Title Page
Name of Lesson:
History of Pythagorean Theorem
Name of Teacher:
Bernice Walker
Grade Level:
7th Grade Intensive Math
Classroom Layout:
Students will be individualized, until lab and group rules are explained. They will
then be dismissed into groups of two, to begin the computer lab activity.
Prerequisite (Students):
Students should already know:
 Introduction of the Pythagorean Theorem
o States that in any right triangle, the sum of the squares of the
lengths of the legs is equal to the square of the length of the
hypotenuse
 How to use the computer
 How to use an Internet browser (i.e., Internet Explorer, Netscape, etc) and
Search Engines as a source of researching information
Prerequisite (Teachers):
 Teacher will drag the Multimedia Pythagorean Theorem folder to the
desktops of all the computers to be used by students.
Teachers should be familiar with:
 How to use an Internet browser (i.e., Internet Explorer, Netscape, etc) and
Search Engines as a source of researching information
 The software Hot Potato
Objectives: Upon completion of this lesson, students will:
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Timeframe:
Become familiar with the history of Pythagorean Theorem
Have a better knowledge of who was Pythagoras
Become familiar with the formula for the Pythagorean Theorem
Have identified Reference and Research within a text
2 Hours
Materials List:
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Computers
Internet Access
Microsoft Word
Printer
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Printer Paper
Description of Content:
The History of Pythagorean Theorem introduces the Greek philosopher
responsible for its existence. The internet website used for the history is
http://www.themathlab.com and software for interactively answering the questions is Hot
Potato. Students will integrate the knowledge of Pythagorean Theorem into a given text,
discuss summarized passage with a peer and type an essay using Microsoft Word.
Sunshine State Standards:
L.A.A.1.3.2 Uses a variety of strategies to analyze words and text and use context and
word structure clues.
L.A.A.2.3.5 Locates, organizes, and interprets written information for a variety of
purposes, including classroom research.
L.A.A.2.3.6 Uses a variety of reference materials, including computer catalogs.
L.A.B.2.3. Writes text, notes, outlines, comments and observations that demonstrate
comprehension of content and experiences from a variety of media.
Key Words:
Pythagoras
Geometry
Hypotenuse
Greece
Formula
Lesson Plan:
Introduction to Lesson:
 Historical Background
o Explain Pythagorean Theorem
o Explain appropriate use of the Internet
 Students should not be in any other website other than what has
specified for completion of assigned lesson
o Explain Group Rules
 Students will
 be responsible for assigned duties
 speak only with partner at appropriate volume
o Computer Lab/Computer
 Students
 will be responsible for purposely damaging equipment
 are not to change settings on the computer
 will print assignment only upon approval by the teacher
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Anticipatory Set – Computers alone is a motivation for students. Instead of
giving students a handout, they will be allowed to use to the computer to research
Pythagorean Theorem and answer the questions.
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Relate Lesson to Prior Knowledge
o The next lesson on Pythagorean Theorem will introduce real world
relationship
Explanation of Math Involved
Pythagorean Theorem and how it can be used in the real world
Instructional Methods
Teacher-Center Approaches
Demonstration
Lecture-Discussion
Student-Centered Approaches
Peer Buddying
Discussion
Discovery Learning
KWL
Step by Step Procedure
 Student will open Internet Explorer
 Student will type the website (http://www.themathlab.com) in the address of
the browser page
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**** explain how to reach page****
Read passage that is in the given text to identify the correct word to be used in
the Cloze sentences
Double click on the “Multimedia Pythagorean Theorem” folder to open
Double click on the Internet explorer icon “HotPot_PythTheor1”
Fill in the correct word for each blank using the given vocabulary words
Once all entries are complete, students will click on the “check” box at the
bottom of the page
Student will scroll back to the top of the page to check the generated score.
Print the page only after getting permission from the teacher
Repeat the steps for the remaining three activities:
“HotPot_PythTheor2”
“HotPot_PythTheor3”
“HotPot_PythTheor4”
Relevant Actions of the Teacher
Teacher will circulate to check students’ work and answer questions
Key Questions to be Asked:
What do you already know about the Pythagorean Theorem?
Who is responsible for creating the Pythagorean Theorem?
How did this activity prepare you for using the Pythagorean Theorem?
How will you apply the Pythagorean Theorem to you every day life?
What is the formula of the Pythagorean Theorem?
Closure of the Lesson:
Homework:
 Students will write a half-page essay on the history of the Pythagorean
Theorem
Plan for Feedback after Assessment
 Students will regroup to discuss and type a one page essay from written
homework assignment
 Teacher and students will regroup to discuss correct information and typed
essays
Answer Keys to Assignments
See Attached
Supplemental Activities Lesson
Adaptations for Students with Learning Disabilities
Peer Buddying
Continued Assistance by the Teacher
Additional Time
Extensions to the Lesson
 Student will search other site for additional information on the History
of Pythagorean Theorem
Connections Section
This lesson plan is connected with Language Arts, Reading, and Technology
Instructional Materials
Materials to be used by Students (Computer, Internet Explorer, Microsoft Word,
worksheets, article)
Materials to be used by Teachers (Computer, Internet Explorer, Overhead
Projector)
Tools
Internet Explorer
Hot Potatoes
HTML
Microsoft Word