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Students will research a number of websites on the Pythagorean Theorem and
Pythagoras. Then they will work in groups of two to three and research the
Pythagorean Theorem and Pythagoras. The groups will create a short power point about how the Pythagorean Theorem works and Pythagoras. Finally, students will put into their own words why the Pythagorean Theorem works.
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11th Grade Algebra II
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2.10.11.A: Identify, create and solve practical problems involving right triangles using trigonometric functions and the Pythagorean Theorem
In the years around 534 B.C.E. there was a group called the Brotherhood of
Pythagoreans. This was a group of men that devoted themselves to the study of mathematics. This group was almost cult like, they had rituals, prayers, and symbols. The Pythagoreans wrote many geometric proofs but it is hard to ascertain who proved what because they took a vow of secrecy. This vow made it that if any important mathematical idea was discovered they were not allowed to release it to the public.

Answer the following questions with your group members.
1. What do you think you will learn from this inquiry?
2. Why do you think that the Pythagorean Theorem works?
Now come up with questions of your own that will help you in your search for information on this topic.
Here are some websites that you are going to explore to find information about
Descartes and the Cartesian plane…
URL: http://www.geom.uiuc.edu/~demo5337/Group3/hist.html
Description: This website gives a short description of who Pythagoras was and what he did in his life. It also gives you a few different examples of why the Pythagorean works.
URL: http://www-groups.dcs.st-and.ac.uk/~history/Biographies/Pythagoras.html
Description: This website will teach you about Pythagoras and what he did during his life. It begins from when he was a child and ends at when he dies. It touches base on some of his proofs that he created.
URL: http://www.cut-the-knot.org/pythagoras/
Description: This website gives 88 different proofs on why the Pythagorean Theorem works and is correct.
URL: http://www.math.tamu.edu/~dallen/history/pythag/pythag.html

Description: This website gives an in depth description of the Pythagoreans and what they would do. It includes how they began, their philosophy and what they did.
URL: http://www.mathsisfun.com/pythagoras.html
Description: This website shows you more examples of proofs of the Pythagorean
Theorem as well as how to use it.
After investigating the above websites, collaborate with your group members and discuss what material is important and what is not.
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Now, search the internet for other websites that can provide you with more information on the Pythagorean Theorem. DO NOT FORGET that you are part of a team and you should share any information you find that could help your group members.
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Collect pictures that your group can use in your power point presentation.
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You may use any books related to the topic of the Pythagorean Theorem or
Pythagoras. Check in the school library or The Free Library of Philadelphia. o http://www.library.phila.gov/
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There will be a portfolio (red bin) located in the back of the classroom that every student will be able to access for further research. There will be some extra information in the bin that I have found that I think will be helpful to your

group. Please feel free to use some of this information in your power point presentation.
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Also, each group will have to contribute information into the portfolio bin. The groups can type the information they want to share on the computer and print it out and then place it in the bin. Make sure you put your group name on the sheet of paper so I can give you credit for contributing. (This is not an option; each group MUST contribute at least one piece of information.)
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Make sure that the power point includes all the major topics about the
Pythagorean Theorem that your group has researched. You can also include other things (such as other works or odd facts about Pythagoras) to help fill in spaces between the major topics.
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Make sure your group is prepared to present AND explain your own proof of the
Pythagorean Theorem. You will have to explain each step.
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The groups will be graded according to the following rubric. Then, each group member will have a chance to evaluate themselves and their group members. If you feel like one of the members of your group did not do a fair share of the work then this is where you can let me know.

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Rubric
Grammar
Creativity
Contributing to the
Portfolio
Presentation
Good (3 points)
The power point presentation is free from grammatical error.
The power point and your proof of the Pythagorean
Theorem were extremely creative.
Students worked very hard to come up with something clever.
Students exceeded the expected amount of contribution.
Students presented everything with confidence. Group members had clear voices and were easily understood.
Fair (2 points)
The power point presentation has a few grammatical errors. (2-3)
The power point and your proof of the Pythagorean
Theorem were semi-creative.
Students worked hard, but there was some room for improvement.
Students contributed one piece of information.
Students showed some confidence, but were weak in other areas of the presentation.
Group members could be understood.
Poor (1point)
The power point presentation has multiple grammatical errors
(more than 3)
The power point and your proof of the Pythagorean
Theorem were uncreative.
Students did not contribute.
Students were not clear. Students showed that they were not fully aware of the topic they were presenting.
Comments: -
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Grade _____/12 Points