Instructional

Software
Lesson Idea Name: Using the Pythagorean Theorem to find distance between two points
Content Area: Math
Grade Level(s): 8th Grade

Content Standard Addressed: MGSE8.G.8 Apply the Pythagorean Theorem to find the distance between two
points in a coordinate system.

Technology Standard Addressed: 3-- Knowledge Constructor

Selected Technology Tool: BrainPoP.com

URL(s) to support the lesson (if applicable):
https://www.brainpop.com/math/geometryandmeasurement/pythagoreantheorem/

Type of Instructional Software:

☐ Drill and Practice ☒ Tutorial ☐ Simulation ☐ Instructional Game ☐ e-books/e-references

Features of this software (check all that apply):

☐ Assessment Monitoring/Reporting
☐ Allows teacher to create customized lessons for students
☐ Multi-user or collaborative functions with others in the class
☐ Multi-user or collaborative with others outside the class
☒ Accessible to students beyond the school day
☒ Accessible via mobile devices
☒ Multiple languages
☒ Safety, security and/or privacy features

Bloom’s Taxonomy Level(s):

☒ Remembering ☒ Understanding ☐ Applying ☐ Analyzing ☐ Evaluating ☐ Creating

Levels of Technology Integration (LoTi Level):

☐ Level 1: Awareness ☒ Level 2: Exploration ☐ Level 3: Infusion ☐ Level 4: Integration

☐ Level 5: Expansion ☐ Level 6: Refinement

Universal Design for Learning (UDL):
Engagement: For Diverse students, ESL students, and any other students who require a different learning
experience can act out the BrainPOP tutorials, use native language references to grasp concepts within the
library or on a mobile device. Using whiteboards and flashcards can be used as well for writing the material
down to bring home for further understanding. Changing the language setting on the page or slowing down
the tutorial for a better understanding are other objectives I could provide for a universal learning
environment. It is important for all students to feel comfortable while retaining information that may be
harder to grasp due to language, culture, etc.

Lesson idea implementation
Addressing the standard by doing beginning exercises involving finding points, then comparing the

Spring 2018_SJB
 Instructional Software
Pythagorean Theorem to coordinate systems to get the brain warmed up for new information. The
introduction of finding distance will be recalled from Pythagorean Theorem exercise sheets and group work.
The review portion of class should take about 10 to 15 minutes, making sure each student is prepared to
move forward. The rest of the class time will involve the BrainPOP video, including instruction on how to find
distance using what we learned about the Pythagorean Theorem, and then finally ending with a review and
guided homework for practice. Student learning will be assessed by walking around the classroom helping any
student that is confused by anything covered in class. I will also call up my students to assess how they are
retaining the information for feedback. The final product will be used to differentiate learning by separating
who needs more instruction in the class to who understands the material to the fullest. I will incorporate the
quizzes and games on BrainPOP for my students to gain a further understanding of the material and apply it
to real world activities.
I will extend student learning to a higher level by asking my students to apply what they learned on their
own. Solving problems in front of the class and making their own problems is a creative, higher level learning
technique that causes a more extended way of thinking and applying. I will conclude the lesson by asking my
students three things they learned in class today, and having a review of finding distance using the
Pythagorean Theorem sending them home with homework to be completed before next class. My student’s
questions and work can be answered through email or individual scheduled time, which is how I will assist my
students in the work they do in the previous class.
Reflective Practice:
The activities I created could impact student learning by asking group members questions, evolving their
understanding of how math works different ways to expand the mind, and focus on the how do we get the
distance instead of the why. To further extend the lesson I would add a project outside of the classroom to
apply real world functions through math. Working with take home projects brings the subject home, where
applications and non-teacher instructions are more challenging. Other technology tools that could enhance
this project would be E-books and E-references on mobile devices such as computers that involve guided
readings and explanations about the topic of interest.

Spring 2018_SJB