A Modern Day Pythagorean
Adventure
A Mathematical Webquest
By Mrs. J. Allbee
Introduction:
Students
are always asking their math teachers, “When are we ever going to use
this?” Well, you are actually going to
discover how one particular theorem can be used in the ‘real’ world. You will be solving a problem using the
Pythagorean Theorem to a situation that you create.
Task:
To create your
application problem of the Pythagorean Theorem, you will complete the following
steps:
Find facts
about Pythagoras
Go through a
mini lesson of the Pythagorean Theorem
Practice using
the Pythagorean Theorem to solve problems
Use the
Pythagorean Theorem to solve a real world application
Create a
situation in real life that would use the Pythagorean Theorem
Sketch a
picture of the problem you're trying to solve and solve it
2. What is the Pythagorean
Theorem? When is it used? Also,
make sure you
can
identify the different parts of a right triangle.
3. Now that you know
what the Pythagorean Theorem is and how to apply it, try some practice problems.
Put the problems, solutions and your work on a piece of notebook paper.
4. The
Pythagorean Theorem can also be used for everyday life. See how it can be used in baseball. Complete the problems and put the solutions
on the notebook paper to be turned in.
5. Now
it is your turn to come up with a situation that uses the Pythagorean
Theorem. Make sure your situation has
all the components needed to be able to apply the Pythagorean Theorem. Create a problem for your situation that
needs to be solved using the Pythagorean Theorem. Sketch a drawing of the situation and label
all the parts including the right angle and the unknown side. Include the solution to your problem.
Evaluation:
|
|
Beginning 1 |
Developing 2 |
Accomplished 3 |
Exemplary 4 |
Score |
|
Identify three facts about Pythagoras |
Unable
to identify any facts |
Able to
identify one fact |
Able to
identify two facts |
Able to
identify three facts |
|
|
State
the Pythagorean Theorem, identify and define its parts, and state when it can
be used |
Unable
to state the theorem, identify any parts, or any time it can be used |
Able to
state the theorem |
Able to
state the theorem and identify and define its parts |
Able to
state the theorem, identify and define parts, and know when it can be used |
|
|
Complete
practice problems and application problems |
Unable
to complete any problems |
Able to
complete 50% of practice problems and 0% of application problems |
Able to
complete 100% of practice problems and 50% of application problems |
Able to
complete 100% of both practice problems and application problems |
|
|
Create a
realistic problem, sketch problem and solve the problem |
Unable
to create a problem |
Able to
create a realistic problem, but sketch and solution are incorrect |
Able to
create a realistic problem, sketch the problem correctly, but solution is
incorrect |
Able to
create a realistic problem, sketch the problem correctly, and solve the
problem correctly |
|
Conclusion:
I
hope you have realized that the Pythagorean Theorem is a useful theorem that
has many applications for today. I also
hope you had fun creating your own application problem. As we discuss all the different and creative
ways to use the Pythagorean Theorem, I hope you tuck them away in your memory
for future reference. You never know
when you will need Pythagoras’ help.