Activity Overview
In this activity, students understand how to use the Laws of Reflection to find the heights of objects. They also gain an understanding of a rational function.
Before the Activity
Set up the calculator for data collection
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print pages 199 - 205 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the pages to the class.
Follow the Activity procedures:
Tape one paper strip with 10 cm markings on the wall, and another on the floor, perpendicular to the first
Draw a square in the center of a mirror and place the mirror on the floor such that the center of the square is 20 cm from the wall
Record the position of the spotter when he sees the reflected image of the marking on the wall in the mirror
Enter the height on the wall and the distance data as a list
Set up a scatter plot
Find a rational function to calculate the height of the student
Determine where the spotter will have to stand to see the top of a classmate's head
After the Activity
Students will complete the Data Collection and Analysis page and answer questions.
Review student results:
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary