Linking Math Proficiencies to Internet Resources

The 3rd marking period proficiency that I would like the Swarthmore project to help me explain to my students is the use of the "Pythagorean Theorem". This proficiency has also appeared on the EWT in a few different forms, such as finding the diagonal of a square or a rectangle.

I usually present this topic immediately after showing the students how to find square roots and how to approximate square roots. To show the need for square root knowledge I explain the need to find a missing side in a right triangle. I use examples of shadows forming right triangles, and if we know 2 of the sides we can find the 3rd. We have to acquaint the students with "a" being altitude and "b" being a base. Explain that "c" is always the hypotenuse. I usually spend a day or 2 just finding "c". Then I introduce how to find "a" or "b" if you have "c" and either "a" or "b". This also reminds them how to solve equations.

The materials I use are our core text Ginn "Mathematical" Grade 8 and the companion workbook. I use the chalkboard to illustrate the problems. There are also examples in Test Best and the EWT Coach.

I'm hoping this project could find more "real life" examples to use to show the students of my class. Maybe by seeing how people use the "Theorem" in everyday situations the need for learning it will become real.

Thank you in advance for your help.

Roger Schmitt

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27 January 1997