Web Quests use the Internet to teach students background information on different situations, as well as how to solve problems by themselves. Have the students visit Mr. Wested's Pythagorean Theory Web Quest, where they will learn how to categorize triangles, figure out the angles of triangles and determine the length of the shape's sides. Another option is the Web Quest of Special Right Triangles, where the students will learn about this distinct group of triangles.
Assign each student a different topic to research or allow each student to pick his own from a prepared list. Some possibilities for topics include creating biographies of famous individuals associated with theories of the triangle, the basic components of Napolean's theorem or Morley's theorem or the history of how people have used triangles throughout time. Have students write a research paper using reputable references that can either be submitted as a report, or presented to the class as a presentation.
Explain to students that triangles help to make structures stronger and that they are often used in construction. Have the students find a building that uses triangles in its composition, either in its structure or in its facade. Require students to make a model of the building, highlighting its use of triangles, and include a scale with the finished product. Have the students work in groups for this project.
Give students a list of triangular items common to your classroom or school grounds, and ask them to find not only that item, but also that item's angles or side lengths. As a variation, ask students to find as many triangles as they can with certain angle or side length specifications. Give students only a certain amount of time to complete the hunt before they must report back. This project works well for individuals and teams alike.