Pythagoras Unit Overview

Pythagorean Theorem Unit Overview

Sequence of lessons:

	Prior Knowledge
	· Linear Measurement
	· Area Measurement
	o Squares
	o Rectangles
	o Right Triangles
	· Squaring
	Pythagoras – Finally!!!
	· Lesson 1 – Working with crackers as manipulatives
	· Lesson 2 – Why we want to know the theorem
	· Lesson 3 – Playing with the proofs
	· Lesson 4 – Having fun with the project
	o Song Writing – Learning the proof in words (Indian Squaw Story)
	o A little history – Sans the boring stuff
	o Online looking for proofs
	o Writing the symbols
	o Building the proofs
	o Writing story problems – explore real world uses of PT
	o Presenting the proofs and project to the class

Goals and Objectives:

	To build a love of math through fun activities where they can feel successful in accomplish a tough task
	To have students gain a working knowledge of the Pythagorean theorem
	To be able to communicate the theorem in words, symbols, and geometrically
	To be able to identify when to use the theorem
	Identify real world applications for it.

Rationale:

Useful in the real world

	Construction of square walls and buildings
	Building missiles
	Working a GPS system
	Putting up a straight Christmas tree / flagpole
	Rescuing a princess trapped in a castle surrounded by a mote (more useful for European students)
	Constructing a tree house slide
	Passing this class

Standards:

Utah Core

	Select and use various types of reasoning and methods of proof
	Make and test conjectures about geometric properties and relationships and develop logical arguments to justify conclusions
	Create and critique inductive and deductive arguments concerning geometric ideas and relationships, such as congruence, similarity, and the Pythagorean relationship.
	Develop and evaluate mathematical arguments and proofs.

Assessment Tool:

· Math Journal

· Each Lesson has it’s own assessment

· Final assessment are the Student Project Portfolios