Activity Title - Geometry is Everywhere, Even in Your Yard!

Goal/Objective

This lesson is to aid the student in the computation of geometry.

Lesson Outline/Introduction

You can compute the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle by using the length of the triangle's legs. Builders use this skill, as do others in the field of construction and landscaping.

In the 6th century there lived a man named Pythagoras. He is the founder of the Pythagorean Theorem. The formula a squared + b squared = c squared can be used to determine the length of a missing leg, or side, of a triangle when two side are known.

Activity

Explain to the class that they are going to create a border for a triangular garden spot. The gardener has measured two sides but forgot to measure the last side. The two legs that are known are A = 5, B = 10. The class needs to determine how much border material to purchase in order to enclose the garden. After finding the number of feet of material needed, the students must also compute the cost if the material is $1.50 per foot. The material used to border the garden is sold by the running foot so any fraction of a foot must be figured as a whole foot price. The problem should be computed using this guide.

Debriefing/Evaluation Activity

Have the students discuss the possible uses for the Pythagorean Theorem in daily life.

Materials, Texts, Realia, Handouts

Real-Life Connection

Assign students the project of using this formula to compute/check the dimensions of a space using the number of floor or ceiling tiles present in the classroom, home or office. Diagram the space and the student should justify their answers.

Activity Title - Geometry is Everywhere, Even in Your Yard!

Introduction

Say: It is possible to figure out the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle using the length of the legs. This formula has many practical uses. We will use this formula to determine how much material we will need to make a garden border.

Main Activity

Say: Today, we are going to solve a real life problem using the Pythagorean Theorem. Let's first review the formula. The formula is a squared + b squared = c squared.

Do: Write the formula on the board and do a sample problem. For example, 2 squared + 3 squared = c squared 4 + 9 = 13

Say: We are now ready to create our garden border. You are at the garden supply shop to buy the material you need but you realize that you only have the measurement to two sides of the garden. What do you do now? The Pythagorean Theorem is the solution to your problem.

Do: Write the formula on the board and substitute 5 for a, and 10 for b.

Say: Solve the equation. Once you have the dimension to the third side, compute the perimeter of the triangle. Last decide how many feet of material are needed to complete the garden project.

Do: Write the price $1.50 per foot on the board.Say: After you have figured out how many feet of border you need, figure out the cost. Remember, the material is sold by the foot and cannot be sold by a fraction of a foot.

Closure/Conclusion

Say: As you can see, formulas have many applications in the real world. Now, think of other situation where this formula may be helpful.

Pass out graph paper to the students and have them illustrate the garden.

Follow-up lessons/Activities

Do: Give the class sections of the newspaper for them to search for material for the garden.

Say: Make a shopping list complete with the prices necessary to plant a flower garden. Use graph paper to diagram the placement of the plants.