Pythagorean Theorem


		Pythagorean Theorem An Internet Webquest.....
Introduction		In this webquest you will explore the Pythagorean Theorem. You will learn about several things: History of Pythagoras What is the Pythagorean Theorem Describe & explain the Pythagorean Theorem Find different proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem Understand and explain a proof of the Pythagorean Theorem Complete several homework assignments applying the Pythagorean Theorem
	Task
Process
	Resources
Assignment
	Evaluation
Conclusion

Introduction:

In this webquest we will be learning about the Pythagorean Theorem. We will be exploring several questions:

Where did the theorem come from?
Who developed it?
How do we know it is true & will work on all right triangles?
During this webquest you will investigate all these questions and will develop your own proof of the Pythagorean Theorem.

The Task:

You will be required to investigate the history of Pythagoras and the Pythagorean Theorem. You will have the opportunity to practice applying the Pythagorean Theorem to several problems. You should analyze information on the Pythagorean Theorem including not only the meaning and application of the theorem, but also the proofs. It is critical that you have a clear understanding of at least one proof of Pythagorean Theorem and be able to explain the proof in YOUR OWN WORDS!!

The Process:

You may work in small groups of 2/3 students subject to my approval during your investigation of the Pythagorean Theorem. You will be given class time and computer lab time to complete this assignment. Everyone must turn in their own assignments!!

Students should utilize the Web Quest Information Sheet to gather information. This will ensure all the necessary information as been obtained for the assignments below.

The Assignment:

Your project will include the following:

A one-page summary of the life of Pythagoras. In particular you should clearly indicate why he is credited with the development of the Pythagorean Theorem. Please type your report and identify your sources. This is due two weeks from today.
What is the Pythagorean Theorem? Please include a detailed diagram along with all the information necessary to present the Pythagorean Theorem accurately. It is critical to be as detailed and accurate as possible. Please feel free to use Microsoft Powerpoint or Excel. Please identify your sources. This must be completed by the beginning of next class period.
Practice Problems from EdHelper.com. This must be turned by the end of next class period.
Complete the assignment on the Pythagorean Theorem. This must be turned it by the end of the week.
Investigate proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem. Using the information you have found, develop a proof of the Pythagorean Theorem in your words. Please be able to explain and defend your proof!!

Resources:

LIFE OF PYTHAGORAS

Discovering Collection - Biography

MacTutor Math History Archives

Electric Library

Biography.com

All Math Biographies

Virtual Scholar - Pythagoras

INTRODUCTION TO PYTHAGOREAN THEOREM:

Encyclopedia Britannica - Video Presentation - Introduction

Encyclopedia Britannica - Video Presentation - An Example

Encyclopedia Britannica - Video Presentation - An Application

Pythagorean Theorem - EMSL

Virtual Scholar - Pythagorean Theorem

The Science Files - An Introduction to the Pythagorean Theorem

PROOFS:

39 Proofs of Pythagorean Theorem

A Picture Proof of the Pythagorean Theorem

Animated Proof of the Pythagorean Theorem

Math Forum Proof of the Pythagorean Theorem

PBS Teacher Source Proof

Similar Shapes Proof

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Biography Databases from Cuyahoga County Public Library - may require use of a valid library card

Think Quest Geometry

History Of Mathematics - G. Donald Allen; Texas A&M University

Pythagoras and the Pythagoreans

Class Hand Outs for this Unit:

Pythagorean Theorem Resources for Homework & Math Review

Pythagorean Theorem Assignment Checklist

Pythagorean Theorem Information Fact Sheet

EVALUATION RUBRIC: 30 POINTS TOTAL!!

Novice Advancing Accomplished Advanced

Use of Class Time

Student has used a limited amount of class time effectively in completing this Webquest

Student has used most of this class time effectively in completing this Webquest Student has used all of the class time effectively in completing this Webquest Student has used all the class time effectively AND efficiently in completing this Webquest

5 points total 1 point 2 points 4 points 5 points

History/Biography of Pythagoras Student gave a very basic biography. Paper contained grammatical errors. Student gave a very basic biography. Very few grammatical errors. Student gave a good over all biography with no grammatical errors. Student gave a good over all biography and thoroughly explained Pythagoras contributions to mathematical theory.

5 points total 1 point 2 points 4 points 5 points

Understanding the Pythagorean Theorem
(Pythagorean Theorem presentation)

Student has no understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem or its application. Student has a limited understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem and its applications. Student has a clear understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem but a limited ability in applying the Theorem. Student has a clear understanding of the Pythagorean theorem and its applications.

5 points total 1 point 2 points 4 points 5 points

Practice Problems & Homework Assignment Student made a limited attempt to complete the practice problems and homework assignment. Student completed the practice problems and homework assignment but there were a number of incorrect answers. Student completed both the practice problems and homework assignment. The student completed most of the problems and exercises correctly. Student completed both the practice problems and homework assignment. The student had very few or no incorrect answers.

5 points total 1 point 2 points 4 points 5 points

Proof of Pythagorean Theorem Student had no understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem and its proof. Student has a limited understanding of the Pythagorean theorem, but does not understand the proof and cannot explain it in his/her own words. Student has a clear understanding of the Pythagorean theorem and can follow the logical steps in its proof. However the student has some difficulty in explaining the proof in his/her own words. Student has clear understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem and has the ability to explain the proof in his/her own words.

10 points total 2 points 4 points 8 points 10 points

	Novice	Advancing	Accomplished	Advanced
Use of Class Time	Student has used a limited amount of class time effectively in completing this Webquest	Student has used most of this class time effectively in completing this Webquest	Student has used all of the class time effectively in completing this Webquest	Student has used all the class time effectively AND efficiently in completing this Webquest
5 points total	1 point	2 points	4 points	5 points
History/Biography of Pythagoras	Student gave a very basic biography. Paper contained grammatical errors.	Student gave a very basic biography. Very few grammatical errors.	Student gave a good over all biography with no grammatical errors.	Student gave a good over all biography and thoroughly explained Pythagoras contributions to mathematical theory.
5 points total	1 point	2 points	4 points	5 points
Understanding the Pythagorean Theorem (Pythagorean Theorem presentation)	Student has no understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem or its application.	Student has a limited understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem and its applications.	Student has a clear understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem but a limited ability in applying the Theorem.	Student has a clear understanding of the Pythagorean theorem and its applications.
5 points total	1 point	2 points	4 points	5 points
Practice Problems & Homework Assignment	Student made a limited attempt to complete the practice problems and homework assignment.	Student completed the practice problems and homework assignment but there were a number of incorrect answers.	Student completed both the practice problems and homework assignment. The student completed most of the problems and exercises correctly.	Student completed both the practice problems and homework assignment. The student had very few or no incorrect answers.
5 points total	1 point	2 points	4 points	5 points
Proof of Pythagorean Theorem	Student had no understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem and its proof.	Student has a limited understanding of the Pythagorean theorem, but does not understand the proof and cannot explain it in his/her own words.	Student has a clear understanding of the Pythagorean theorem and can follow the logical steps in its proof. However the student has some difficulty in explaining the proof in his/her own words.	Student has clear understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem and has the ability to explain the proof in his/her own words.
10 points total	2 points	4 points	8 points	10 points

CONCLUSION:

Through the webquest you will have the opportunity to investigate a mathematician and his accomplishments. You gain insight into how a mathematical proof is formulated by locating and analyzing several proofs. You will develop your ability to write and understand a logical mathematical proof. By going through the process of proving the Pythagorean Theorem you will strength your understanding of the theorem and be able to understand how to apply the theorem to practical/real life situations.