Pythagorean Theorem

Introduction

Custom Search Link:

https://cse.google.com/cse/publicurl?cx=012854429860579589112:lcgzqjjfn_e

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

Custom Search Link:

https://cse.google.com/cse/publicurl?cx=012854429860579589112:lcgzqjjfn_e

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

Custom Search Link:

https://cse.google.com/cse/publicurl?cx=012854429860579589112:lcgzqjjfn_e

Activity 1: Who is Pythagoras?

Follow the two links and research the history of Pythagoras.

http://www.math.wichita.edu/history/Men/pythagoras.html

http://quatr.us/greeks/science/math/pythagoras.htm

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

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

http://www.virtualnerd.com/algebra-1/radical-expressions-equations/pythagorean-theorem/pythagorean-theorem-examples/hypotenuse-legs-right-triangle-definition

Now, define the following vocabulary words and draw an illustration for each one. Remember to record your answers in your math journal under WebQuest Activity 2.

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

https://www.khanacademy.org/math/cc-eighth-grade-math/cc-8th-geometry/cc-8th-pythagorean-theorem/v/pythagorean-theorem

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.

http://www.glencoe.com/sec/math/studytools/cgi-bin/msgQuiz.php4?isbn=1-57039-850-X&chapter=8&lesson=5

What was your Pythagorean Activity score?__________________

What was your quiz score?_______________________

Don't forget to record your scores in the math journal under WebQuest Activity 3.

Activity 4: Use the Pythagorean Theorem to Solve Real-World Problems

Now it's time to use what you have learned about the Pythagorean Theorem to solve 2 real-world problems. Click the following 2 links and see for yourself how the Pythagorean Theorem can be utilized to solve everyday math problems.

Solve the ladder problem: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/proof/puzzle/ladder.html

Here’s a baseball problem: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/proof/puzzle/baseball.html

Record your work and answer in your math journal under WebQuest Activity 4.

Activity 5: Reflection

Write a paragraph in your math journal under WebQuest Activity 5 explaining the Pythagorean Theorem and give an example how you can use it to solve real-life problems.

Evaluation

Custom Search Link:

https://cse.google.com/cse/publicurl?cx=012854429860579589112:lcgzqjjfn_e

Students' math journal will be graded according to the following rubric.

Criteria	4	3	2	1	Score
Completion	Students completed all the work.	Students completed most of the work.	Students completed some of the work.	Students completed little work.
Accuracy	Student's answers are at least 90% accurate.	Student's answers are between 80% to 89% accurate.	Student's answers are between 70% to 79% accurate.	Student's answers are between 60% or less accurate.
Understanding/ Reasoning	Student demonstrates superior understanding of the concept.	Student demonstrates good understanding of the concept.	Student shows some understanding of the concept.	Student shows little understanding of the concept.
Neatness	Student's work is clear and organized.	Student's work is clear but solution is not organized.	Student's writing is messy and solution is not organized.	Student's writing is scribbles and hard to read.
				Total Points Earned	/ 16

4= Excellent 3= Good 2= Fair 1 = Poor

15 - 16 = A

13 - 14 = B

11 - 12 = C

9 - 10 = D

0 - 8 = F

Conclusion

Custom Search Link:

https://cse.google.com/cse/publicurl?cx=012854429860579589112:lcgzqjjfn_e

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