Teacher Note: This lesson should not be used as an introduction to a unit on Pythagorean Theorem. Students need a basic understanding of right triangles and Pythagorean Theorem.
Learning Outcome
Use the Pythagorean relationship to calculate the measure of the third side of a right triangle, given the other two sides in 2-D applications.
CONNECT
Goal: Students will investigate and apply the Pythagorean Theorem using a triangle created in a real life situation. Students will develop a visual connection with the application of the theory.
Task: Students generate word problems using pictures, words, and symbols relating to a video example.
Key Words: Square Number, Perfect Square, Square Root, Leg, Hypotenuse, Pythagorean Theorem, Pythagorean Triple.
Activate Prior Knowledge: Look at the following triangles. Discuss how can you identify the hypotenuse and the legs of a right triangle.
Ask students to think of a time when they have used Pythagorean Theorem in a real life situation. (ie. Calculating the size of a television screen)
PROCESS
Predict and Question: View the following video clip, then with A/B partners, predict how the Pythagorean Theorem would apply to this real life situation. Students will share their predictions. (Note: Students can view the clip more than once to validate their predictions.)
Videos
.gif)
Click above to view video in Mac OSX (Quicktime)
(Video Length: 1 min)
Click above to view video in Windows (Media Player)
(Video Length: 1 min)
Reminder: It is important to remind students that any side of the triangle can be the unknown in the problem.
Videos
Click above to view video in Mac OSX (Quicktime)
(Video Length: 1 min)
Click above to view video in Windows (Media Player)
(Video Length: 1 min)
TRANSFORM
Students generate word problems using pictures, words, and symbols relating to the video example.
A/B Partners - Student partner groups trade their word problems with other partner groups and solve problems.
REFLECT
When can you use the Pythagorean Theorem to solve a problem? Use examples in your explanation.
Extend learning or next lesson
Students can find examples of right triangles in the local community to present to the class. The presentation can take many forms such as collages/videos/photographs/drawings, etc. Students use the visual connection in order to apply the Pythagorean Theorem.