Pythagorean Theorum Web Quest Lesson Plan

Type of Lesson: WebQuest

Lesson Plan Title: Using Trigonometry in the Real World

Discipline and Topic: Algebra - Trigonometry

Target Population

• • Grade Level: 9

  • Population Characteristics: Students are in their last semester of Algebra at a relatively well funded and high performing school. They have previous experience with PowerPoint software from other courses. They have learned how to convert between angles and their sine, cosine and tangent using calculators and tables.

  • Lesson Groupings: Individual and groups of 3

Curriculum Links

New York State Learning Standards for Integrated Algebra - Trigonometric Functions

• • A.A.43 Determine the measure of an angle of a right triangle, given the length of any two sides of the triangle

  • A.A.44 Find the measure of a side of a right triangle, given an acute angle and the length of another side

  • A.A.45 Determine the measure of a third side of a right triangle using the Pythagorean theorem, given the lengths of any two sides

Objectives

Students will be able to…

• • Define Trigonometry

  • Explain the Pythagorean Theorem using the formula and a sketch

  • Identify when to use the Pythagorean Theorem

  • Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to solve a problem

  • Explain the 3 Trig Ratios (Sine, Cosine, Tangent) using the formula and a sketch

  • Identify when to use the 3 Trig Ratios (Sine, Cosine, Tangent)

  • Apply the 3 Trig Ratios (Sine, Cosine, Tangent) to solve a problem

Media Literacy Objectives

• • 4. Employ curriculum-specific simulations to practice critical-thinking processes. (1, 4)

  • 8. Model legal and ethical behaviors when using information and technology by properly selecting, acquiring, and citing resources. (3, 5)

Materials and Timing

• • Laptop Computers with Internet Access and PowerPoint

  • Paper

  • Writing Implement

  • Timing: Three 46 minute class periods

Scope and Sequence

• • Day 1 - Tasks 1 and 2

    • Task 1: Individually, familiarize yourself with Trigonometry, the Pythagorean Theorem, and the Trig Ratios. You will need these basics to help you describe the real world application of trigonometry.

    • Task 2: Individually, read the examples provided of how trigonometry is used every day.

  • Day 2 - Task 3 and 4

    • Task 3: In your assigned group, each of you select one summer job from the list. Each job has related tasks with it. You must brainstorm how to use the basic trigonometry ratios and theorem to accomplish the tasks.

    • Task 4: Create a PowerPoint Presentation with your group mates to educate the incoming freshmen about trigonometry and how it can be applied to their summer job. Specific requirements are listed below.

  • Day 3 - Task 4

    • Task 4: Create a PowerPoint Presentation with your group mates to educate the incoming freshmen about trigonometry and how it can be applied to their summer job. Specific requirements are listed below.

Supplemental Materials

• • Calculators with Sin, Cos and Tan function

  • Trig Table

Evaluation of Students

Evaluation of the Lesson

• • This lesson will be deemed a short term success if student remain engaged in the activity and complete it.

  • This lesson will be deemed a long term success if students are able to apply the Trio ratios and Pythagorean Theorem without prompting in future situations