Clinometer (Math Academy Project)

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Summary This is a Simple Clinometer I designed for a 9th Grade Math Project in school, using SW2003. It's also known as an inclinometer, used to measure the height or elevation of an object. I created it because we're learning about Trigonometric Functions in Right Triangles and our project requires us to use the formulas with a clinometer to find the height of an unknown object. Scale up 17 times before printing. From Wikipedia: A forester using a clinometer applies basic trigonometry. First, the observer measures a straight-line distance D from some observation point O to the object. Then, using the clinometer, the observer measures the angle a between O and the top of the object. Next, the observer does the same for the angle b between O and the bottom of the object. Multiplying D by the tangent of a gives the height of the object above the observer, and by the tangent of b the depth of the object below the observer. Adding these two values together gives the total height (H) of the object. Overview and Background The clinometer is an essential tool for measuring elevation or height of objects. Lesson Plan and Activity Choose a tall object outside and stand several meters from its base. Measure the distance to the base using a measuring tape or a device that measures distances. Use the clinometer to find the angle at which you are standing, then use the formulas to calculate the height of the object. Repeat this process three more times from different distances, averaging your results. Materials Needed - Fishing line - 3D printer - Filament Print out http://www.timvandevall.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Printable-Protractor-01.png at 70% size on a standard inkjet printer. Cut it in half and glue it onto the print.