How Far Is It? - Finding Distance Using The Pythagorean Theorem Grade 8 Lesson

How Far Is It is an 8th grade math lesson that teaching students how to find the distance between two points on a coordinate plane using the Pythagorean Theorem. This lesson can be done with direct instruction, or as a partner/team student exploration.

Students work together to develop a strategy for finding the distance of vertical lines, horizontal lines, and diagonal lines. The lesson starts with line segments on a geo board, then moves to the coordinate plane. Students then try to find the distance without the use of a coordinate plane.

This lesson includes the following materials:

• Complete lesson directions with suggestion on how to teach it in your classroom.
• Printable student activity packet (4 pages).
• Student exit ticket.
• 1 Extension activity page.
• Complete worked out solutions.

This lesson will help your students learn how to use the Pythagorean Theorem to calculate the distance between any two point on a coordinate plane.

Note: This lesson does NOT teach students the distance formula, nor does it expect them to know or use it.

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