Similar Triangles - History of STEM practicals - How Far Is That Boat?

Practical 6 in the History in STEM practical series.
In this practical, you will be using similar triangles to measure how far off distant objects are. This technique is believed to have been used in Ancient Greece and other locations for a number of reasons and is a very simple to conduct, group work activity where each member has defined roles, ensuring that participation is high. It can be used and adapted to teach a number of aspects of similar triangles, but as it is set up, would be a great introduction to the topic.

More about the History in STEM practical Series
This series is designed to bring quality cross-curricula material to STEM subjects, that help students to explore and discover phenomena normally taught, while getting a glimpse into the history of its development.
In addition, a number of the practicals give the students the opportunity to play “Mythbusters”, looking at a number of different methods and having to reason why one or the other was the more likely or useful method.
From Ancient Greece to Vikings, China to the Golden age of the Muslim empire and beyond to India, the series takes a look at some of the most important STEM achievements throughout history.
There is a plan for 40 of these such practicals in this series, so, if you liked this one, consider looking at some of the others, or check out some of the bundles available.

Other practicals in the series:

• Similar Triangles - History of STEM practicals - How Far Is That Boat?
• Water Alarm Clock - History of STEM practicals - Pressure and Displacement
• Viking Sunstones - History of STEM practicals - Refraction and Birefringence
• Pythagoras’ Cup - History of STEM practicals - Siphon
• Archimedes’ Eureka - History of STEM practicals - Density
• Measuring the World - History of STEM Practicals - Circumference of Circles