In case it's been a while since you came across the word, Pi is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. Pi is an irrational number, which means its decimal form never ends or becomes repetitive. March 14th is Pi Day because the date contains the first 3 digits of Pi: 3.14. Back in the day, Pi was just another math term to learn. Nowadays, classrooms all over the world celebrate Pi Day in many creative ways. Kids today have all the fun!
Students in 4th Grade can begin to understand Pi! Here are just a few ideas to try:
1. Read Circumference and the Dragon of Pi
Circumference and the Dragon of Pi is written by Cindy Neuschwander, and illustrated by Wayne Geehan. It is a good introduction and includes plenty of math terms. It may go over some heads a bit, but it's a fairy tale, and that is an overlooked genre. So give it a go.2. Challenge students to memorize as many digits of Pi as they can.
I once had a student who memorized over 30 digits! Make the competition sweet with a Tastykake pie for a prize!
3. Get out the calculators and rulers and find the circumference of some circles.
Find some circular objects in the classroom, complete an example together, and let students try out the formula with a partner. Measure the diameter of a circle and multiply by (Pi) 3.14 to find the circumference. Make sure the kiddos know that the circumference is approximate when multiplying the diameter times 3.14!4. Use this lesson to make Pi posters to take home.
5. Finish up by making individual Pies!
I grab those mini pie crusts and individual puddings on sale. Students spoon the pudding into the crusts with a plastic spoon and enjoy some mini pies on Pi Day!
How will you celebrate Pi Day in your classroom?
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