Secondary/Middle Grades Problem-Based Lesson Plan Template

General Information
Lesson Title: Classifying Triangles to be Right Triangles by Using the Pythagorean Theorem

Subject(s): Geometry
Grade Level: 9th

Prerequisite Skills/Prior Knowledge:

Prior to the lesson students should know and understand the basic geometric principles. Students
should be able to complete basic algebraic equations and perform basic operations (addition,
subtraction, multiplication, and division).
Instructional Setting:

Student will be divided into groups of four or five students. They will individually attempt to solve the
problem and then collectively collaborate and share their answers and ideas

Standards and Objectives

State/National Academic Standard(s):

CCSS.MATH.CONTENT.HSG.SRT.C.8

Use trigonometric ratios and the Pythagorean Theorem to solve right triangles in applied problems.

Learning Objective(s):
Identify what students will accomplish by the end of the lesson; needs to align with the state or Common Core
State Standards and needs to be measurable (condition, behavior, and criterion).

Students at the end of the lesson should be able to classify a right triangle by using the Pythagorean
Theorem. When given 2 sides of a right triangle, student should be able to solve for the third side
using the Pythagorean Theorem.

Materials Technology
Pen How will you use technology to enhance teaching and
learning? (Optional: Use the SAMR model to explain the
Paper technology integration strategies you plan to use.)

Markers SAMR Level

Large Sheet of Paper  Augmentation

A SmartBoard will be used to present the lesson

problem, define important terms, and utilized for
the presentation of students findings.
 Students will be provided with a TI-84 Plus
calculator to compute their findings and test their
theories.

Language Demands
Language Function:
The content and language focus of the learning task represented by the active verbs within the learning outcomes.
Common language functions in math include predicting from models and data, recording multiple ways to solve
problems, evaluating data, and classifying shapes based on attributes.

Students will discuss how to determine if a triangle is a right triangle when given the side lengths. Students will try
to come up with their own rule for side lengths that make a right triangle while asking themselves these questions:

 Do the side lengths have to be close together?

 Are there any ratios between the side lengths?

Vocabulary:

 Hypotenuse
 Opposite
 Adjacent

Discourse and/or Syntax:

Is this triangle a right triangle?

How did you determine if it was a right triangle?

Is there a specific rule that can help us determine if this is a right triangle?

Can you formulate a rule to help other student determine if this is a right triangle?

Planned Language Supports:

The scaffolds, representations, and pedagogical strategies teachers intentionally provide to help learners
understand and use the concepts of language they need to learn within disciplines.

Teacher will walk around the room to monitor, guide and check for understanding.

Teacher will also provide

Students will be in heterogenous groups.

Instructional Plan

Before Phase of the Lesson:

Describe how you will activate prior knowledge, ensure students understand the task, and clarify how students will work
on the task (e.g., individually, pairs), as well as what they need to produce.

During Phase of the Lesson:

Describe how you will monitor, support, and extend student thinking while they work on the task.

After Phase of the Lesson:

Describe how you will promote productive discussion, evaluate student thinking, and summarize main ideas.

Differentiated Instruction
Consider how to accommodate for the needs of each type of student. Be sure that you provide content specific
accommodations that help to meet a variety of learning needs.

Gifted and Talented:

ELL:
Students with Other Special Needs:

Assessment:
Formative
Describe how you will monitor, support, and extend student thinking.

Summative
(Quizzes, Tests, products)