Math 8
Name:
Learning is social…Looking for Pythagoras Unit Project
LT: I can express my understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem and
the real number system through a creative project.
Overview
 In this project, you will complete three (3) tasks.
 You will have 5 class days (6/13-6/17) to work on project. This is 360 minutes of time.
If you work productively, you should have no problem completing the tasks.
 Please feel free to bring in any markers, colored pencils, markers or supplies you think
you need to complete portions of project.
 We will have at least 1 day in the computer lab.
Tasks
Two (2) required:

#WheelofTheodorus

Irrational number group chat
One (1) choice:
 If Pythagoras had a snapchat…

If Pythagoras had an Instagram…

Approved alternate assignment (meaning you need to write down what you want to do
and we need to discuss it)
Grading
We will develop rubrics for each task together. I will provide examples, but it is YOU who will
determine how the project will be graded. The project will count as a test grade.
Due
June 17, 2016
#WheelofTheodorus
For this assignment you are to:
1.
Make your wheel:
 Start by marking a central point on your paper that all triangles will rotate
around and draw a right triangle with both legs being 1 inch in length. Use an
index card to help you make right angles. Draw the hypotenuse.

Use the hypotenuse of this triangle as the leg of the next triangle and make sure
that the second leg is 1 inch in length. Again, use ruler and note card for
accuracy. Draw in the hypotenuse.
 Continue process until at least seventeen (17) triangles have been created
2. Make sure your wheel has all angles and sides marked
3. Be creative, be colorful, and use your imagination.
4. Complete calculations on worksheet provided
For example:
Suggestions for theme (or come up with your own!)
Movie or Tv theme
Food theme
Creative color/pattern theme
Nature theme
East theme
Game theme
7 habits theme
Sports theme
Historical theme
Music theme
#WheelofTheodorus: Work using Pythagorean Theorem:
Triangle #
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
“a”
“b”
“c”
Rational/Irrational
Space for Work
Irrational number group chat
For this assignment you are to:
1.
To grasp the concept of irrational numbers, each person will get a message to send
(a portion of π)
2. You will color the grid according to the instructions below
0=red
2=yellow
4=light blue
6= purple
8=brown
1=orange
3=green
5=dark blue
7=pink
9=black
3. When we all 3 of my classes are done, we will put each message together to represent
the digits of pi.
For example:
If Pythagoras had Snapchat ….
For this assignment you are to:
4. Create a snapchat story of at least six (6) snaps.
5. Use a photo of Pythagoras or find at least three examples of a right triangle that
would appear in everyday life. You may use a magazine, the internet or a picture that
you take or drew. Two (2) of your pictures must be a right triangle (ie. half of a
sandwich). The other pictures may be a right triangle within another figure. (ie. The
diagonal of a chalk board) .
6. Use the ideas we have talked about in class to create measurements that would make
two (2) of the triangles a true right triangle. (Hint: a2 + b2 = c2)
For Example:



If I found a picture of a chalkboard, I can see that my corners would be right
triangles. I would need to come up with measurements for my height and width of
the chalkboard and use those measurements to find a value for my diagonal that
would make my triangle a true right triangle.
If the length of my chalkboard was 6 feet and the height of my chalkboard was 2
feet, using the equation a2 + b2 = c2, I would have (6ft)2 + (2ft)2 = c2.
The value of c would be the length of the diagonal of the chalkboard, and in this
case, c = √40 feet, which simplifies to 2√10 feet ≈6.33 feet.
7. Your story should have values for a, b, and c and solution to your equation. One story
should be to find the hypotenuse and the other to find the leg. Please include both the
exact (square root) value and decimal approximation to the nearest tenths.
Get creative…make your own filters or incorporate ones that already exist into your story.
If Pythagoras had Instagram ….
For this assignment you are to:
1.
Find at least six (6) examples of a right triangle that would appear in everyday life.
You may use a magazine, the internet or a picture that you take or drew. Two (2) of
your pictures must be a right triangle (ie. half of a sandwich). The other pictures may
be a right triangle within another figure. (ie. The diagonal of a chalk board)
2. Once you find your example, either cut it out of the magazine or print it off the
internet or from your camera/phone.
3. When you have your picture, use the ideas we have talked about in class to create
measurements that would make your triangle a true right triangle. (Hint: a2 + b2 = c2)
For Example:



If I found a picture of a chalkboard, I can see that my corners would be right
triangles. I would need to come up with measurements for my height and width of
the chalkboard and use those measurements to find a value for my diagonal that
would make my triangle a true right triangle.
If the length of my chalkboard was 6 feet and the height of my chalkboard was 2
feet, using the equation a2 + b2 = c2, I would have (6ft)2 + (2ft)2 = c2.
The value of c would be the length of the diagonal of the chalkboard, and in this
case, c = √40 feet, which simplifies to 2√10 feet ≈6.33 feet.
4. Label your values for a, b, and c on your picture and write and solve your equations on
the “comments”/bottom of your picture. . One should be to find the hypotenuse and
the other to find the leg. Please include both the exact (square root) value and
decimal approximation to the nearest tenths.