Math Activity for Protocol Test

Chris has an eye height of 1.65 meters. When Chris stands 62 meters away from the tree, the clinometer records an angle of 24 degrees. What is the height of the tree?

NCTM Standard: geometry 1.4
(tree height = (TAN – BVW) x (distance to object) + eye height
What is the first calculation that you do? multiply or add?

NCTM Standard: algebra 2.3

Clinometer Protocol Test

The Clinometer protocol test assesses students' ability to construct and use a clinometer.

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students--> Student activity & Level of Performance + appropriate student performance - inappropriate student performance n.a. not appropriate or not observed

Collect: clinometer sheet table of tangents cardboard drinking straw metal nut/washer 15 cm of thread/floss glue, scissors hole-punch, tape

Construct Clinometer

Attach clinometer to one side and table of tangents to other side of cardboard

Punch hole at marked circle; tie 15 cm. string (attached to metal nut/washer) through hole

Tape straw along designated line to use as a sight

Using the Clinometer

Stand on level ground with object being measured

Measure & record height of eyes from the ground

Sight top of object through clinometer straw

Partner records – BVW (string + washer)

Measure & record distance from observer to object

Calculate & record height of object: Tree height = (TAN – BVW x distance to object) + eye height