View a tree designed by Pythagoras. Pupils watch a video as a tree is built by using squares representing the side lengths of a right triangle, with each side of the squares becoming the side of another triangle. Learners come up with questions that can be answered from information from the video and devise a solution to their questions, confirming their answers along the way.

Concepts

square roots, area of squares, pythagorean theorem, pythagorean triples

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Instructional Ideas

• Provide class members with grid paper to allow them to try to recreate the tree

Classroom Considerations

• Does not actually require knowledge of the Pythagorean Theorem to complete
• Assumes the teacher has knowledge of Three Act Tasks

Pros

• Includes grid paper to show sizes
• Provides an engaging method to reveal the solution

Cons

• None

Common Core

8.EE.A.2 8.G.B.7