Discussion Questions To settle the question of which mountain was taller, Ardito Desio used the same technique to measure both mountains. Explain how recent technology has improved the science of cartography. Name some ways the new techniques are similar to the old ones. Suggested Activities Give students five ice-cream sticks and have them measure the length of each stick to the nearest tenth of a centimeter. Then have them measure the length of a hallway, using the ice-cream sticks.
Students can calculate the average distance obtained.
Finally, have them compare their individual results and the class average with the distance measured with a tape measure. Have students make their own levels by stoppering a test tube filled with water. Be sure a bubble of air is trapped in the test tube. Mark the exact center of the length of the test tube. When the bubble lies under the mark, the level is perfectly horizontal.