Pythagorean Theorem Project

INTRODUCTION

You have heard of the Pythagorean Theorem, and you know it can be used to find the missing side of a right triangle.  But does it always work? Why? And is there any use for it in real life?

In this lesson you will define the Pythagorean Theorem and use it to find the missing sides of right triangles which you draw.  You will also look at how the Pythagorean Theorem is useful today.

TASK
In this lesson you will discover how to write the Pythagorean Theorem as an algebraic equation, and when and how it can be used.  You will also draw three right triangles, measure two of the sides of each triangle, and use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the missing length.

PROCESS
(slide 1)
You are going to investigate the Pythagorean Theorem.

Go to the website listed below and record your answers to the following questions:
1)   What is the algebraic equation for the Pythagorean Theorem?
2)   What does the Pythagorean Theorem allow you to do?
3)   When can you use the Pythagorean Theorem?

Website:
          NOVA Pythagorean Theorem Puzzle
          http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/proof/puzzle/
         

(slide 2-3)
You've discovered how the Pythagorean Theorem works and when you can use it.  Now, let's look at how this knowledge might be helpful in real life!  Check out these websites:

They Pythagorean Theorem and Baseball
           http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/proof/puzzle/baseball.html
Breaking and Entering
           http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/proof/puzzle/ladder.htm

Now, let's see how you can apply what you've learned about the Pythagorean Theorem.

On slides 2-3 demonstrate your understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem in 2 ways:
A.  Draw a diagram showing the Pythagorean Theorem. (slide 2)
B.  Write an explanation of the Pythagorean Theorem. (slide 3)


(slide 4-6)
Draw 3 different right triangles on three separate slides.  Give a measurement to 2 of the sides of each triangle and label in correct units.  Use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the third sides of each triangle. You must solve for the hypotenuse in at least one of your triangles. Show your work!

(slide 7)

Explain in your own words how to find the length of a right triangle when two sides lengths are given.

(slide 8)

Give an example of how the Pythagorean Theorem might be used in real life.

EVALUATION
Click here for Pythagorean Theorem Rubric

*go to dropbox.com to save your project.
username: nwaligura@gunterisd.org
password: waligura