Education Technology


The Closer I Get to You

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