Clinometer Activity
Clinometer Activity
Clinometer Activity
Teacher Candidates: Anna Kusnomo, Daiva Ramanauskas, Paulina Salata, Xuewen Yang
Subject: Mathematics Grade: 10 Academic
Strand: Trigonometry Time: 75 min
FRAMEWORK
Learning Goals:
By the end of this lesson, I will be able to:
● Recall and choose the appropriate trigonometric ratio to calculate the height of an object
(Knowledge & Comprehension)
● Relate basic trigonometry ratios to a concrete real-life application (Application)
● Illustrate observations using a diagram (Application)
● Devise a tool and a strategy to measure the angle of elevation and height of an object
(Synthesis)
● Compare answers and provide reasoning for discrepancies (Evaluation)
Success Criteria:
To be successful in this lesson, I will:
● Follow instructions to make a clinometer
● Measure the angle of elevation of a tall object using the clinometer
● Produce a scaled diagram of my investigation
● Label my diagram accurately
● Calculate the height of the classroom wall using the tools I have and the appropriate
trigonometric ratio
● Collaborate with my partner to gather data and make meaningful conclusions from it
● Discuss my findings with others using mathematical vocabulary and conventions
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Mathematics Lesson Plan - EDFE 3200 D
November 2, 2017
SEQUENCE
Assessment FOR:
This can be done before or after Minds On:
● Take up homework from previous class
● Review of “basic trigonometric ratios” (i.e. SOH CAH TOA) as a class
● Review/introduction of the concept of “angle of elevation” and “angle of depression”
Minds On:
sin30o 0.5 tan15o 0.2679 sin10o 0.1736 sin5o 0.0872 tan21o 0.3839
sin35o 0.5736 sin40o 0.6428 sin45o cos45o tan12o 0.2126 cos22o 0.9272
cos33o 0.8387 cos55o 0.5736 cos65o 0.4226 cos70o 0.3420 tan80o 5.6713
Action:
● Transition:
○ Have you ever thought of how we could measure the height of a wall if we did not
have a measuring tape or if it were too high?
○ Would you like to guess what a Clinometer is?
○ Today, we are going to measure the height of our classroom wall using a
clinometer.
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Mathematics Lesson Plan - EDFE 3200 D
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● Teacher provides opportunity for pairs to share their investigation findings through one of
these ways:
○ Volunteers (3-4, preferably those who have approached the problem differently)
could be asked to go up to the board and explain their process and solution
○ Pairs pair up with other pairs to compare their results
○ Gallery walk around the classroom
● Teacher will hold a class discussion on the following:
○ Why were some of the results different? (Possible points: taking the wrong
reading for angle of elevation, excluding height of the person measuring (at eye
level) in calculating the total height, rounding angles or mid-calculations too early
in the process, etc.)
○ What would happen to the angle of elevation if you were standing closer or
farther away from the wall?
Possible Next Step:
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Mathematics Lesson Plan - EDFE 3200 D
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Plotting or organizing the class’ data from Activity - Part 2 to identify the range of data values
and possible outliers - for further discussion that leads into Data Management.
Now it is your job is to create a scenario where you need to use trigonometry to calculate an
object that is either taller than you or higher than you. It is up to you where it takes place. It can
take place in your home, your neighbourhood or on Pluto. This is your opportunity to b e
creative!
Accommodations:
● For English Language Learners:
○ Provide an oral component of the instructions (i.e. reading aloud by the teacher)
○ Provide a visual component of the instructions (i.e. visualization on PPT)
● For students struggling in math:
○ Provide pre-designed organizers to document observations, calculations, and
results
○ Provide extra time
○ Divide and deliver the task in smaller components
○ Have an Educational Assistant in larger classrooms
● For students in need of breaks (to get up and move around)
○ Minds on activity and the clinometer measuring activity
gets the students up and moving while they are learning
● For more advanced students:
○ Introduce a Clinometer app in addition to the Clinometer
device students made
○ Provide blank instead of pre-designed organizers to
diagram observations
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Mathematics Lesson Plan - EDFE 3200 D
November 2, 2017
APPENDIX A
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Mathematics Lesson Plan - EDFE 3200 D
November 2, 2017
Protractor Template:
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Mathematics Lesson Plan - EDFE 3200 D
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APPENDIX B
Using the Clinometer to Find The Height of our Classroom Wall
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Mathematics Lesson Plan - EDFE 3200 D
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Using Trigonometry to Calculate the Height of the Classroom Wall
With your partner, record your observations in the chart provided.
Height from ground to Distance between observer Angle of elevation to the top
observer’s eye and wall of the wall
Draw a diagram of the scenario in the space below. In your diagram mark the right angle, the
angle of elevation, the hypotenuse, and the adjacent and opposite side with respect to the angle
of elevation. Make sure all sides are labelled and measurements are included.
Now it is time to calculate the height of the wall. Look back to your diagram. What are your
givens? What side length are you trying to find? What trigonometric ratio uses these two sides?
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Mathematics Lesson Plan - EDFE 3200 D
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APPENDIX D
3. I measured all distances needed for solving the problem
correctly.
Drew a
Discussed
Student Discussed Discussed diagram to
Data Other Notes
Name Angles Trig Ratios represent the
Collection
scenario