Pythagorean Theorem and Pythagoras

By using this webquest, students will be using research skills in addition to mathematic skills to learn about Pythagoras and his theory, appropriate titled, the Pythagorean Theorem.

The Pythagorean Theorem is one of the fundamental theorems of geometry. Pythagoras was one of the greatest mathematicians of his time and is most known for the Pythagorean Theorem. 

This webquest will teach you about Pythagoras, the Pythagorean Theorem, and real life situations that involve the use of the Pythagorean Theorem.  Once you have learned about Pythagoras and his theorem, you will have the chance to solve some problems using the Pythagorean Theorem. At the end of the webquest you will be given the challenge of figuring out how the Pythagorean Theorem can be used in a job that could be of interest to you and your partner.

Task

You and your partner will be given class time and computer lab time to complete this webquest. Your completed webquest will have 4 completed tasks that you will answer using a Word document or handwritten if you prefer.

The 4 tasks will include:

1.  Researching Pythagoras and his background.

2.  Watch demonstrations and read about the Pythagorean Theorem and Pythagoras.

3.  Practice what you know by applying your understanding of the Theorem to some problems.

4.  Discover how the Pythagorean Theorem is used in the "real world".

Be sure that your finished product has both you and your partner's name on it.

Process

TASK 1: 

Use the following links to research the biography of Pythagoras. You and your partner will write a report (should be about a page long) describing Pythagoras's background, family, ideas on the world, contributions to math, and other interesting facts.  Consider these questions when doing your research:

Where was he born?

What were his interests?

Were there factors going on in the time he lived that influenced his work?

http://james.fabpedigree.com/mathmen.htm#Pythagoras

http://9waysmysteryschool.tripod.com/sacredsoundtools/id13.html  

TASK 2:

The following are links that provide visual and written description of how the Pythagoreom Theorem works. After exploring these links, you and your partner will use your own words to describe how the theory works and which link helped you best understand the theorem and why. This should be about 6-8 sentences in paragraph form.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hTxqdyGjtsA&feature=related

https://www.mathsisfun.com/pythagoras.html

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2wTLZfQpWc

TASK 3:

Put your knowledge to the test!  Click on the first link and get some practice at applying the Pythagorean Theorem, then when you and your partner are ready, challenge yourself with the second link!  As you complete each problem, write them down along with all work.  This will be turned in with the rest of your project.  You must complete a minimum of 10 problems.

http://www.kidsnumbers.com/pythagorean-theorem-game.php Basic

http://www.shodor.org/interactivate/activities/PythagoreanExplorer/ More Challenging Problems

TASK 4:

One of your favourite questions is, "Ms. LeBlanc, when will I ever use this in real life?" Well the following links will show you jobs that use this theory! Wow! You and your partner will pick a job that is of interest to you both and write a paragraph describing the job and how you think the Pythagorean Theorem would be used.

http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/proof/puzzle/use.html

http://www.xpmath.com/careers/topicsresult.php?subjectID=3&topicID=9

The Rubric for this assignment is not available as a link and I cannot insert a picture of it... I will attach the file

You have explored a lot about the Pythagorean Theorem and put your skills to use!