TES Maths: Pythagoras and trigonometry picks

Unique teaching ideas for introducing and revising Pythagoras' theorem and trigonometry

Craig Barton

TES Maths Collection Pythagoras & Trigonometry Resources,secondary,maths Resources,secondary Maths,ks3,ks4,ks5,pythagoras,trigonometry

Pythagoras' theorem and trigonometry are two of those classic topics that pupils revisit year-on-year. This is partly because these topics come in many forms and interesting contexts, from basic Pythagoras and SOHCAHTOA, to graphs of trigonometric functions and calculus. 

With the increased emphasis on ratio in the new GCSE specification, trigonometry is likely to start appearing in non-calculator papers as well. As such, it is more important than ever for students to get to grips with this crucial and fascinating area of mathematics.

Below is a selection of 15 top Pythagoras and trigonometry resources, all uploaded by the talented members of the TES Maths community. Why not use them to give you some new ideas for teaching these topics across all year groups?

Craig Barton

TES Maths adviser

Pythagoras - Perigal's Disection
MathSparks

Pythagoras - Perigal's Disection

FREE
(25)
This is my favourite way to introduce Pythagoras to students. Included is a worksheet with the required pieces, the larger one for students to cut up and rearrange, the smaller one to stick in whole to write notes about what they have discovered. The PowerPoints give the instructions for how to cut ...
Introduction to Pythagoras - Interactive Lesson
cstarr55

Introduction to Pythagoras - Interactive Lesson

FREE
(17)
A fun and engaging lesson to introduce Pythagoras' theorem and converse. The lesson includes a differentiated treasure hunt. My students loved it. You will need to print off 6, 8, 10 squares for each pair or group for the beginning of lesson. This is a lesson that I have adapted and changed...
Maths Pythagoras - Hypotenuse game
Daniel Burke

Maths Pythagoras - Hypotenuse game

FREE
(106)
A game I made as a revision tool for covering the topic of Pythagoras' Theorem with my year 9s and 10s. Pupils reveal squares with questions hidden behind them which they must work out. Great for a starter/plenary activity.
Trigonometry Intro Investigation
M Allan

Trigonometry Intro Investigation

FREE
(7)
These two worksheets should be printed out. It has been scaled so that when pupils measure with a ruler each 'box' is 1cm x 1cm. Pupils take the required measurements and are asked if they have observed any similarities between O/A. The tan ratio is then introduced! Lots of calculator use is enco...
Batman Trigonometry
alutwyche

Batman Trigonometry

FREE
(13)
Calculate the missing measurements to help the Police Commissioner in Gotham City and Batman catch the criminals. Includes missing sides and angles.
Pirate Trigonometry (NOW WITH SOLUTIONS)
ItsMattKennedy

Pirate Trigonometry (NOW WITH SOLUTIONS)

FREE
(50)
An end-of-unit quiz on trigonometry (with some pythagoras and other geometry thrown in) for GCSE classes. I originally made this as a presentation on Google Docs. A link to the original and the .pdf version are both shared below. EDIT --------- Now added are worked solutions to all problems...
Get 21 - 3D Trigonometry
HSpedding

Get 21 - 3D Trigonometry

FREE
(28)
Playing Black Jack with 3D trigonometry - please see instructions for more detail. This activity focuses on approximation of answers as well as a students reasoning. A paired activity working through 3D Trigonometry problems, providing opportunity for peer and self-assessment. Students are also ex...
Finding Exact Trig Values - Discovery Learning
emcnicholl

Finding Exact Trig Values - Discovery Learning

FREE
(16)
This worksheet encourages students to become familiar with 'special triangles' to calculate exact trig values without a calculator. By focusing on multiples of 30, 45 and 60, it also helps students spot symmetry in graphs. I created this resources to introduce double angle formula/additonal for...
Sine and Cosine Rule. Powerpoint lesson KS4.
joanridgway

Sine and Cosine Rule. Powerpoint lesson KS4.

FREE
(83)
One of the many resources I have created and use regularly to teach GCSE Maths. Clear set up, well presented, ready lesson plan. Powerpoint presenting seperately sine rule including activities then moving onto cosine rule with some good activities for the class.
Class sorting - Sine and Cosine Rules
Adam Slack

Class sorting - Sine and Cosine Rules

FREE
(9)
Similar to my existing class sorting resources, this can be used in different ways: a) As entrance cards to check understanding before exploring a new concept or to recap a previous lesson. b) As a way of showing progress during a lesson by giving each student a card which they are responsible for...