The Shadow Knows II

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In this activity, learners will measure the length of a shadow and use the distance from the equator to calculate the circumference of the earth. Note: This experiment can only be done at solar noon twice a year; at the spring and autumnal equinox. These are the two times the sun is directly over the equator. You can do this experiment one or two days before or after the equinox to work around cloudy days. This resource includes a corollary story related to Christopher Columbus and his journey to India as well as winter and summer safety tips.

Quick Guide

Preparation Time:
Under 5 minutes
Learning Time:
10 to 30 minutes
Estimated Materials Cost:
1 cent - $1 per group of students
Age Range:
Ages 8 - 18
Resource Types:
Activity, Lesson/Lesson Plan
Language:
English

Materials List (per group of students)

  • Meter/yard stick or long dowel
  • Masking tape
  • String (at least twice as long as the stick)
  • Protractor
  • Globe or world atlas

Keywords

Subjects

  • Earth and Space Science
    • Earth Processes
      • Weather and Climate
    • Earth Structure
    • Earth, Moon and Sun
      • Seasons
  • Mathematics
    • Algebra
      • Equations and Inequalities
      • Variables and Expressions
    • Data Analysis and Probability
      • Data Analysis
      • Data Collection
    • Geometry
      • Plane Geometry
      • Solid Geometry
    • Measurement
      • Size and Scale
      • Circles
    • Number and Operations
  • The Nature of Technology
    • The Design Process
      • Problem Solving
  • Physical Sciences
    • Vibration and Waves
      • Light and Optics
    • Light and Optics
      • Reflection and Refraction
      • Sunlight and Color
    • Motion and Forces
      • Rotation Motion
  • The Nature of Science
    • The Scientific Process
      • Conducting Investigations
      • Gathering Data
      • Formulating Explanations

Informal Categories

  • Nature and Environment
  • Outdoor Activity

Audience

To use this activity, learners need to:

  • see
  • read
  • be mobile
  • touch

Learning styles supported:

  • Involves hands-on or lab activities

Other

This resource is part of:

Access Rights:

  • Free access

By:

Rights:

  • All rights reserved, National Weather Service,