Curated OER
Two Triangles' Area
Need an activity for teaching the Pythagorean Theorem? Geometry juniors apply the Pythagorean theorem to two triangles to determine a final calculation.
5280 Math
Pythagorean Triples
From Pythagorean triples to the unit circle. Learners use the Pythagorean Theorem to find Pythagorean triples and then relate their work to the unit circle in a fun algebra project. Their discovery that x^2+y^2 is always equal to one on...
Teach Engineering
Stay in Shape
Using their knowledge of right triangles, pupils find out how far a ship is from a light house. Class members determine how far around the world a ship would be sailing at a constant speed.
Curated OER
Explaining the equation for a circle
By first starting with an explicit example of a radius and center point, this challenging lesson tries to help high schoolers gain an understanding of the Pythagorean theorem and the equation of a circle. Once they have accomplished the...
Teach Engineering
Catching the Perfect SAR Waves!
Zero in on an interesting resource involving radar technology. Groups construct a radar sensing unit and learn to calibrate the system. Using the radar system and the Pythagorean Theorem, they calculate distances between objects.
Curated OER
Narrow Corridor
Buying a new sofa? Learn how to use the Pythagorean Theorem, as well as algebra and graphing techniques, to determine whether the sofa will fit around a corner (which I'm sure you'll agree is a very important consideration!).
Illustrative Mathematics
Eratosthenes and the Circumference of the Earth
The class gets to practice being a mathematician in ancient Greece, performing geometric application problems in the way of Eratosthenes. After following the steps of the great mathematicians, they then compare the (surprisingly...
Curated OER
Task: Grain Storage
Farming is full of mathematics, and it provides numerous real-world examples for young mathematicians to study. Here, we look at a cylinder-shaped storage silo that has one flat side. Given certain dimensions, students need to determine...
Curated OER
Access Ramp
Just about every public building that your students are familiar with has an access ramp which complies with ADA requirements. As it turns out, designing such a ramp is an excellent activity to incorporate slope, the Pythagorean Theorem,...
DiscoverE
Build a Cable-Stayed Bridge
Large or small, bridges are architectural wonders! Construct a large-scale cable-stayed bridge during a whole class project. Scholars work in groups to erect the towers, build the roadway, and secure the cables of their very own bridges....
Noyce Foundation
Between the Lines
Explore linear and square dimensions by comparing areas of similar figures. A creative set of five activities designed for elementary through high school classes asks young scholars to compare areas of specific polygons. The first two...
Illustrative Mathematics
The Lighthouse Problem
Long considered the symbol of safe harbor and steadfast waiting, the lighthouse gets a mathematical treatment. The straightforward question of distance to the horizon is carefully presented, followed by a look into the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Extensions, Bisections and Dissections in a Rectangle
Gaining practice in translating a verbal description into a diagram and then an equation is the real point of this similar triangles exercise. Once the diagram is drawn, multiple methods are provided to reach the conclusion. An effective...
Curated OER
T Points from Directions
Here is a lesson plan that starts with having geometers translate points using compass directions into an accurate picture of the problem. Then they must use their knowledge of the Pythagorean theorem or similar triangles to solve. This...
5280 Math
Triangle Area Patterns
Combine algebraic and geometric strategies to find solutions. The task asks learners to find the coordinates of a third vertex of a triangle to create a triangle with a specific area. The project is a set of seven problems that...
Curated OER
Is This a Rectangle?
How do you show that something is a rectangle? This activity starts with four coordinate points and asks young geometers to explain whether they create a rectangle. Knowledge from both geometry and algebra come into play here, as well...
Curated OER
Task: Miniature Golf
"Fore!" All right, no one really yells this out in miniature golf, but this well-defined activity will have your charges using lots of numbers in their unique design of a miniature golf hole. Included in the activity criteria is the...
Illustrative Mathematics
Doctor's Appointment
Geometric volume calculations are brought into the real world in a quick set of application problems. Learners are asked to help a patient figure out how to drink a prescribed amount of water both at work and at home. This activity...
Curated OER
Task: Range of Motion
If you have ever injured your shoulder, you know it takes a while to improve your arm's range of motion. In this real-world example, young mathematicians gain insight into the world of physical therapy while they analyze a case study...
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Mc Dougal Littell Geometry: Converse of Pythagorean Theorem
Students can use the TI-84 Plus family with Cabri Jr. to determine if the converse of the Pythagorean Theorem is true.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Proof of the Pythagorean Theorem Using Transformations
In this activity, students will explore visual proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem using area and transformations. They will use the Cabri Jr. app to perform translations on the squares constructed on the two legs and the hypotenuse of a...
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Exploring the Pythagorean Theorem and Its Applications
Students discover the Pythagorean Theorem by exploring right triangles using Cabri Jr. They apply the Pythagorean Theorem to real-world problems. Also, students create a scatter plot of the data and find an equation that fits the data.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: Applying the Pythagorean Theorem
students can use the Pythagorean Theorem and distance formula to determine unknown measurements.
Texas Instruments
Texas Instruments: The Pythagorean Theorem and Classifying Triangles
Students can use the converse of the Pythagorean Theorem to predict a triangle's classification. The Cabri Jr. App on the TI-83+/84+ family will be used to create triangles and find their measurements. Adobe PDF lab worksheets are included.