c
a
a2 + b2 = c2
b
Introduction  Task  Process  Resources  Evaluation  Conclusion  Credits
Introduction
This web-quest was created as an extension to the CMP unit: Looking for
Pythagoras. The focus of this quest is to provide background information
in which you, the student, can build upon prior knowledge to solve real
world problems using the Pythagorean Theorem.
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Introduction  Task  Process  Resources  Evaluation  Conclusion  Credits
Task
This unit was developed to support a proficient understanding of the
Pythagorean Theorem. You will first explore and write about Pythagoras. You
will investigate his important contributions, his biographical information and
provide interesting facts in part one of this quest.
In the second part of this quest you will explore the theorem as explained by
Pythagoras. You will investigate sites and fill out a questionnaire to show proficient
understanding and learning of the theorem.
In the third and last part of this quest you will apply what you have learned about the
Pythagorean Theorem to solve real world problems.
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Introduction  Task  Process  Resources  Evaluation  Conclusion  Credits
Process
QUEST #1
Who was Pythagoras?
In Quest #1 you will be gathering information on the life and contributions of the
Mathematician Pythagoras. Visit the sites below and take notes on a 3X5 index card for
each site. Pay attention to his biographical information and any interesting facts and
contributions. You will turn in these note cards along with your essay. Please refer to the
scoring rubric located in the evaluation section before you explore these sites. You
should have six note cards when you are finished with this part of the quest.
Pythagoras Biographical Links
History of Pythagoras and His Theorem
Pythagoras
Pythagoras - The Man
Pythagoras - All Aspects of His Life
Pythagoras - History for Kids
History of Pythagoras
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QUEST#2
What is the Pythagorean Theorem?
Now, you will explore the Pythagorean Theorem. As you explore this section you will
need to document your findings from each website on the "EXPLORE IT" Questionnaire
located below. Print this questionnaire and hand in.
Pythagorean Theorem Links
1) An Interactive Proof of Pythagoras' Theorem
2) Animated proof of the Pythagorean Theorem
3) Davide P. Cervone ~ The Pythagorean Theorem
4) Pythagorean Theore0m with Tile Patterns
5) Annotated Proof of the Pythagorean Theorem
6) Pythagorean Puzzle
7) Pythagorean Theorem Main Page
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EXPLORE IT! Questionnaire
Name: _____________________
Date: ________________
Group: _____________________
Teacher: _______________
DIRECTIONS: Print out this form, complete this questionnaire as you explore each of the seven
websites. Be careful to read each question and answer it completely before moving on to the
next question. If need more space use a separate sheet of lined paper, label questions
appropriately and attach to questionnaire. Turn in, when completed, to your teacher.
1) An Interactive Proof of Pythagoras’ Theorem
A. At this website you will see the Pythagorean proof in action. As you progress through the
proof it shows you a different way to prove the theorem. Instead of showing that the areas of the
smaller squares add up to the area of the big one, what does it show instead? Be sure to give an
example and explain your reasoning.
B. Also at this website it discusses what a shear is. Explain what a shear is and provide an
example.
2)Animated Proof of the Pythagorean Theorem
A. At this website it shows you an animated proof of the theorem. What does the animation start
with and then what finally happens to the quadrilaterals?
B. This website mentioned congruent quadrilaterals. What is a congruent quadrilateral?
3) Davide P. Cervone ~ The Pythagorean Theorem
A. At this site it provides a visual proof of the Pythagorean Theorem. Copy this figure and write
the brief explanation.
4) Pythagorean Theorem with Tile Patterns
A. At this site it provides historical information about the theorem. What does it specifically say
about what Pythagoras found?
B. This site also shows a tile pattern. Copy the tile pattern and provide the information
that proves the theorem.
5) Annotated proof of the Pythagorean Theorem
A. Describe what you observe at this site. Be specific. Provide examples if you would like.
6) Pythagorean Puzzle
A. At this site it tells you to check it out – click on “Shockwave version” and follow
instructions for the interactive proof. Demonstrate the proof below using the same
diagram and showing how you moved the squares.
