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How to identify cardinal directions with a stick and shadow
Contributed by: Roe
  • 1. What is the first step in using the stick and shadow method?
A) Place a stick vertically in the ground.
B) Find a compass.
C) Determine the date and time.
D) Measure the height of the stick.
  • 2. When is the shadow shortest during the day?
A) Solar noon
B) Sunrise
C) Sunset
D) Mid-afternoon
  • 3. What direction does the initial shadow tip point to?
A) East
B) West
C) North
D) South
  • 4. What direction does the shadow tip point to later in the day?
A) West
B) East
C) North
D) South
  • 5. What do you do after marking the first shadow tip?
A) Immediately mark the opposite direction.
B) Measure the length of the shadow.
C) Take the stick out of the ground.
D) Wait 15-30 minutes and mark the new shadow tip.
  • 6. What does the line connecting the two marks represent?
A) The sun's path
B) The stick's height
C) The North-South line
D) The East-West line
  • 7. Which direction is on the right when facing East?
A) East
B) South
C) North
D) West
  • 8. What is the shadow tip closest to at solar noon?
A) South
B) West
C) East
D) North
  • 9. The stick and shadow method works best on a...
A) Snowy Day
B) Cloudy Day
C) Sunny Day
D) Rainy Day
  • 10. What happens if the stick isn't perfectly vertical?
A) The results will be inaccurate.
B) It will not affect the results.
C) It will only affect the East-West line.
D) The shadow will disappear.
  • 11. Why should you wait 15-30 minutes between shadow marks?
A) To allow for noticeable shadow movement.
B) To get a more precise solar noon reading.
C) To allow the stick to settle.
D) To let the ground warm up.
  • 12. What is solar noon?
A) The time when shadows disappear.
B) The time the sun rises.
C) The time when the sun is at its highest point.
D) The time the sun sets.
  • 13. Is this method more or less accurate closer to the equator?
A) Only works in polar regions
B) Accuracy is unaffected by location.
C) Less Accurate
D) More Accurate
  • 14. What can be used to draw a straight line between the shadow marks?
A) Only a ruler.
B) Any straight object.
C) Nothing, it must be eyeballed.
D) Only a compass.
  • 15. Once the East-West line is drawn, how do you find North and South?
A) Use a compass.
B) Extend the East-West line.
C) Draw a perpendicular line to the East-West line.
D) Measure the angle of the sun.
  • 16. What time of day is least accurate to find direction?
A) Late Afternoon
B) Anytime is equally accurate
C) Midday
D) Near Sunrise or Sunset
  • 17. What should you do if the initial shadow is too long to fit on your available surface?
A) Wait for the sun to move further.
B) Find a larger surface.
C) It is impossible to perform the measurement
D) Use a shorter stick.
  • 18. Why does the stick and shadow method work?
A) Based on magnetic fields.
B) Based on the stick's properties.
C) Based on atmospheric pressure.
D) Based on the sun's apparent movement across the sky.
  • 19. What materials are needed for the stick and shadow method?
A) A compass, a ruler, and a protractor.
B) A stick, a flat surface, and something to mark with.
C) A GPS device and a map.
D) Specialized equipment is required.
  • 20. How accurate is the stick and shadow method?
A) Relies on other instruments
B) More accurate than a compass.
C) Approximation, not precise navigation.
D) Extremely Precise.
  • 21. What happens if you mark the shadow tips too close together in time?
A) The line will be too short to accurately determine direction.
B) The stick will fall over.
C) The line will be too long.
D) The results will be more accurate.
  • 22. Where should you place the stick to avoid any shadows from nearby objects?
A) In an open area with no obstructions.
B) Near a tall building.
C) It does not matter.
D) In a shaded area.
  • 23. What is the best surface for this method?
A) Flat, even ground.
B) Water.
C) Sand.
D) Uneven Ground.
  • 24. If the two shadow tip markings are very close together, it will cause...
A) The shadow will disappear.
B) The North-South line will be easier to determine.
C) More accuracy in finding East-West line.
D) Less accuracy in finding East-West line.
  • 25. Can the stick and shadow method be used at night?
A) No
B) Yes, if there is a full moon.
C) Yes, but requires specific equipment
D) Yes, with a flashlight.
  • 26. For best results, use a stick that is:
A) Curved
B) Bent
C) Flexible
D) Straight
  • 27. The stick and shadow method shows a rough estimate for what cardinal directions?
A) Only North and South.
B) Only North.
C) Only East and West.
D) All four: North, South, East and West
  • 28. Can you perform this technique indoors?
A) Yes, if the room is large enough.
B) No, sunlight is required.
C) Yes, but it is more difficult.
D) Yes, if using artificial light.
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