Name(s): _________________________________________________________________________

Date: __________________________________

Period: ______________________

Shadowy Proportions Lab

          Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to measure the height of something very tall without actually having to measure it with a tape measure? (Say yes.) That is what this assignment will teach you how to do using proportions. Your group will go out to the school yard and find the heights of different objects using the length of their shadows.

          From the “Planetary Proportions” activity you completed you should understand how to set up a direct proportion.  Here’s what you need to know to complete this assignment. Your height is proportional to the length of your shadow and the height of an object is proportional to the length of that object’s shadow. Using that information do the following:

 

Part 1:

In the space provided here show how you are going to set up your proportion. Bring it to Mr. Mier to have it checked before you go any further.

 

 

 

 

 

Part 2:

Find the heights of the following objects.

1.        one of the posts of the tennis court fence

2.      one of the posts of the large backstop by the driveway

3.      the awning on the back of the building

4.     the tree with the red ribbon around it

5.      the garage near the track

Show all of your calculations and your proportion setup on another sheet of paper. Clearly label which object you are doing. Use proper units.

 

Hints

Make all measurements in centimeters

Each time you start a new object redo the length of your shadow. As the sun moves, so will the length of your shadow. It might only be one or two centimeter, but that can throw your answer way off.

You are being graded on accuracy. Due before you leave today. Attach work to this paper when you turn it in.