Digital Unit Plan Template

Unit Title: The Pythagorean Theorem Name: Jeremy Hook

Content Area: Mathematics Grade Level: 8th
CA Content Standard(s)/Common Core Standard(s):

8.G.6
Explain a proof of the Pythagorean Theorem and its converse.
8.G.7
Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to determine unknown side lengths in right triangles in real-world and mathematical problems in two and three dimensions.

Big Ideas/Unit Goals:

How many ways are there to prove the Pythagorean Theorem?

What can you use Pythagorean’s Theorem to solve?
Find the distance between these two points.

Unit Summary:

The purpose of this lesson is to create a project that will facilitate teamwork and collaboration between students and engage them in the material. Through this
process they will learn four ways to prove the Pythagorean Theorem and be able to implement it. Class observers will see my students engaged in discussion,
research and teamwork. I feel as though any student can remember the simple equation c^2 = a^2 + b^2. Learning where equations come from and why they
work is an important skill for students to learn and carry into their college career. This unit plan allows me to access their prior knowledge by using the
Anticipation Guide and also allows students to collaborate with each other. By conducting The Research Process students are able to utilize their reading and
writing skills to create a group PowerPoint. By providing citations and examples, students prepare by using the College and Career Readiness Standards. This
unit plan also allows students from every learning degree to work together and learn from each other. This unit also allows students to see from different
perspectives and facilitates differences of opinions. Discussion is highly encouraged. The exit card allows the teacher to assess the students’ comprehension and
effectiveness of the lesson.

Assessment Plan:
Entry-Level: Formative: Summative:

Anticipation Guide – Looking for a Pattern
Students are given a worksheet with multiple
triangles that contain lengths on each side.
Students are to work together and try and identify a
pattern between the provided triangle lengths. Ask
the students to create a mathematical formula
Flashcards – Definitions and Squares
Students are to study using the assigned flashcards
at home. The flashcards contain definitions and
common squares and square roots. Let the students
know this material will be on the test.
Presentation – The Pythagorean Presentation
Students will be broken into groups and asked to
research, create a PowerPoint and present on a
chosen proof of the Pythagorean theorem.
based on their findings. The idea is to get them to
create the Pythagorean Theorem on their own.
Quiz – Finding the Missing Square
Students will take a quiz solving for the missing
sides of a triangle using the Pythagorean Theorem.
Students will be expected to have memorized the
formula.
Activity – Measuring Distance
Students will be given a scavenger hunt based on
coordinates on an x-y plane. Students are to use the
distance formula to locate objects throughout the
classroom.
Test – Unit Test
Students will be given a cumulative test on the
Pythagorean Theorem unit. The test will include
many of the definitions provided on the flashcards,
using the Pythagorean theorem to find a missing
side of a triangle, the Distance Formula, and
information from the proof presentations.

Quiz – The Distance Formula

Students will take a quiz on finding the distance
between two points on a Cartesian plane. They will
be expected to memorize the formula.

Lesson 1 (Teacher Lecture)

Student Learning Objective: Acceptable Evidence Lesson Activities:
(Assessments):
By the end of the lecture Students will begin class with a review question on the board. The teacher will use the google slides
students should be able to: The student should be able available to facilitate the lecture. Students will be given guided notes to follow along. The teacher will
to state the Pythagorean periodically break at the correct parts of the guided reading. Students will be encouraged to work
1. State the Theorem from memory. together to solve the problems provided during the lesson.
Pythagorean
After the lecture, the instructor will go over the problems provided in the guided notes. Then he or she
Theorem A quiz will be administered
will ask for examples of how the students think they can apply the Pythagorean Theorem in real life.
2. Define vocabulary to assure students can
terms. solve for the missing side of
3. Use the a right triangle.
Pythagorean
Theorem to solve
for the missing
side of a right
triangle.

Lesson 2 (Webercise/ iPad Lesson)

Student Learning Objective: Acceptable Evidence: Lesson Activities:

1. Define vocabulary 1. The student Students will complete this lesson in the computer lab. Students will be directed to the teacher page to
terms provided. correctly gives the download the Webercise. Students will be asked to print out the provided worksheet so they can fill in
2. Learn about the definition of the the answers as they go.
origin of the terms provided.
 Pythagorean 2. The student First, students will be directed to a mathematical vocabulary website where they will be asked to define
Theorem. correctly answers the provided terms.
3. Learn about an the questions in
application of the part 2 of the Next, students will be directed to a page that provides hundreds of proofs on the Pythagorean theorem.
Pythagorean assignment. They will be asked multiple questions on various proofs on this website.
Theorem. 3. The student
correctly provides Lastly, students will watch a short video regarding the application of the Pythagorean Theorem in
football. Students will again answer the provided questions on the worksheet.
the answer for
section 3 of the
worksheet.
Lesson 3 (Graphic Organizer)
Student Learning Objective: Acceptable Evidence: Lesson Activities:

1. Draw and define a 1. Student correctly This is an independent assignment. Students will work on this assignment at home. In addition to
right triangle. draws and defines reviewing the lecture notes you will watch a short instructional video on the Pythagorean Theorem. After
2. Correctly label the a right triangle in the video, follow along the Graphic Organizer to solidify your knowledge.
parts of a right step 1 of the Watch the 10 minute lecture on the Pythagorean Theorem.
triangle. graphic organizer. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AA6RfgP-AHU
After watching the video proceed to step 1. In the box draw and define a right triangle. Make sure to
3. Solve for missing 2. Students complete
identify which angle is right. Proceed to step 2. Fill in the definition chart. Make sure to use full sentences.
sides of a right step 2 and
Label your sides and hypotenuse. Proceed to step 3. State the Pythagorean Theorem then use it to solve
triangle. correctly label the for the missing side. Show all your work for full credit.
triangle in part 1.
3. Students show all
work in part 3.
Unit Resources:

http://hookunitplan.weebly.com/
http://www.mathwords.com/a_to_z.htm
https://www.cut-the-knot.org/pythagoras/index.shtml
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Grzy-ZAotB0
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AA6RfgP-AHU

Useful Websites:

Pythagorean Theorem Calculator

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Wolfram Alpha
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MathIsFun
Extra instruction and examples that apply to the Pythagorean Theorem.
BuzzMath
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Illustrative Mathematics
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Khan Academy
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