Subject: Math; STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math)
Lesson Length: 45 mins - 1 hour
Topic: Math, Geometry, Triangles, Pythagorean Theorem, Proofs
Grade Level: 10, 11, 12, 9
Standards / Framework:
Brief Description: Students will create a comic that proves the Pythagorean Theorem using triangle similarity.
Know Before You Start: Students should know and be able to use the Pythagorean Theorem.
Comic 1
Comic 2
Hook:
- Ask students:
- “What is the Pythagorean Theorem?”
- “Why is it important to be able to prove theorems in math?”
- “What are some proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem?”
Activity:
- Have students discuss applications of the Pythagorean Theorem.
- Have students discuss how similar triangles can be used to prove the Pythagorean Theorem.
- Have students create a comic that use similar triangles to illustrates their own proof of the Pythagorean Theorem.
Closure:
- Have students share their comics with the class or in small groups.
- Have students explain the proof to each other.
- Have students discuss why it’s important to be able to communicate mathematical ideas in visual form.
- Discuss alternate proofs for the Pythagorean Theorem.
- Emphasize that while it’s not necessary to memorize proofs, working through proofs of geometric theorems helps build critical thinking skills.
Differentiation:
- Allow students to use the speech-to-text feature.
- Allow students to work in pairs or groups as needed.
- Allow students to use the voiceover feature to read their comics aloud.
Resources:
- Comic to print or display: Comic.
- Draw/Plan Then Write
- Concept Map
- Pythagorean Theorem (over 100 proofs)
- Video: Pythagorean Proof Using Similarity - Khan Academy
Suggested Content Packs:
Make a comic about High School
