Tutor most be from US California San Diego

In this project you will build a simple instrument called an Inclinometer.  An inclinometer that is used to measure the elevations of the Sun and stars, specifically, is called a Sextant.  You will eventually use your inclinometer to measure the heights of trees, buildings, and alien spacecraft (if you see one).  You will also use it as a sextant, to measure the changing elevation of the Sun and other celestial objects.

Instructions for building the inclinometer can be found in Inclinometer.pdf.  Your pointing stick does not have to look exactly like the one in the instructions.  A ruler or any straight stick will work fine.  Here is a pic of a former student’s inclinometer: inclinometer/sextant.jpg. Just copy that one if you like.

If you don’t want to buy a plastic protractor, just print one out here Protractor.png, and stick it to a piece of cardboard.

The string needs to hang straight and not cover up more than two degree-marks, so don’t use anything too thick.  Christmas ribbon is too thick.  Think THIN.  Use sewing thread or fishing line.  The weight needs to be heavy enough to pull the string tight.

One point off for every week late.  You have the option to turn in this project any day before Tue Feb 6, so if you wait until the last day and you have some kind of emergency, you start losing points.  You gambled, you lost, you pay the price.