Clinometer Project
History:
The clinometer is a tool used by plumbers, surveyors, miners, skiers, artillery gunners, sailors, foresters, and chiropractors to measure angles of elevation and to determine slopes using gravity.
Although the clinometer was invented in 1889 by William B. Melick, it is still used today to measure the heights of objects that are difficult or cannot be directly measured.
Purpose:
Working in groups of three, you will make your own clinometer and indirectly measure the heights of three objects on the Fort Collins High School campus using three separate methods.
You are to find the heights of the

FCHS tower

Music building (North end of the school)
 Flagpole (West side roundabout)
Materials Needed:
Clinometer (one per group of three)
Outdoor Measuring Tape (longer than 10 feet)
Mirror
Data Sheets
Pencil
Calculator
Instructions: Calculate the heights of the three objects listed above using the methods below:
Method 1: Trigonometry – Use your clinometer to measure the angle of elevation.
Use this angle and right triangle trigonometry to indirectly measure each of the three objects.
Method 2:
45º-45º-90º – Use your clinometer to measure an exact 45º angle of elevation to indirectly measure each of the three objects.
Method 3: Similar Triangles – Use shadows or a mirror to indirectly measure the height of each of the three objects. You do not use the clinometer for this method.
Requirements:

Completed data sheet with all work shown.

Drawings with all measurements and calculations shown and neatly labeled .

A typed report with detailed justification for each of the three methods used to indirectly measure the three objects. You must include a detailed explanation of how you and your partners calculated the heights and the rules, postulates, or theorems that apply to each method.

A summary report explaining which method you and your partners think is the most accurate method of indirect measurement and why .
 Title Page with name, class period, date

Scoring Rubric: You MUST attach this form to your project.
Points Above Average
Data Sheets (72)
Diagrams and calculations are clear, complete, and accurate.
9 individual pictures with measurements
(8 points each)
Diagrams labeled (2)
Calculations accurate, within 3 feet of actual
(6)
Average
Diagrams and calculations are mostly understandable, but may contain minor errors.
Diagrams labeled (2)
Calculations mostly accurate, within 3 to 6 feet of actual (4)
Below Average
Diagrams and calculations are understandable, but contain major errors.
Diagrams labeled (1)
Calculations inaccurate, greater than 6 feet of actual (2)
Poor
Diagrams and calculations are inaccurate, incomplete, and unclear. Major elements are missing.
Diagrams labeled (0)
Calculations missing
(0)
Clinometer (8)
Device is calibrated, accurate, and attached.
(8)
Device is not calibrated and is inaccurate, but attached. (5)
Device is not attached.
(0)
Reports (20)
4 sections of the report
(5 points each)
TOTAL (100)
Geometric language is used appropriately and correctly. Postulates and theorems are used accurately to explain the methods.
Trigonometry (5)
45-45-90 (5)
Similar Triangles (5)
Summary of most accurate method (5)
Most geometric language is used appropriately and correctly. Most postulates and theorems are used accurately to explain the methods.
Geometric language is not used or is misused.
Some postulates and/or theorems are used accurately to explain methods.
No geometric language is used. Postulates and/or theorems are not used correctly to explain methods.
Trigonometry (4)
45-45-90 (4)
Similar Triangles (4)
Summary of most accurate method (4)
Trigonometry (2)
45-45-90 (2)
Similar Triangles (2)
Summary of most accurate method (2)
Trigonometry (0)
45-45-90 (0)
Similar Triangles (0)
Summary of most accurate method (0)
Clinometer Project Due Date: _______________________

Clinometer Project DRAFT
1.
45º-45º-90º Method
2. Trigonometry Method
3. Similar Triangles Method
Calculations:
FCHS Tower
Calculations:
Calculations:

Clinometer Project DRAFT
4.
45º-45º-90º Method
5. Trigonometry Method
6. Similar Triangles Method
Calculations:
Music Building
Calculations:
Calculations:

Clinometer Project DRAFT
7.
45º-45º-90º Method
8. Trigonometry Method
9. Similar Triangles Method
Calculations:
Flagpole
Calculations:
Calculations:

Clinometer Project FINAL
1.
45º-45º-90º Method
2. Trigonometry Method
3. Similar Triangles Method
Calculations:
FCHS Tower
Calculations:
Calculations:

Clinometer Project FINAL
4.
45º-45º-90º Method
5. Trigonometry Method
6. Similar Triangles Method
Calculations:
Music Building
Calculations:
Calculations:

Clinometer Project FINAL
7.
45º-45º-90º Method
8. Trigonometry Method
9. Similar Triangles Method
Calculations:
Flagpole
Calculations:
Calculations: