Lingley 8 Math

Station 1: Jelly Bean FunBackground: As we have seen in class, Pythagoras discovered something very interesting when it comes to the area around the sides of a right angle triangle. Can you prove his theorem by only using this form and jelly beans?

Instructions1. Using only the jelly beans and the triangular form,

describe Pythagoras’ Theorem. 2. After you have practiced explaining the theorem

with the jelly beans, record your group’s explanation by hitting the record button on the video camera.

3. Remember to hit record when finished. This will be a single take. Do not attempt to play back / record again.

Lingley 8 Math

Station 2: How Tall is Picard Background: This figurine has been made to scale. It is exactly 16 times smaller than Picard’s actual height. We know that his height forms one leg of a right angle triangle, and a point 30 cm away forms the other leg. The string from his head to that point, is cm. Engage!

Instructions1. Discuss with your group how to find the missing

length of the triangle (height of figurine). 2. Complete your calculations as a group on a white

sheet of paper. Be neat, and complete with your answer.

3. Determine how tall Picard actually is in real life. 4. Indicate your favourite Star Trek quote at the

bottom of your group’s white paper.

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Lingley 8 Math

Station 3: 12 Knot ConundrumBackground: It all started with this one rope. Pythagoras used a rope, similar to this 11 knotted rope, to ensure that the the bases of Greek columns were straight. Now you get to play Pythagoras!

Instructions1. This rope is knot quite complete to form a 3,4,5

triangle. As a group turn this rope into a proper Pythagorean style rope!

2. It is now your turn to test some right angles in the classroom. Can you prove that the walls are at a perfect right angle?

3. Have one of your group members to video tape you proving that the walls are indeed straight! Be sure to only take one shot with the camera.

Lingley 8 Math

Station 4: Geo-BoardsBackground: It’s crazy how simple the pythagorean theorem can be explained by using only pieces of plastic and rubber bands.

Instructions1. Using the geoboards and rubber bands. Have each

group member model the pythagorean theorem using the elastics.

2. Find the length of the hypotenuse on every geoboard triangle that you create.

3. Label that hypotenuse with a sticky note.

4. Take a picture of your creation!

HYPOTENUSE

Lingley 8 Math

Station 5: Semi-CirclesBackground: It’s strange, but Pythagoras actually extended his theory to include any shape that fits around the edges of the right triangle. Let’s take a look!

Instructions1. Using the right triangle template, and a compass,

draw circles around the right triangle where the legs and the hypotenuse form the diameter of each circle.

2. Using your knowledge of the area of a circle (pi r squared sounds like...) find the area of each circle. Now what is the area of the half around each side?

3. Will Pythagoras’ Theorem work for semi-circles too?

Lingley 8 Math

Station 6: Triple Pythagoras

Lingley 8 Math

Lingley 8 Math

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α

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β

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γ

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θ

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λ

Lingley 8 Math

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μ