Estimating Tree Height

Purpose:

To use linear measurement, To calculate height, To use calculators, To apply estimation skills.

Season:

All

Materials:

Yardsticks, pencil, paper, clipboard, string (optional), and calculator (optional)

TEKS:

4.2A,B,C,D 4.4A,B

Procedure:

1. On a sunny day hold one yardstick perpendicular to the ground and measure the length of its shadow.

2. Measure the length of the shadow of the tree.

Solve this ratio:

Shadow of tree = Shadow of yardstick
Height of tree = Height of yardstick

3. Take measurements from several trees.

4. After calculating the height of several trees, estimate the height of other trees. (You might want to collect the measurements while at Miller Springs, then complete the calculations at school using calculators.)

(Because of the terrain, you might want to stretch a piece of string the length of the shadows, then measure the string.)

Questions:

Would the time of day affect the final results for tree height?
Why would you want to know the height of a tree?