Shadow Lab

By:Mariana Jones,Marie Talento, and Kanijah

Smith

What We Measured
We measured multiple things for our Shadow Lab. In
this case, we measured a light poles shadow, a meter
sticks shadow, and our own shadows. We used
centimeters to measure.

Our Answer
The lights shadow was roughly 976 centimeters. The
rulers shadow was roughly 210 centimeters. The ruler
is 100 centimeters tall. To calculate the height of the
light, we used the Indirect Measurement Method, its
where you use math to find the height of things. The
shadows vs. the height of the thing projecting the
shadow created the shape of a triangle. The ruler and
the light were similar triangles. We used a
proportional equation to find the height of the light.

Our Answer (Continued)

x over 976 = 100 over 210
^ light
^ ruler
x represents the unknown height of the light, 100
represents the height of the ruler. 976 represents the
shadow of the light. 210 represents the shadow of the
ruler. To figure out x, we have to find a way to make
these fractions proportional. We did that by doing the
cross multiplication method, 100 976 = 97600 210 =
(roughly) 464.8. The height of the light is 464.8 cent.

Similar Triangles
Similar triangles are like but not exact triangles. They
have the same angles but are not the same size. The
corresponding angles are equal as well as the sides are
proportional. This method of Indirect Measurement
works because 2 similar triangles are proportional. So,
to find out the length of a side of a triangle, you can
just look at a triangle similar to it.

Tech Savvy
We used the pillar Tech Savvy in our math project by
using the Google Chromebooks and the Google
presentation, to make a presentation for this whole project
in measurement. We also have been using a little
calculating with calculator to find the answer for a lot of long
division problems and to make sure we made the right
answer so we dont make a mistake in calculation.

Critical Thinking
When we had all of our gathered information, at first
our group didnt know what to with it. Then, we
applied our knowledge about Similar Figures, Similar
Triangles, and The Indirect Measurement Method. We
figured out ways to solve the task at hand.

Partnerships/Leadership
During this project, we used the pillar Building
Partnerships/Shared Leadership. We all worked
together to figure out the math. We all worked hard to
finish the project. As we worked we used teamwork
and helped each other figure out the problems so that
we could all learn and succeed.

Common Core Practice

An architect could use this method to find out the how
tall a building was, no matter how big. To find out how
tall a building is, there is a formula you could use. Its
just that you have to always measure in centimeters.
100 cm (height) over shadow = height over shadow.
You must always format your proportional
equations like this to get the right answer. While
solving the answer, we got an answer of 800
centimeters. This, to us, wasnt realistic. That is 8
meter sticks. We soon found out our error and got a

Common Core Prac Cont.

realistic answer.