7) Pythagorean Theorem Main Page
A. As you review this site visit the applications of the Pythagorean Theorem. Choose the
textbook problems and solve the first problem. Be sure to show all of your work including the
formula.
QUEST #3
Real World Applications
Finally, you will investigate real world applications of the Pythagorean Theorem. You will do each
problem and record your work on the "Real World Applications" template located below. Explore
the link below and review the Pythagorean Theorem. Answer the three problems found at this
site. Remember, you must show all of your work and explain your reasoning for each problem
solved.
http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/proof/puzzle/use.html
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Real World Applications Worksheet
Name: __________________
Teacher: ______________
Group: __________________
Date: ________________
Solve each of the three problems found at the link provided in Quest #3.
Problem #1: Baseball
(Remember to show all of your work and explain your reasoning.)
Problem #2: Ladders
(Remember to show all of your work and explain your reasoning.)
Problem #3: Pyramids (Super Challenge)
(Remember to show all of your work and explain your reasoning.)
Introduction  Task  Process  Resources  Evaluation  Conclusion  Credits
Resources

web sources are listed in the various sections of this web-quest
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Introduction  Task  Process  Resources  Evaluation  Conclusion  Credits
Evaluation
Who was Pythagoras?
Student Scoring Rubric
Use this rubric as a guide for the research paper required in Quest #1
Category
Organization
Note Cards
Quality of
Information
Paragraph
Construction
Mechanics
4(proficient)
Information
is very
organized
with wellconstructed
paragraphs
and
subheadings.
Notes are
recorded and
organized in
an extremely
neat and
orderly
fashion.
There are a
total of six
cards.
3 (almost)
Information
is organized
with wellconstructed
paragraphs.
2(apprentice)
Information
is organized,
put
paragraphs
are not wellconstructed.
1(novice)
The
information
appears to
be
disorganized.
0
NO
ATTEMPT
Notes are
recorded
legibly and
are
somewhat
organized.
Most of the
cards are
there.
Notes were
taken and
some cards
were turned
in.
NO
ATTEMPT
Information
clearly
relates to
the main
topic. It
includes
several
supporting
details and
/or
examples.
All
paragraphs
include
introductory
sentence,
explanations
or details,
and
concluding
sentence.
No
grammatical,
Spelling or
punctuation
errors.
Information
clearly
relates to
the main
topic. It
provides 1-2
supporting
details and
/or
examples.
Information
clearly
relates to the
main topic.
No details
and /or
examples are
given.
Notes are
recorded
only with
peer
/teacher
assistance
and
reminders.
Few cards
were turned
in.
Information
has little or
nothing to do
with the
main topic.
Most
paragraphs
include
introductory
sentence,
explanations
or details,
and
concluding
sentence.
Almost no
grammatical,
Spelling or
punctuation
errors.
Paragraphs
included
related
information
but were
typically not
well
constructed.
Paragraphing
structure
was not clear
and sentence
were not
typically
related
within the
paragraphs.
NO
ATTEMPT
A few
grammatical,
Spelling, or
punctuation
errors.
Many
grammatical,
Spelling, or
punctuation
errors.
NO
ATTEMPT
NO
ATTEMPT
Student:_________________________________________SCORE:_________________
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“Explore It! Questionnaire” and “Real World Applications Worksheet” will also be evaluated for
total grade.
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Introduction  Task  Process  Resources  Evaluation  Conclusion  Credits
Conclusion
Students have been provided with a variety of interactive experiences to support a proficient
understanding of the Pythagorean Theorem as explained by Pythagoras. Students explored the
life of Pythagoras, learned about the theorem he is famous for and utilized this knowledge to
solve real-world problems.
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Introduction  Task  Process  Resources  Evaluation  Conclusion  Credits
Credits

Kimberly Crabtree, Kennedy, MS
QuestGarden
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