I tried a little activity the past couple of math classes to introduce the pythagorean thm. I reviewed what a right triangle was and then decided to let the students investigate a little. The instructions the students were given was to go outside of the classroom and find 4 items that contain a right triangle, with a minimum of 2 items outside. I gave them a templated sheet to record their findings, a camera (most used their cell phones) and a meter stick. Their task was then to:
1) take a picture of the item 2) sketch the item on their paper 3) highlight the right triangle within the item
4) label the sides of the triangle a, b and c 5) measure and write the measurements of the 3 side lengths of the triangle on their sketch 6) come back to the classroom with all the information
From here, I had them invesigate. I had them take their information and see if they could recognize a relationship between the squares of the 3 side lengths. With some discussion and guidance we got to the definition/equation the Pythagorean Thm. I then had them use the Pythagorean Thm. to figure out if what they thought was a right triangle just by looking at it, actually was. This activity took 2 classes. I never did use the photos they took, I thought I might come up with an idea to put them to use, but never did. I am still thinking about it and may use them a little later within this section.
After this little investigation, we had a class of practicing using the Pythagorean Thm., and they all seemed to have a good understanding. I am quizzing them tommorow, so I will have a better idea then.
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