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A clinometer, also called a declinometer or an inclinometer, is an instrument that measures vertical slope, usually the angle between the ground or the observer and a tall object. A simple, or fixed angle, clinometer requires plenty of room to walk back and forth when measuring object. A protractor clinometer lets you measure while standing in place, and is an easy-to-make version of the clinometers frequently used in astronomy, surveying, engineering, and forestry.

You will need:

    A protractor with a small hole on the centre spot or

    Print out of paper protractor (see below)

    Poster board or card board (can be from a box) to back the protractor

    20 cm or about 8 inches of string or strong cotton

    Weight - such as a metal nut, paper clips or a small piece of clay

    Glue and Scissors

    A straw

    Clear Tape

    Items marked with the red check are needed with either type of protractor.

Directions:

    If you are making a protractor, cut out the copy of the protractor.

    Get the piece of poster board or an empty box. Stick the paper protractor on top of the card and cut the joined pieces.

    Get the straw and tape it to the straight edge of your protractor that you made above.

    With your pen or pencil, poke a hole through the center of the protractor where it meets the straw. Push the string through the hole and tie a large knot on the other side so it won't pull through.

    Tie your weight to the other end of the string.