Pythagorean Theorem Learning Menu

Understanding Goal:
Students will understand that the Pythagorean theorem is used to find the measure of any one of
the three sides of a right triangle if the measures of the other two sides are known.

Knowledge Goal:
Students will know that in a right triangle, the square of the length of the hypotenuse equals the
sum of the squares of the legs (altitude and base). This relationship is known as the Pythagorean
theorem: a2 + b2 = c2.

Skill Goals:
Identify the parts of a right triangle (the hypotenuse and the legs).
Solve practical problems involving right triangles by using the Pythagorean Theorem.
Verify the Pythagorean theorem, using diagrams, concrete materials, and measurement.

Directions:
This activity will be used as an end of unit review activity. The Pythagorean theorem is something
students will use for years to come in other mathematics courses such as geometry. This is a fun way for
students to practice skills and work with some real world applications of the Pythagorean Theorem.

Category
Appetizer: Shows mastery
of identifying the parts of
the triangle
Appetizer: Shows mastery
of how all three sides of a
right triangle relate to
each other
Main Dish: Shows
mastery of finding the
measure of the missing
side
Main Dish: Shows
mastery of using the
Pythagorean Theorem
equation
Side Dish: Shows mastery
of the Pythagorean
Theorem through practical
application
Dessert: Shows mastery
of the Pythagorean
Theorem through proofs
Rubric
Expert Developing Needs Improvement
Student correctly and
Student correctly and Student incorrectly
thoroughly identifies the
thoroughly identifies one identifies the three parts
three parts of a right
or two parts of a right of a right triangle.
triangle.
triangle.
Student correctly and
Student correctly and
thoroughly is able to Student is not able to see
thoroughly is able to
either recognize the the relationship between
recognize the relationship
relationship between all all three sides of a right
between all three sides of
three sides of a right triangle and how that
a right triangle and how
triangle or how that relationship results in the
that relationship results in
relationship results in the Pythagorean Theorem
the Pythagorean Theorem
Pythagorean Theorem Equation.
Equation.
Equation.
Student shows some Student shows little to no
Student correctly shows
understanding of how to understanding of how to
how to find the missing
find the missing length of find the missing length of
length of a right triangle
a right triangle when two a right triangle when two
when two side lengths are
side lengths are provided. side lengths are provided.
provided.
Student shows some Student shows little to no
Student correctly shows
understanding of how to understanding of how to
how to find the missing
find the missing length of find the missing length of
length of a right triangle
a right triangle using the a right triangle using the
using the Pythagorean
Pythagorean Theorem Pythagorean Theorem
Theorem equation
equation equation
Student is able to apply
Student is able to apply Student is unable to apply
their some of their
their understanding and their understanding and
understanding and
knowledge to a real world knowledge to a real world
knowledge to a real world
application of the application of the
application of the
Pythagorean Theorem. Pythagorean Theorem.
Pythagorean Theorem.
Student is able to prove Student is able to prove Student is unable to prove
the Pythagorean Theorem parts of the Pythagorean parts of the Pythagorean
using their knowledge, Theorem using their Theorem using their
skills, and understandings knowledge, skills, and knowledge, skills, and
in a creative way. understandings. understandings.
 Menu Planner

Menu: ________________________________________________

Appetizer: Overview (Complete all)

Caesar Salad: Draw a right triangle and label the right angle, legs, and hypotenuse.

Mozzarella Sticks: Discover the Pythagorean Theorem Activity

o Complete the Discovering the Pythagorean Theorem worksheet. This

activity uses squares to help prove the theorem which applies to all right
triangles.

Main Dish: Application of Pythagorean Theorem (Pick two)

Chicken Parmesan: Pythagorean Theorem Scavenger Hunt

o Complete the scavenger hunt activity posted around the room, be sure to
show all of your work.

Filet Mignon: Pythagorean Theorem Maze

o Complete the Pythagorean Theorem Maze activity, be sure to show all of
your work

Lasagna: Pythagorean Theorem Riddle

o Complete the Pythagorean Theorem Riddle activity, be sure to show all of
your work.

Side Dish: Real World Application (Pick one)

Asparagus: Fencing your yard using the Pythagorean Theorem

o You want to put a fence around your large yard. There are two companies
that you have found to do the work. They have each given you a quote for
how much the work will cost. Of course, you want to find out which
company will be the cheapest.

Mashed Potatoes: Laying down fiber optic cables for internet/ television using the
Pythagorean Theorem
 o Timothy works for Charter. He is laying new fiber optic lines around Grants
Pass to try to make Charter the fastest broadband connection in town.
Highlight the fiber lines in each direction. Help Timothy calculate the
amount of fiber cable he needs for his route this week. Show all work to
justify your answers and round all your answers to the nearest hundredths
place.

Bruschetta: Flying a plane using the Pythagorean Theorem

o Today you are going to be the pilot of your own plane. You will determine
the distance different routes are for your summer destinations.

Dessert: Proof (pick one)

Tiramisu: Prove Pythagoras Right
o This activity uses the Proving Pythagoras Right pages. You will work with
the Pythagorean Theorem equation and prove that the statement is true for
all right triangles.

Cheesecake: Proving the Pythagorean Theorem

o This activity uses the Proof of the Pythagorean Theorem pages. You will use
shapes to prove the theorem and then answer reflection questions on how
and why the theorem holds true.