Math Giraffe
  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • Doodle Notes
  • Shop
  • Classroom Management & Ideas
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Middle School
  • Inquiry Learning
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Pre Algebra Doodle NoteBook
  • Finance Doodle NoteBook
  • Distance Math Activities
  • Start Here
  • Blog
  • Doodle Notes
  • Shop
  • Classroom Management & Ideas
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Middle School
  • Inquiry Learning
  • Subscribe
  • About
  • Pre Algebra Doodle NoteBook
  • Finance Doodle NoteBook
  • Distance Math Activities
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

Picture

2/23/2017 11 Comments

Hands-On Explorations of the Pythagorean Theorem

Hands-On Explorations, Activities, & Ideas for Pythagorean Theorem
Pin it
Mathematics, in part, are built upon constants. One of the most well known and fundamental constants is the Pythagorean theorem.

We all know it and a lot of us teach it every year. Although educators and even parents are pretty familiar with this, our students don’t always grasp it as easily.

We know that the uses for this theorem are practically limitless; from astronomy, geography, physics to engineering and more. The Pythagorean theorem is a constant in our lives. 

And in this day and age of interactivity or press of a button knowledge (AKA: Google), it is important to teach on a more hands-on level.

​This collection offers 4 different approaches for discovering the ins and outs of the Pythagorean Theorem. 

Why Bother Taking the Time to Go Hands-On?

​Dr. Ben Mardell, Phd with the Project Zero at Harvard University has said, "kids learn through all their senses and they like to touch and manipulate things."  Basically, hands-on activities activate more regions of student’s brains.
 
It’s actually pretty simple. As Judy Dodge author of 25 Quick Formative Assessments for a Differentiated Classroom states "The more parts of your brain you use, the more likely you are to retain information, if you're only listening, you're only activating one part of the brain," she says, "but if you're drawing and explaining to a peer, then you're making connections in the brain."

​That’s why things like doodle notes and hands on activities are so important. Activities like these are easy to implement and immensely beneficial to the students. 

1. Cut & Paste

It can sometimes sound rudimentary, but a simple cut and paste activity is a tried and true method of learning. Kinesthetic learning is a great way to engage your students. Have your students cut up diagrams or models from worksheets or even a photocopy of textbook samples.

Then have your students  arrange them on paper and scotch tape them down to create the original, then re-number and write/tweak the actual question (save time drawing the diagram or model yourself).
 
Here is a great example of a hands-on pythagorean classroom activity from Kyle Krafka.

2. Folding

Another great illustration of the Pythagorean theorem is through paper folding. By folding a plain sheet of paper your students get a first hand look on exactly how this theorem is applied.  This one moves fast, but is really spiffy! 

This origami-style activity will help your students see and remember how the theorem actually applies.  The great part is that it is a general proof that works for different right triangles, and you can actually fold further to get different versions.
Hands-On Paper Folding for Pythagorean Theorem
Pin it

3. Project: Create a 3-d Model

Have your students team up in pairs and create and actual 3D model of the theorem. They can use small balls, blocks, jelly beans, water, or even wadded up balls of paper to show how the side lengths work out. Here is an example that a few students came up with in their own math project.
 
Hands-On Activities & Ideas for Teaching Pythagorean Theorem
Ideas for the squares for hands-on student projects (edible options are always a big hit!):
  • crackers
  • blocks
  • chocolates
  • paper squares
  • dice
  • game cards
  • candies
Giant Versions on the floor as a full class! -
  • square plastic plates
  • cloth napkins
  • carpet squares or ceramic tiles

4. Concept-Based Doodle Notes

This set of doodle notes is a great way for students to record and reference the basics of the Pythagorean Theorem.  Visual note-taking is a strategy that is as hands-on as notes can get, and has been proven to boost focus, learning, and long-term retention.
Pythagorean Theorem Hands-On Activities
Pythagorean Theorem Doodle Notes
Pin it
​Teaching fundamentals is extremely important. However, what you really your students to retain is the real meaning of it all.

​Taking concepts such as the Pythagorean Theorem out of the text (beyond just memorizing a formula) and into our hands is a wonderful way learn. Do you have any tips or tricks you use in your classroom? Let us know what you do in the comments below! 

Enter your email address to get future articles, free lessons, updates, and more math education ideas:

To Read Next:

Picture
Picture
Picture
11 Comments
Donna Furrey
11/19/2017 10:22:44 am

Thanks

Reply
Esther link
1/18/2018 08:29:57 pm

Gracias por compartir sus experiencias en el proceso de enseñanza aprendizaje.

Reply
prof prem raj pushpakaran
9/13/2018 03:58:44 am

prof prem raj pushpakaran writes -- let us celebrate Pythagorean Theorem Day on 8/15/17, 12/16/20 & 7/24/25 !!!!

Reply
Hello
9/13/2021 05:09:03 pm

Yes

Reply
Issac link
4/5/2022 01:24:58 pm

HIIIIII!!!!!!

maddie tarbutton
12/9/2020 03:57:17 pm

thank you

Reply
celebrity heights link
2/15/2022 08:18:13 am

I hope to see more updates from you. Thank you!

Reply
Emma link
4/5/2022 01:24:10 pm

HIIIIIIII!!!!!!!

Reply
dream about tsunami link
6/28/2022 04:11:38 pm

Every manual activity is fun!

Reply
no
2/6/2023 02:17:24 pm

Can you please send the other page? It says: TRY IT

Reply
Math Giraffe link
2/8/2023 11:05:09 am

Hi,
Here is the link where you can purchase my full doodle note set for Pythagorean Theorem:
https://math-giraffe-shop.myshopify.com/products/pythagorean-theorem-doodle-notes
I hope you and your students enjoy it. Thanks, and have a great day!
Brigid

Reply



Leave a Reply.


    Archives

    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    March 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    September 2021
    July 2021
    April 2021
    November 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    November 2019
    September 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014


    RSS Feed

    Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...
    Click to set custom HTML
Proudly powered by Weebly
Photos used under Creative Commons from kellywritershouse, Robert-Herschede, University of the Fraser Valley, mrhayata, Iwan Gabovitch, nateOne, Franklin Park Library, rhymeswithsausage, US Department of Education, Edsel L, Larry1732, philwarren, peteselfchoose, Dean Hochman, BryonLippincott, AFS-USA Intercultural Programs, Nilsze, philosophygeek, VividImageInc, cantanima, dcysurfer / Dave Young