Hey Pythagoras! Help Me Understand Your Theorem! Lesson Plan Information | Lesson Plan Activities | Printable version (including handouts) (PDF)

Standard: Use Math to Solve Problems and Communicate Outcomes Students will demonstrate their knowledge of the Pythagorean Theorem by creating two problems based on real-life situations.

Classroom Information

GED Descriptors:      math , science Roles:      Family, Worker, Community Member Program Type(s)      ABE, GED, Family Literacy, Workforce Education, Urban, Rural, Corrections NRS Learner levels (ABE/GED)       4, 5, 6 Time frame:       Up to 5 classes Technology Integration Pythagorean Theorem Biography of Pythagoras Pythagorean Theory Webquest Pythagorean Theorem Using Pythagorean Theorem

Keywords

select any link below for a list of resources which also have that keyword Math > geometry Science > scientists/inventors Math Math > shapes

Standard: Use Math to Solve Problems and Communicate

Component of Performance How activity addresses component Understand, interpret, and work with pictures, numbers, and symbolic information. Students will solve problems using the Pythagorean Theorem and will use substitution to solve formulas. Apply knowledge of mathematical concepts and procedures to figure out how to answer a question, solve a problem, make a prediction, or carry out a task that has a mathematical dimension Students use calculators to solve problems with Pythagorean Theorem. Students will use problem-solving strategies to locate right triangles. Define and select data to be used in solving the problem Students select the appropriate numbers to substitute in the formula to solve the problem. Determine the degree of precision required by the situation Students use estimation to determine the place value to round to when using a calculator to find a square root. Solve problem using appropriate quantitative procedures and verify the results are reasonable Students estimate to determine if they have completed calculations correctly. Is the missing side an appropriate length? Students use calculators to check results. Communicate results using a variety of mathematical representations, including graphs, charts, tables, and algebraic models Students communicate results orally and demonstrate their understanding by designing problems with representations, etc.

Purposeful, Transparent, Building Expertise

Purposeful and Transparent Students work with the Pythagorean Theorem and real life uses of it throughout the entire lesson. Contextual The lesson emphasizes ways the Pythagorean Theorem is used in real life. Students internalize these ideas when they create their own problems. Building Expertise Students expand their knowledge of powers, roots, and right triangles as they complete the lesson. In addition the lesson increases problem solving skills as students work to find right triangles/Pythagorean Triples.

Lesson Designer Paula Mullet OLRC Math Consultant prmullet@att.net

We welcome your comments