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Pythagorean Bridges Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to create suspension cables in the classroom. Overview This activity allows students to work in cooperative groups and apply the Pythagorean Theorem to a construction project modeling a real world problem. Students will use yarn and paperclips to create a "cable" connecting a hook on the floor to a hook on the wall. Students must measure the "legs" of a right triangle -- the distances between these hooks and their common corner. Concepts & Vocabulary Students should be able to read and use a ruler and be able to use the Pythagorean Theorem to calculate the length of the hypotenuse of a right triangle given the lengths of both legs. Appropriate vocabulary for this lesson includes right triangle, hypotenuse, leg, and right angle. Materials Two self-adhesive "plant hooks" (available with most office supplies)
Prior to the beginning of class, attach put the adhesive hooks in place. One will be affixed to the wall, and the second to the floor. Position the hooks so that they form two vertices of a right triangle with the right angle at the point where the floor meets the wall. The hook on the floor should be on a line perpendicular from the wall on the same plane as the hook on the wall. (If the floor is tiled, you may choose to place both hooks so that they correspond to "seams" in the tile. This will assist the students in making direct measurements.) Allow each team to measure the distance from the corner to each hook. These two measurements represent the legs of the right triangle. Once all measurements are completed, provide each team with their yarn and paperclips. The team members will use the Pythagorean Theorem to calculate the necessary length of yarn to create a cable stretching between the hooks. Students will need to use their rulers to measure the correct length of cable. Students must then attach a paperclip to each end of their cable. Group members may need to adjust the length of their cable to compensate for the paperclips.
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