Students will measure the Earth’s circumference based on Eratosthenes’ experiment, which was the first accurate measurement of the Earth's circumference in 3rd century B.C.
The experiment requires measuring the shadow length of a vertical stick, and using simple trigonometry to calculate the angle of the Sun. By using either data from another school, or from an 'imaginary location' where the Sun is directly overhead, the circumference of the Earth can be calculated.
The experiment can, in principle, be performed at any time of year, but to link with other schools as part of the Eratosthenes Experiment Europe-wide activity, and enter associated competitions and prize draws, please visit eratosthenes.ea.gr.
Educational Object Link