Maths Projects for the Pythagorean Theorem
The Pythagorean theorem is an important theme in Geometry that will continue to be of high importance throughout your students' future math careers. As such, you should give them a strong introduction to it and, if possible, create enthusiasm for it. You can let students use their creativity and skills to create inventive projects on the Pythagorean theorem.
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Pythagorean Architecture
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You can give future architects a chance to design a structure, using the Pythagorean theorem at least once. This structure can be as simple as designing a diagonal support for a bookshelf, and determining how long the support should be, given the width of the bookshelf. Alternatively, it can be substantially more complex, and students can actually design a small building, if they want. Make the mathematical calculations your first priority, but reward them for creativity and effort.
Pythagorean Theorem in the Real World
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Have students walk around outside, and take snapshots of occurrences of the Pythagorean theorem in the real world, whether in buildings or in nature. They should look for occurrences of right triangles. Ask students to take measurements of the dimensions of the right triangles, so that they can prove the presence of the Pythagorean theorem, and ask them to speculate why right triangles might have been advantageous, in these particular instances.
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Pythagorean History
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Ask students to put together a multimedia presentation about Pythagoras. They can create a computerized presentation about his life, his motivations and his work developing the theorem. They can be as formal or as performative as they want. For instance, if they want to write a song about Pythagoras, let them. Consider having your students create a review game about Pythagoras and his theorem. For example, they could come up with Jeopardy questions for their classmates to play.
Pythagorean Skits
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Enlist the comedians and dramatists in the room in coming up with skits about Pythagoras' life. The purpose of this project is to educate the class about Pythagoras as a human being, and chances are that the skits will be quite amusing. When possible, have the actors facilitate audience participation. Afterwards, have the writers and actors talk to the class about their creative process, and explain why they chose to formulate their particular material into skits.
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