Working with Squares and Square Roots Station Rotation Lesson Plan

10-15- minute Intro – students settle in and I explain how the rotations are going to work.

50-minute – station rotation

Station #1 Direct Station #2 Collaboration Station #3

Instruction Individual Activity
 "Number-line  “Pythagoras Puzzle”  Help yourself succeed!
mayhem"
 In a group of 4-5, use the  Go to your “Class Notes”
 Pair up and work materials on the table to folder and find the “Square
your way explain how a2 + b2 = c2 Roots Individual Activity”
through page.
estimating non-  When you think your group
perfect squares! got it, check with an instructor  Watch the Pythagoras
to see if you got it right! Theorem Video. In your
own words, how do you
 Take a picture of your finished explain that a2 + b2 = c2
product!
 If you have time…
 If you have time…  Visually represent
 Explain to an instructor perfect squares!
how solved the puzzle!  Practice estimating
non-perfect squares!

**16 minutes per station. The last 10-15 will be a reflection period where the students hand in
a 3-question reflection about the station rotation they participated in.
Pythagoras Puzzle Instructions

1. You have 3 squares, (one is a2 another is b2 and another is c2) and a pair of scissors. As a
group, think of a way to visually design an explanation for a2 + b2 = c2. When you think
you found a way, design it! Work as a team!!!! This is supposed to be challenging! Do
not worry if you don’t figure it out right away.

2. Once you think you’re done, check with the instructor to see if you are correct.

3. Pack everything up into the Ziploc bag, and leave the scissors on the table

4. If you are done everything, discuss the questions below with your group.

Pythagoras Puzzle Discussion Questions

1. Could there be more than one way to complete this puzzle successfully?

2. If you had to explain how you figured out your puzzle to another group, how would you
clearly explain it?
Square Roots Individual Activity

1. Watch this video. Once you’re done, answer the following questions:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YompsDlEdtc

a) Which of the Pythagorean theorem explanations makes the most sense to you?

b) In your own words, how do you explain that a2 + b2 = c2?

c) What are some ways that we may use the Pythagoras theorem in our everyday lives?

If you have time…

2. Follow the link below. Drag the red circle to create the first 13 perfect squares, then find the
square root. Work individually.
http://www.learnalberta.ca/content/mejhm/index.html?l=0&ID1=AB.MATH.JR.NUMB&ID2=A
B.MATH.JR.NUMB.SQUA&lesson=html/object_interactives/square_roots/use_it.html

3. Follow the link to this Estimating Square Roots Online Lab. Drag your mouse to the correct
spot on the number line. Try this until you Work individually or with a partner
http://www.mathopolis.com/games/estimate-sqroot.php
Station Rotation Reflection Questions:

1. What was your favourite station? Why?

2. In 3-4 sentences explain one thing you learned today.

3. Which station did you find the most challenging? What was challenging about it?