Activity 1

Determining the width of a river

OBJECTIVE: To be able to measure the approximate width of a river
MATERIALS: Three sticks, measuring tape
LEVEL: Lower to upper
SETTING: River bank
TIME ALLOTMENT: One hour

Activity:
To measure the width of a river (see picture below) locate a tree or landmark on the other side of the river. (A) Place one stick on the side (B) opposite the tree, and walk along the shore at right angles to AB. Walk 100 steps and place another stick. (C) Walk 50 more steps and place another stick (D). Turn away from the river at (D) and walk at right angles to DB. When C and A are sighted in a straight line, mark E. DE is one-half the distance across the river. Pace the distance. Double for the full distance across the river AB. Repeat several times along a mile of the river. Average all measurements for the approximate width of the river.