Sixty-one ways to measure the height of a building: an introduction to experimental practices

We created an introductory physics activity for undergraduate students, consisting of measuring the same physical quantity by different methods. This allows us to confront students with questions of uncertainty, precision, and model versus theory. The aim was to measure the height of a building using only a smartphone and everyday low-cost equipment. We designed 61 methods to do so and tested most of them. These methods can be implemented in various pedagogical scenarios, engaging students in concrete tasks that are outside the lab and easily set up at almost zero cost.