Pythagorean Theorem Technology Investigations Joel Bezaire (@joelbezaire) University School of Nashville Pre-algebra.info

Goals Help students understand The Pythagorean Theorem rather than just memorize it. Give students a platform from which to conduct their own investigations around The Pythagorean Theorem Introduce (or Re-Introduce) 3 different technology applications that they can use in other mathematical investigations - Open discussion opportunities for “Proof vs. Discussion”, types of Polygons, Number Families, and basic Dimensional Analysis

PART ONE: GeoGebra Web.geogebra.org Also works on Geometer’s Sketchpad, but…why?! Gives students a visual demonstration of The Pythagorean Theorem Builds understanding about what ”a squared plus b squared equals c squared” actually means Allows for an entry point into basic dimensional analysis Demonstrates importance of precise vocabulary (Polygon vs. Regular Polygon) Invites a conversation contrasting Proofs vs Demonstrations

Sample Student RESPONSES

Part Two: TI Programming Causes students to think conceptually about the Pythagorean Theorem (rather than a formula to memorize, an equation that can be algebraically manipulated) Low-level introduction to programming Familiarize them with their calculators (beyond a 4-function arithmetic machine)

PART THREE: Microsoft Excel Also works with Google Sheets Introduction to using a spreadsheet to generate many results Gateway to discussion of Rational/Irrational numbers