Find the Missing Link Using the Pythagorean Theorem
My students need to determine missing information in an application-based situation using the Pythagorean theorem with markers, standard clipboards, and filler paper.
This project is part of the Black History Month celebration because it supports a Black teacher or a school where the majority of the students are Black.
My Students
I teach Algebraic Connections at our high school in Alabama. Our school is a Title 1 School with over 50% of our students receiving free and reduced lunch. Algebraic Connections is the class that students who are struggling take in efforts to avoid more demanding math classes. Thus, I have a hard time getting my students motivated to learn. Additionally, they normally state that they don't see where this math is useful for them and their futures.
Students at our school have a low socioeconomic background(as Title 1 suggests).
Though I do not believe this has anything to do with the skill sets of our students, or students anywhere, many of our students feel they can not excel educationally. I believe most plan to be blue collar workers, or drop out of school.
My Project
One of the standards in our Algebraic Connections class is "Determine missing information in an application-based situation using properties of right triangles, including trigonometric ratios and the Pythagorean Theorem." My classes will utilize the digital laser tape measure to determine heights/lengths of real objects. The Pythagorean Theorem utilizes the concept of right triangles, allowing students to calculate unknown side lengths. We generally use the shadow project and measure distance of shadows with meter size tape measures, donated from AMSTI, and form a proportion to get the missing side. With a distance meter, I hope to find actual lengths much easier and compare to the experimental lengths calculated by the shadow project. We would be able to do more work with more accurate results. We can also do a stand alone project using the Pythagorean theorem, alone.
Students will need clip boards and paper for data keeping.
Graph paper will be beneficial for more accurate data keeping. Additionally, I have students present their findings on easel paper, thus paper with gridlines is essential showing more detailed diagrams of their work. Color markers will be needed to complete the work on the easel paper. As with any job, the ability to verbally communicate is essential. My students gain this experience with these presentations.
The distance meters would allow us to do even more projects, such as seeing first hand the reason for the formula, distance equals rate times time. I would have students use their critical thinking skills to develop and test theorems related to distance, Pythagorean theorem, areas, etc.
I requested 8 meters to allow a class of 30 students to form groups of 4 students. I usually prefer 3 member groups.
Suaoki Digital Laser Tape Measure 131 Ft, Measuring Device with Single /Continuous Measurement ,Distance, Area and Pythagorean Measurement Modes ,Measuring Range 0.2 - 40m
• Amazon Business
$21.24
8
$169.92
Post-it Self-Stick Easel Pad, 25 x 30.5 Inches, 30-Sheet Pad (2 Pack)
• Amazon Business
$37.04
2
$74.08
Crayola Broad Line Markers Bulk, 256 Count Classpack
• Amazon Business
$51.02
1
$51.02
Adorox Set of 12 Standard Size Clipboards Clear Colorful Transparent Mix Assorted Colors (Multicolored 12 Pack)
• Amazon Business
$24.99
1
$24.99
Five Star Filler Paper, Graph Ruled Paper, 100 Sheets/Pack, 11" x 8-1/2", Reinforced, Loose Leaf, White, 3 Pack (38034)
• Amazon Business
$10.47
1
$10.47
Oxford Filler Paper, 8-1/2" x 11", College Rule, 3-Hole Punched, Loose-Leaf Paper for 3-Ring Binders, 500 Sheets Per Pack (62349)
• Amazon Business
$10.39
1
$10.39
Materials cost
$340.87
Vendor shipping charges
FREE
Sales tax
$27.78
3rd party payment processing fee
$5.11
Fulfillment labor & materials
$30.00
Total project cost
$403.76
Suggested donation to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
$71.25
Total project goal
$475.01
How we calculate what's needed
Total project goal
$475.01
2 Donors
-$475.01
Donations toward project cost
-$403.76
Donations to help DonorsChoose reach more classrooms
DonorsChoose is the most trusted classroom funding site for teachers.
As a teacher-founded nonprofit, we're trusted by thousands of teachers and supporters across the country. This classroom request for funding was created by Mrs. Young and reviewed by the DonorsChoose team.
