Measuring the Size of the Earth

Kéyah Math Project development team: Nancy Zumoff, Christopher Schaufele, Steven Semken, Tracy Perkins, Lynn Onken, Philippe Laval, David Gonzales, and Andrew Becenti (deceased).
Kéyah Math Project directed by Steven Semken , Arizona State University; and Christopher Schaufele and Nancy Zumoff, Professors of Mathematics, Emeritus.
Archived at Arizona State University School of Earth and Space Exploration.

This activity is part of the On the Cutting Edge Peer Reviewed Teaching Activities collection. (view details)

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Scientific Accuracy
Alignment of Learning Goals, Activities, and Assessments
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Initial Publication Date: June 30, 2008 | Reviewed: July 11, 2017 (see revision history: 2 events)

Summary

In this activity, students explore the method used by Eratosthenes to estimate the circumference of the earth. After engaging with the geometry and data Eratosthenes used, students compute the radius and volume of the Earth.

Click here to view the full activity on the Kéyah Math Project website.

Mathematics | College Introductory, College Lower (13-14)

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Learning Goals

Objectives

Learn how Eratosthenes used geometry to estimate the circumference of the Earth.

Use the circumference to compute the radius and volume of the Earth.

Mathematical Skills

Use the geometry of a circle (radius and circumference) and a sphere (volume).

Calculate interior angles.

Context for Use

This activity consists of a set of quantitative problem-solving exercises that can be used as an in-class activity or an assignment in any introductory geology, geography, or Earth and space science course.

Description and Teaching Materials

Click here to view the full activity on the Kéyah Math Project website.

Teaching Notes and Tips

An Instructor's Guide to all Kéyah Math activities is available online from the Instructor Resources page on the Kéyah Math website.

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Assessment

Students record their work and answers in a word-processor document or a notebook, which can be submitted to the instructor for assessment. Solutions to these problems are available online from the Instructor Resources page on the Kéyah Math website.

References and Resources

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