Description/Aim

This activity involves finding ways to draw squares with different areas and then looking at the patterns that exist within those that can be drawn! This investigation provides students with an opportunity to discover Pythagoras's theorem for right-angled triangles. With this there is a sequence of 3 activities and a hint sheet for students.

Why we like this activity ….

It is instantly engaging in its practical nature. The first challenge is recognising the 'skewey' possibility and the challenges come thick and fast. Students are free to explore and small inputs from the teacher allow them to make more progress and make discoveries. That students can disover Pythagoras's theorem for themselves is wonderful

How this activity be used ….

The resources make this fairly clear. We have done this with students working as individuals but sharing their ideas and discoveries. There needs to be that opportunity for sharing. Obviously there are many ways to teach Pythagoras's theorem, but these operate as a sequence involving approximately three lessons. You could take parts of them and do them in isolation though!

What to expect when using this activity –- from our experience

There is a need for teachers to differentiate by careful distribution of the hints. I have done this verbally rather than using the sheet, but it depends on your class and your prefered style!

Extra Notes

There is an activity on pythagorean triples that could be used in conjubtion with this or as extension.