the height of really tall
objects while remaining on the ground. Even the distance to the moon and stars can be calculated using
trigonometry. There are many tools to help measure large distances. You will initially use a Clinometer to
help measure the angles needed to calculate different heights, and then use methods that require very
little tools at all.

How to make a Clinometer:

1. Cut out the photocopied protractor

2. Cut out a piece of bristol board to the shape of your
protractor
3. Glue the protractor to the bristol board
4. Cut a 10cm piece of string and tape it to the “T” of the
protractor, where the baseline meets 90° (its important
to tape the string before you tape your straw!)
5. Tape your straw to the flat end of your protractor
6. At the end of the string, tape a couple paperclips to it

Using Clinometer:
2. Finding the height of the Flag Pole:

A) You will need the following measurements:

1) Distance from person to flag pole (length 'd')

d = _____________ metres

2) Distance from ground to Clinometer (length 'h')

h = _____________ metres

3) Angle measured using Clinometer (Angle 'A')

4) Calculate Angle 'B' (∠A + ∠B = 90 0)

∠A = _____________ degrees ∴ ∠B = 900 - _______0 = _______0

B) Calculating the Height Using Trigonometry Ratios

1) Notice that the lengths 'd' and 'y' are the same. Write them onto your diagram, along with ∠B
2) Calculate the height of 'x' in metres.

3) The total height of the flagpole is h + x = _______m. + _______m. = _______m.

4) Does your answer make sense? Why or Why not?

3. Find the height of TWO other tall object around the school grounds (building, tree, etc.)
Complete this section on back of this paper, and include appropriate diagrams and calculations.

For both inaccessible objects,

● Draw a diagram to help you calculate the height of the object.
● Using the Clinometer and measuring tape, record the necessary measurements to find the height of the
objects. The process and calculations will be similar to the flag pole problem.
● Prepare a brief report, showing all calculations and diagrams, to explain how you determined the
height of both objects.
● List any possible sources of error may have occurred in your investigation of the object’s height.
OBJECT 1: _______________________________________
Diagram:

Calculations:

Sources of Error:

OBJECT 2: _______________________________________
Diagram:

Calculations:

Sources of Error:
 Evaluation Name: ____________________________

1. Calculations for finding the height of the flag pole. ______/5: App.

2. Calculations and method for finding the height of two other inaccessible objects. ______/10: App.

3. Designing your own clinometer:

Criteria Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
Understanding core Demonstrates Demonstrates some Demonstrates Demonstrates
concepts of limited understanding of considerable thorough
clinometer’s accuracy understanding of concepts understanding of understanding of
and effectiveness concepts concepts concepts
Thinking/Inquiry.
Demonstrates Demonstrates Demonstrates Uses novel
Crafts a professional limited crafting crafting ability, and complex crafting opportunities in
clinometer, that makes ability, and selects provides some ability, and uses demonstrating
effective use of design only familiar diversity in material familiar and crafting ability and
and appropriate materials selection unfamiliar material selects the most
material choice selection appropriate materials

Application

Evaluation Name: ____________________________

1. Calculations for finding the height of the flag pole. ______/5: App.

2. Calculations and method for finding the height of two other inaccessible objects. ______/10: App.

3. Designing your own clinometer:

Criteria Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Level 4
Understanding core Demonstrates Demonstrates some Demonstrates Demonstrates
concepts of limited understanding of considerable thorough
clinometer’s accuracy understanding of concepts understanding of understanding of
and effectiveness concepts concepts concepts
Thinking/Inquiry.
Demonstrates Demonstrates Demonstrates Uses novel
Crafts a professional limited crafting crafting ability, and complex crafting opportunities in
clinometer, that makes ability, and selects provides some ability, and uses demonstrating
effective use of design only familiar diversity in material familiar and crafting ability and
and appropriate materials selection unfamiliar material selects the most
material choice selection appropriate materials

Application