Learning Exercise

Pythagorean Theorem Investigations

Secondary Math Ed majors or Geometry students are directed to a Web site that contains a rich and extensive collection of proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem, some accompanied by Java applets. Each student then selects two proofs to prepare to present to the class (a geometric proof and a visual proof) and writes a detailed outline of each proof. The student also indicates one additional proof that was of particular interest and the reason(s) for its selection. In a subsequent class, students are selected to make their presentations, either individually or in teams; the number of presentations may be limited due to time constraints and can be selected by lottery or a similar system.

Course: Geometry