1. Pythagorean Theorem Technology Investigations
Joel Bezaire
University School of Nashville
Pre-algebra.info

2. 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

3. 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

4. Sample Student RESPONSES

5. 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)

6. 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