Wednesday, October 30, 2013

Text Set Collection #1 Pythagorean Theorem

Books:
Hidden Harmonies: The Lives and Times of the Pythagorean Theorem 
Author: Robert & Ellen Kaplan
Grade: 10+
This book takes a look at the development and role of the Pythagorean Theorem over time. From its discovery, to its uses today, this book views history in relation to the theorem. There are a few proofs that may require a little more than the average knowledge of mathematics but the history is easy to follow for just about anyone. 

The Pythagorean Theorem: The Story of Its Power and Beauty
Author:   Alfred S. Posamentier 
Grade: 8+
In this book, a math educator tries his hand at clearing up misconceptions about the theorem. He also makes it clear to the reader as to the importance of the theorem throughout history. He addresses why this theorem has fascinated many people throughout history. 

Whats Your Angle Pythagoras? A Math Adventure
Author: Julie Ellis
Grade: 3+
In this illustrated book, Pythagoras is a young man who's curiosity  leads him to discover and important formula that he can use to solve right triangles. We follow him through his journey of discovery and application. 

The Pythagorean Theorem: Crown Jewel of Mathematics
Author: John C. Sparks
Grade: 5+
This book is an introduction the Pythagorean Theorem and its applications throughout mathematics. It takes a brief look at the history of the theorem and its development over time. This book also addresses spinoffs from the theorem including games, past times, and trigonometry. 

APPS:
Khan Academy
Grades 3+ 
This app is a version of the online Khan academy. The Khan academy is a great place to find just about any math concept you can think of. The app has the academy divided into subjects. When clicking the math then geometry section, you can find an entire section on the Pythagorean Theorem and its applications. 


Websites:
Pythagoras Theorem
Grades: 6+
This site is a somewhat interactive look at the Pythagorean Theorem. A very brief history leads to a mathematical and visual proof of the theorem. Also as you advance down the page, Everything from the definition to applications is shown to the site visitor. 

Pythagorean Theorem
Grade: 
This site is a little less creative but is very straight to the point when addressing the theorem. It begins with a statement of the theorem and its definition and then walks you through step by step solutions using the Pythagorean Theorem. 

Pythagorean Theorem
Grade: 10+
This site takes a deeper look at many of the proofs of the Pythagorean Theorem proven since its existence.

Pythagorean Theorem Calculator
Grade: 7+
This site gives a summary as to what and how to use the Pythagorean Theorem. It also provides an input calculator that allows you to quickly calculate and side of a right triangle if you know the other two. 

Practice with the Pythagorean Theorem
This site is an interactive "quiz" dealing with the theorem. Questions are posed in real world scenarios and all have to do with the theorem. The questions are multiple choice. 

Articles:
Surprising Uses of the Pythagorean Theorem
Better Explained
Grades: 11+
This article is a very interesting read. It introduces multiple ways to use the Pythagorean Theorem for things other than a right triangle. Almost any shape lends itself to the use of the theorem

Revisiting the Pythagorean Theorem
Clay Davenport & Keith Woolner
Baseball Prospectus
Grades: 8+
In this article, the two authors put an interesting spin on the Pythagorean Theorem. They make small tweeks and manipulations to the theorem to show how it can be used for calculating a handful of baseball statistics. Great read for a  baseball fan.

All Hail the Hypotenuse
Alan Hirshfeld
The Wall Street Journal
In this section of the Wall Street Journal, Hirshfeld takes a look at the Pythagorean theorem and its uses over time. He recognizes specific examples of using the theorem on certain things from throughout history. He also gives a brief explanation as to why and how it was used.

Jason Garrett Wants the Cowboys to Know the Pythagorean Theorem
Michael David Smith
NBCSPORTS.com
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/07/24/jason-garrett-wants-the-cowboys-to-know-the-pythagorean-theorem/
Grades:Any
In this article, Jason Garrett, the coach of the Dallas Cowboys, is quoted stating the importance of being intelligent football players. He specifically would like his players to know the Pythagorean Theorem becasue of its importance on the football field.

James Garfield was the Only President to Prove a Math Theorem
Esther Inglis-Arkell
i09.com
http://io9.com/james-garfield-was-the-only-u-s-president-to-prove-a-m-1037750658
Arkell takes a look at President Garfield's interest in mathematics. In particular she shares and discusses his very own proof  of the Pythagorean Theorem. 

1 comment:

  1. Travis, I really like that you chose to do your text set on the Pythagorean Theorem. I am actually working with a group of geometry students right now and I have been looking for additional research on geometry topics such as the Pythagorean Theorem. I also really liked that you included the Khan Academy App on your text set. We recently got a class set of iPads at my school and we have been looking for apps to use in the classroom.

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