Great+Symbols+in+Mathematics

Objective
Student will study and present great symbols in mathematics using the most appropriate tech format (slideshow, movie, etc), earning at least 85% on the rubric assessment.

Standard
Georgia GPS MM2G3, Students will understand the properties of circles. a. Understand and use properties of chords, tangents, and secants as an application of triangle similarity. Process standard: MM2P4, Students will make connections among mathematical ideas and to other disciplines. a. Recognize and use connections among mathematical ideas. b. Understand how mathematical ideas interconnect and build on one another to produce a coherent whole. c. Recognize and apply mathematics in contexts outside of mathematics. Supporting standard: MM1G3, Students will discover, prove, and apply properties of triangles, quadrilaterals, and other polygons.

Materials

 * Computer with slide software installed (PowerPoint, Impress, or Keynote, eg; per collaborative pair)
 * Internet access (per computer)
 * Compass, straightedge, pencil, paper (per student)

Warm Up
I’ll give the class a circle-triangle construction problem from among Pythagoras’ symbols. They’ll use compass and straightedge to create the symbol. //10 minutes//

Engagement
Show students the Pythagorean symbols presentation that I made as a sample. Engage them with the historical significance of each symbol.

Lesson
Students will work in collaborative pairs, as established earlier in the year.
 * 1) Hand out the rubric and explain the assignment. Students will have 2 class days to complete the presentation and 2 more days will be set aside for presentations.
 * 2) Take students to the computer lab.
 * 3) Direct students to a del.icio.us bookmark page with symbol ideas they might use. Put a sign up list on the whiteboard to avoid overlapping projects.
 * 4) Teacher to circulate among the students, providing tech and content assistance.

Assessment
Students will be graded on a group rubric for this project. I’ll be looking for the following:
 * That the geometry is correct
 * That the presentation includes images of the symbols
 * That the presentation cites all works used
 * That the presentation is given well (teamwork, explanation, public speaking skills, engagement)

Download a [|Word version of the lesson plan] Download a [|sample slide show] Return to unit lesson plan page