Will a laser pointer and protractor work instead of a refractometer?

I'm doing a science project on the index of refraction and I'm going to find the index of refraction of different liquids and solids. My teacher said I could use a laser pointer and a protractor to find it but I'm not sure if that's what I should do.

You'll need some other common stuff like paper, possibly a level, and a table to work on.. but sure.
Links with illustrations below.
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