Height of an Object Lab

Every math book in the trig section gives a problem with the angle of elevation and the distance from the base of the object. However, we always find that students learn more by actively doing the word problem instead of reading and answering the problem. In this lab, students are posed with this question: "Using a tape measure and a device to measure an angle, how could we find the height of an object we cannot climb?"

After a discussion of the topic and a few sketches on the board, the students determine they will need the measurements for an angle of elevation, the height at which the angle of elevation is taken, and the distance from the object. Each group of students were asked to find the height of 3 objects, one of which must be the height of the light pole on our football field.

After the data has been collected, students return to the classroom and calculate the height of the three objects. They are asked to share their answer for the height of the light pole with all of the groups and suggest reasons for the variation in the answers.

If you are an educator or interested in this activity and wish to have more information, send an e-mail to jrynear@lps.org or jwelker@lps.org.