Relevant topics
Simple level:
- triangles
- measurement
- scale diagrams
Intermediate:
Advanced
- sine rule for triangles
- uncertainty / margin of error
- accuracy
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Spot The Pot ...
This page is to discuss the first part of the activity.
The Setup
At one end of the room put a single table with a small pot on
it. Across the middle of the room put a row of tables. On one
table put a "spot". This can be a piece of paper taped down
on the table with a big black spot on it, or whatever.
| Table with pot | |
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| Barrier across room |
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| Table with spot | |
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| Students | |
The Challenge
Without crossing the row of tables, find the distance from the spot to the pot. You can use anything you would typically find in a house. Things like string, pencil, paper, ruler, tape measure, etc. What you can't use are things like theodolites,
sextants, or other exotic devices. The exercise is perfectly possible with a ruler, some string, paper, pencil, and a calculator. With care, the calculator isn't necessary.
Ideas ...
Before giving a "solution" I'd like to invite people to suggest ideas for solving this challenge. Edit this page to add your comments and ideas.
Musings ...
It's fairly well-known how to find the height of a tree on a sunny day.
Can we use something similar here?
An
enrichment activity