Activity Overview
The student will construct the Lute of Pythagoras and investigate the many geometric shapes created.
Before the Activity
Begin by reviewing the characteristics of a regular pentagon, including the number of sides, angle measurements of both central and between the sides.
Need to make copies of worksheet for each
student.
A WMV showing the construction is available (40 MB) by contacting author. It is also available at
http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=176828
There is another video showing the construction of a pentagon too.
http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?video_id=176582
During the Activity
Pause after each phase of the construct to complete the worksheet at the end of the document file.
Can use the Nspire document provided as a guide.
After the Activity
Have students share the kinds and number of shapes they discovered.
Use copies of the "Lute" to have students create their own designs by selecting shapes to color differently.
Use the designs above to create a stained glass window.