Introduction | Task | Process | Evaluation | Conclusion | Resources

The Process

Part I:

You will be working with an assigned partner during your investigation of the Pythagorean Theorem. You will be given 2 class periods to conduct your research on the Internet, and complete this part of the project. If your project takes longer to complete, you will be expected to do that work outside of class. You will be notified at the start of the project when your presentations/reports will be due.

Your project will contain the following:

1. An explanation of one of the proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem which will be presented to the class. You may use transparency paper, poster board, or a PowerPoint presentation to present your proof.

2. Pose two questions related to the Pythagorean Theorem and provide the solutions to these questions. Write a paragraph for each of the questions describing your experience and process while solving these questions. Potential questions could be:

  • What would happen if instead of squaring each side of the triangle, we cubed each side? Would a similar relationship hold true?
  • What happens if the triangle is not a right triangle?

(You may use one of the above as ONE of your two questions)


Part II:

This portion of your project will be conducted individually. You will have 1 class day to complete your research and 1 class day which will be used for peer-editing. Research will need to be conducted on Pythagoras, the era in which he lived and his proof of the Pythagorean Theorem. Choose one of the following essays to complete.

A. What factors motivated Pythagoras to develop his proof, what is now known as the Pythagorean Theorem? How do you think Pythagoras' broad interests, life experience, and beliefs influenced his scientific work? How does the mathematical advances of Pythagoras' day differ from today's mathematical research?

B. Parallel the treatment of the Pythagorean Society to similar groups of people in other times. Why do you suppose such groups are treated in this manner?

Some examples are:
Native Americans
The Salem Witch Trials
The Persecution of the Jews
The Christian Crusades


 

Last updated on March 3,2003. Based on a template from The WebQuest Page