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.

Concepts

pythagorean theorem, triangles, right triangles, radians, navigation, technology resources

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Additional Tags

pythagorean theorem, triangles

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Instructional Ideas

• Provide a mini-lesson and practice on the Pythagorean Theorem
• Use the demonstration of wrapping a radius around a circle to help explain the concept of a radian

Classroom Considerations

• Assumes the class knows the properties of isosceles right triangles

Pros

• Contains a worksheet that steps learners through the work
• Provides suggestions to scale up the activity for older classes

Cons

• None

Common Core

8.G.B.7 HSG-SRT.C.8