Introduction
This webquest will take you on an exploratory journey to learn about one of the most famous mathematical theorem of all time, the Pythagorean Theorem. You will learn who Pythagoras is, what the theorem says, and use the formula to solve real-world problems.
Task
Your task is to work with a partner to discover the Pythagorean Theorem by using an inquiry based model. Along the way, you will learn about Pythagoras and his contribution to man-kind. You will be able to identify different parts of a right triangle. Also, you will be able to describe and define the Pythagorean Theorem. Your final goal is to apply the Pythagorean Theorem to solve real-world problems.
As you complete this WebQuest, you will record your findings for each activity in your math journal. At the conclusion of your WebQuest, your journal will be graded according to the rubric.
So, get ready, you’re about to embark on this exciting and informative mathmatical journey!
Process
Activity 1: Who is Pythagoras?
a) Watch the video below and research the history of Pythagoras.
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdMXjJunb1o width:500 height:300 align:center]
b) Then see the links below
http://www.math.wichita.edu/history/Men/pythagoras.html
http://quatr.us/greeks/science/math/pythagoras.htm
c) Answer the following 3 questions and record your answer in your math journal under WebQuest Activity 1.
1) Write down 5 facts about Pythagoras.
2) What was one of Pythagoras’ contributions to society?
3) What is the formula for the Pythagorean Theorem?
Activity 2: Parts of a Right Triangle
a) Watch the Video below:
[video:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhFjfCdG61Y align:center]
Follow the three links below to learn more about the different types of triangles and the different parts of a right triangle.
http://www.mathwarehouse.com/geometry/triangles/triangle-types.php
http://www.geom.uiuc.edu/~demo5337/Group3/rttri.html
Now, define the following vocabulary words and draw an illustration for each one. Remember to record your answers in your math journal .
- right triangle
- legs of a right triangle
- hypotenuse
- isosceles triangle
- scalene triangle
- equilateral triangle
Activity 3: Explore the Pythagorean Theorem
Research the following websites and youtube video to explore the Pythagorean Theorem:
http://www.purplemath.com/modules/pythagthm.htm
http://www.mathsisfun.com/pythagoras.html
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nbopLhP4kpo
Now, it's your turn to practice using the Pythgorean Theorem to find the length of a missing side of a right triangle. Click on the following Pythagorean Explorer link and start your activity. When you're finished, check your answers. You need to solve at least 5 problems correctly from each level to move on the next task, a five question quiz.
http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/PythagoreanExplorer/
Then, take a five question multiple-choice quiz from Glencoe Math with self-checking.
What was your Pythagorean Activity score?__________________
What was your quiz score?_______________________
Evaluation
| Criteria |
Score 1 |
Score 2 |
Score 3 |
Score 4 |
Conclusion
Congratulations for completing the Pythagorean Theorem WebQuest! I hoped you have enjoyed this journey and learned something new about this powerful and useful theorem that was discovered by Pythagoras.
If you would like to learn more, please check out these websites:
1) The Pythagorean Triple: https://www.mathsisfun.com/pythagorean_triples.html
2) The Converse of the Pythagorean Theorem: http://www.basic-mathematics.com/converse-of-the-pythagorean-theorem.html
3) Pythagorean Theorem Jeopardy Game: http://www.math-play.com/Pythagorean-Theorem-Jeopardy/Pythagorean-Theorem-Jeopardy.html