How big is that tree?


Do you know where to find the tallest tree in the world? 
Do you know how tall it is?

It is in Redwood National Park in California.
It is 364 feet tall--that is as tall as a 30 story building!

How do you suppose someone measured that tree? 
Do you think they climbed to the top and dropped a tape measure?

No.  They didn't climb the tree to measure it.  Scientists
and foresters have special tools to measure trees.
But we can measure a tree without special tools.
All we need is a measuring tape or yard stick
and a sunny day.

Directions:
  1. Measure the length of a tree's shadow.
  2. Next, stand next to the tree and have someone measure your shadow.
  3. Now, measure your exact height to find out how tall you are.
  4. You now have 3 measurements:
    • the length of the tree's shadow
    • the length of your shadow
    • your height
  5. (You may want to get out a calculator for this part. 
    But you can do it on paper if you'll just take the time.)
    Divide the length of the tree's shadow by the length of your shadow.
    Multiply the answer by your height.

    The formula reads like this:  Your Height times the Tree's Shadow divided by Your Shadow equals the Tree's Height

    Your Height (Tree's Shadow / Your Shadow)=Tree's Height

    This will tell you how tall the tree is!

                                   Another method:

 
Have a friend help you by holding up a yardstick
60 feet from the tree. Position yourself six feet
farther behind them, and getting close to the ground,
look where the top of the tree comes to on
your yardstick. Mark that point. The tree will be about 10 times
the height marked on the yardstick.