Help replicating Eratosthenes' experiment

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In summary, the students want to make an experiment to see if the earth is round or not. They need a stick, the sun, and a foreigner to do it with them at the same time and place. They also want to practice their english.
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rude man said:
BTW this is a good opportunity to remind any who need it or who lived in ignorance thus far that the roundness of the Earth was known WELL before Columbus! (about 1700 years before!)
Furthermore, Columbus' detractors at the time said he could not succeed because it was much too far. Had the Americas been another few days of sailing away mutiny would have put an end to matters.
 
<h2>1. What was Eratosthenes' experiment?</h2><p>Eratosthenes' experiment was a scientific experiment conducted in ancient Greece to determine the circumference of the Earth. He used the angle of the sun's rays at two different locations and simple geometry to calculate the Earth's circumference.</p><h2>2. What materials are needed to replicate Eratosthenes' experiment?</h2><p>To replicate Eratosthenes' experiment, you will need a measuring tool (such as a protractor or ruler), a vertical stick, a level surface, and a clear day with a bright sun.</p><h2>3. How do you conduct Eratosthenes' experiment?</h2><p>To conduct Eratosthenes' experiment, place the vertical stick in the ground and measure its shadow at noon. Then, measure the distance between the two locations and use the angle of the sun's rays to calculate the Earth's circumference using the formula: circumference = (distance between locations) / (tangent of the angle of the sun's rays).</p><h2>4. What are the limitations of replicating Eratosthenes' experiment?</h2><p>There are several limitations to replicating Eratosthenes' experiment. These include the accuracy of the measuring tools, the weather conditions, and the difficulty of measuring the exact distance between the two locations.</p><h2>5. Why is replicating Eratosthenes' experiment important?</h2><p>Replicating Eratosthenes' experiment is important because it is a simple and effective way to demonstrate the Earth's spherical shape and to calculate its circumference. It also highlights the importance of scientific inquiry and critical thinking in understanding the world around us.</p>

1. What was Eratosthenes' experiment?

Eratosthenes' experiment was a scientific experiment conducted in ancient Greece to determine the circumference of the Earth. He used the angle of the sun's rays at two different locations and simple geometry to calculate the Earth's circumference.

2. What materials are needed to replicate Eratosthenes' experiment?

To replicate Eratosthenes' experiment, you will need a measuring tool (such as a protractor or ruler), a vertical stick, a level surface, and a clear day with a bright sun.

3. How do you conduct Eratosthenes' experiment?

To conduct Eratosthenes' experiment, place the vertical stick in the ground and measure its shadow at noon. Then, measure the distance between the two locations and use the angle of the sun's rays to calculate the Earth's circumference using the formula: circumference = (distance between locations) / (tangent of the angle of the sun's rays).

4. What are the limitations of replicating Eratosthenes' experiment?

There are several limitations to replicating Eratosthenes' experiment. These include the accuracy of the measuring tools, the weather conditions, and the difficulty of measuring the exact distance between the two locations.

5. Why is replicating Eratosthenes' experiment important?

Replicating Eratosthenes' experiment is important because it is a simple and effective way to demonstrate the Earth's spherical shape and to calculate its circumference. It also highlights the importance of scientific inquiry and critical thinking in understanding the world around us.

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