The intent of this mathematical activity is to have the students apply the Pythagorean Theorem and to show off their creative sides. By this time, students would have discovered the Pythagorean Theorem (a^2 + b^2 = c^2) and that the theorem only works for right triangles.
The students will be using this knowledge to draw and label a nautilus-looking wheel titled the Wheel of Theodorus. Explanation is in the link to the activity below. While students are drawing their right triangles and thinking of what they want to draw using their wheel, they are applying the Pythagorean Theorem by labeling the sides of the triangles (legs and hypotenuse ← they have to use the theorem to find this guy) and labeling the right angles in each triangle.
That’s about it. Short and Simple. Why not give it a try? Click on the link below to see the instructions to start making a Wheel of Theodorus of your own. Have fun!!
The Wheel of Theodorus Activity
Featured Image: Jeremy’s Own Wheel (taken from camera)