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MATHII Unit 5 Lab

This document outlines a lab activity focused on using right triangle trigonometry to measure the height of a tall object using a homemade clinometer. It provides instructions on how to construct the clinometer and details the steps to measure the angle of elevation and calculate the object's height. Students are required to document their findings and calculations in a structured format.

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Angelaxiang2024
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7 views3 pages

MATHII Unit 5 Lab

This document outlines a lab activity focused on using right triangle trigonometry to measure the height of a tall object using a homemade clinometer. It provides instructions on how to construct the clinometer and details the steps to measure the angle of elevation and calculate the object's height. Students are required to document their findings and calculations in a structured format.

Uploaded by

Angelaxiang2024
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Name:____________________________

Unit 5 Lab
Right Triangle Trigonometry

In this unit, you learned how to use right triangle trigonometric ratios to measure side
lengths. In this lab, you will measure a tall object using a homemade clinometer and one
of those ratios.

To make the clinometer, you will need a straw, protractor, tape, string, and a weight (a
couple of paper clips will work).

How can we measure the height of a tall building? One way is by measuring the distance
from you to the building (1) and measuring your height (2). The angle of elevation (3) can
be measured using a clinometer. You will be making one to determine the angle of
elevation from your line of sight to the top of your object.

You have three basic measurements to find the triangle's height (x). Since you know your
height, you know the length of y. Therefore, you can combine x and y to get the height of
the building. Use your knowledge of trigonometry to determine the missing side length.
Making a clinometer:

1. Tape the straw to the straight edge of the protractor.


2. Tape the string in the center of the protractor and tie a weight on the other end.
3. With the semicircle toward the ground and string with the weight hanging down,
look through the straw until you identify the top of your building.
4. Determine the acute measure the string goes through. Take 90 minus the
measurement, and the answer is the angle of elevation.

Now, it’s your turn. Find a tall object like a tree, flagpole, or something taller than a
two-story building.

1. (5 pts) What is the object?

2. (10 pts) Sketch a picture like the one in the example and label any information.

© Regents of the University of California -- Version 1.0 (3/09/2023)

2
3. (15 pts) Describe how you used your clinometer to determine the angle of elevation.
Explain why you have to take the difference of (90 – clinometer measurement) to get the
angle of elevation. Be sure to include a picture with your explanation.

4. (15 pts) Show the math (trigonometry) you used to determine the height of the building
from your eyes to the top of the building.

5. (5 pts) What is the height of your building? Be sure you clearly communicate how you
arrived at your answer.

© Regents of the University of California -- Version 1.0 (3/09/2023)

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