Yes, the Pythagorean theorem is used in real life.
Penny Jacobus showed Helen Keller Middle School students during her recent KED Talks how she uses the Pythagorean theorem at work to design lighting for theatrical and ballet productions.
“I work with two-dimensional architectural drawings of a theater. In order to figure out the best location for a lighting instrument, I need to know how far the beam of light will travel from the hanging position. With that information, I can figure out the best type of light to use to accomplish my design,” Jacobus explained.
Jacobus’s KED Talk is part of the school’s ongoing program that invites parents to give talks to students about their work, expertise and hobbies. The program is modeled after TED Talks, the popular platform for experts and innovators to share their knowledge and ideas with the world.
During her KED Talk, Jacobus gave students the task of figuring out the best location and unit type for a throne in the New York City Ballet’s production of The Nutcracker using the Pythagorean theorem of a2+b2=c2. The ancient theorem describes the relationship between three sides of a right triangle.
She signed up to give the presentation because she remembers sitting in math class asking herself ‘Why would I ever need to know this? Geometry is ridiculous. How could this possibly be useful to anyone, unless you are a math teacher?’
“Now that I am a working professional, especially in a field that designs on paper first before installation, many decisions are made based on a solid understanding of math rules,” Jacobus said.
School Principal Steve Clapp said Assistant Principal Annie Mohr came up with the idea over the summer of 2021. A total of four presentations have been given to date with two more in the works. Seven parents have signed up since KED Talks began. Topics range from science to music and art. Parents have shared strategies for creating impactful work in the field of art and design that align with real-world career goals. The talks offer insights into the skills required to be successful in various fields, including critical thinking and collaboration.
“The hope is we will create a video archive of the talks that teachers can access when relevant to their units of study.” Klapp said. “Our own TED Talks, but for middle school students related to a specific curriculum.”
Additionally, parents are discussing the importance of taking chances and embracing self-determination to create a fulfilling life. One parent shared insights into developing clean and sustainable irrigation systems in the developing world along with the role NGOs play in supporting these communities, said Klapp.
Jacobus said the KED Talks program helps the students realize that the things they learn in school will be useful to them in the future.
“We all want to know that when we work hard, we will actually achieve something. Schoolwork is not just busy work. It’s difficult to see this big picture when you are sitting behind a desk day after day. Having a Ked Talks adult share their experience and how it relates to a specific topic gives the students real world meaning to their studies,” Jacobus said.
