Mrs. Smith Sums It Up
Pythagorean Theorem
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This is the Project Page for Period 2 Geometry

Your task is to choose one othe the following: a proof of the Pythagorean Theorem to study or research Pythagoras and what motivated him to develop the theorem. 
 
 There are so many sites available to research Pythagorus that I think  you will find it useful to start with these links.  Once you access the research page, you only need to double click on a link to go to that site.
 
 
 

UNDERSTANDING A PROOF

Your project will contain the following:

1. An explanation of one of the proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem which will be presented as a poster board or a PowerPoint presentation.

2. Pose two questions related to the Pythagorean Theorem and provide the solutions to these questions. Write a paragraph for each of the questions describing your experience and process while solving these questions. Potential questions could be:

  • What would happen if instead of squaring each side of the triangle, we cubed each side? Would a similar relationship hold true?
  • What happens if the triangle is not a right triangle?

(You may use one of the above as ONE of your two questions)

UNDERSTANDING PYTHAGORAS
 
Research will need to be conducted on Pythagoras, the era in which he lived and his proof of the Pythagorean Theorem. Choose one of the following essays to complete.

A. What factors motivated Pythagoras to develop his proof, the Pythagorean Theorem? How do you think Pythagoras' broad interests, life experience, and beliefs influenced his scientific work? How does the mathematical advances of Pythagoras' day differ from today's mathematical research?

B. Parallel the treatment of the Pythagorean Society to similar groups of people in other times. Why do you suppose such groups are treated in this manner?

Some examples are:
Native Americans
The Salem Witch Trials
The Persecution of the Jews
The Christian Crusades

RESOURCES

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