In this video, learn how to make a simple and beautiful real-life Pythagoras theorem model using cardboard, color paper, and basic craft materials.
This project shows how a ladder leaning against a wall forms a right-angled triangle and how we can calculate the ladder length using the Pythagorean formula:
✔ c² = a² + b²
Materials Needed
- Thick cardboard sheet
- Color papers (white, brown, blue, red)
- Scale, pencil, marker
- Fevicol / Glue
- Scissors / cutter
- Sketch pens
- A straw / thin stick (optional for ladder steps)
- Small triangle cutouts (optional)
Step-by-Step Making Process
1. Make the Base Board
- Take a rectangular cardboard piece (A4 or bigger).
- Cover it neatly with blue or white color paper.
- This will be your display base.
2. Make the Wall (vertical side)
- Cut a long rectangle from cardboard (height: 20–25 cm).
- Cover it with grey or brown color paper to look like a wall.
- Draw brick lines or wall texture using a black marker.
- Glue it standing vertically on the left side of the base.
3. Make the Ground (horizontal side)
- Use another thin cardboard strip (25–30 cm).
- Cover it with green/brown color paper.
- Glue it flat on the base.
Now the wall and ground make a right angle (90°).
4. Make the Ladder (Hypotenuse)
Option A: Simple Ladder
- Cut a long thin rectangle (width 3–4 cm, length 25–30 cm).
- Cover it with brown color paper.
- Draw steps using a black marker.
Option B: Realistic Ladder
- Cut two long strips (side rails).
- Cut 7–8 small strips or use small straws (steps).
- Glue the steps between the two rails.
👉 Keep the ladder length according to your problem (e.g., 13 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm).
5. Fix the Ladder Against the Wall
- Place the ladder slanted between the ground and the wall.
- Glue the bottom to the ground and top to the wall.
- Make sure it touches both to form a right-angled triangle.
6. Add Pythagoras Labels
Cut three square pieces:
Square on Height (vertical side)
- Color: Red
- Size: proportional to height
- Label: a²
Square on Base (horizontal side)
- Color: Green
- Size: proportional to base
- Label: b²
Square on Ladder (hypotenuse)
- Color: Yellow
- Size: biggest
- Label: c²
Arrange them around the triangle.
7. Add Measurement Labels
Use thin color strips or sketch pen to write:
- Height = a
- Base = b
- Ladder Length = c
- c² = a² + b²
Stick them neatly.
8. Add Title and Explanation
Make a small title card:
“Ladder Against a Wall – Pythagoras Theorem Working Model”
Below it, add a short explanation:
“Height² + Base² = Ladder²”
Stick it on the base board.