Pythagorean Theorem using String Beans- Free Lesson

You've come to the "Right" place to see the Pythagorean Theorum in action.

Given the Pythagorean Theorem the students will create a right triangle using string beans. Prior knowledge to completing this activity, the students should:

1) Know basics of a triangle

2) Know how to solve algebraic equations involving squares and square roots

1) Raw String Beans (cut to equal length), at least 12 for each student

2) A piece of plain paper

1) Given string beans, students should try to form their own right triangle using the Pythagorean Theorem. Each string bean represents one unit of measurement. 

2) The white paper should provide as a layout for forming the triangle. It will help the students to visualize the triangle. To start students off, have them line up 4 string beans going down the edge of the paper. This is the first side of their triangle that has the length of 4. Have students line up 3 string beans going across their paper (should look like an L).

3) Allow students to try to find the length of the missing side of the triangle. If a= 3, and b= 4, find the length of c. Students should proof their solution using the equation.

4) Students should have legs of their triangle being 3, 4 and the slope as 5 string beans in length. 32+42=52.

Introduce students to the right triangle. Draw a right triangle on the board labeling the legs a and b. The slope of the triangle is labeled c. Explaining that a right triangle makes a right angle.

The Pythagorean Theorem allows you to find the length of the third side of the triangle if you already know the lengths of the other two sides of the triangle by using the equation of a2+b2=c2.

Show examples with your students, as you use the Pythagorean Theorem to find the missing sides of the triangle in your demonstrations.

Snack on green beans, they taste excellent by themselves or with some ranch dressing on the side. Yum!