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Activity
for measuring heights using similar triangles.
Materials:
mirror, tape measure
You are going to be using a mirror to
measure the height of a tree (or any object).
When you see an
image in a mirror, two equal angles are formed (< 1 = < 2)
-- these angles are called the angles of incidence and reflection.
Using the
manipulative:
1. Work with a partner.
2. Place the mirror on the ground between you and the tree (or
object).
3. Move back from the mirror until you can see the top of the tree
(or object) in the mirror.
4. Measure and record the distance from your feet to the top of
the tree (or object) in the mirror.
5. Measure and record the distance from the top of the tree (or
object) in the mirror to the foot of the tree (or object).
6. Measure and record your height.
Use similar
triangles to determine the height of the tree.
(Idea adapted from a problem in McDougal
Littell Integrated Mathematics 2.)
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