Measuring the Sun's Altitude Using A Student As the Shadow Stick
This method for measuring the Sun's altitude calls for having someone cast a shadow and then using string and a protractor measure the Sun's altitude above the horizon.
Making a triangle using a student to cast the shadow
  • Have a student stand so that their shadow is easily seen on the ground.

  • Have that student hold one end of a piece of string at the top of their head.

  • Bring the other end of the string to the end of the student's shadow and hold it firmly to the ground.
  • Measuring the Sun's Altitude
  • Place the protractor on the ground near the string, as shown, and measure the angle where the string crosses the protractor.
    This is the Sun's altitude.



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