Got Pi
Your students can explore the mathematical concept of Pi with these lesson plans.
By Kristen Kindoll
There are many ways to introduce the concept of Pi to the students in your classroom. In some cases you might want to take a non-traditional route and tell them about the history of Pi, or make up your own creative story like the one that follows.
The ring of the bell above the bakery door resounded as the customer pushed through it. The smells of sugar and spices intermingled and wrapped around the salivating man. Long clear cases displayed the wares for possible purchase. This bakery was special. There were rows upon rows of pies piled and lined on crisp tissue paper. Pies with fruit, chocolate and citrus, or combinations of the three, were just some of the delectable choices. There were unique creations with fantastical names to tempt the adventurous foodie. This customer was looking for one special variety. He approached the counter and inquired of the special Pi. The baker winked and nodded with appreciation. He reached behind the counter and placed it within the man’s hands. The baker went to the cash register and rung up the price, informing his customer “That will be 3.1415926 . . . , thank you.”
Pi is the mathematical constant known as the number 3.1415926 . . . , though it is often rounded off to 3.14. It is the ratio of any circle’s circumference to its diameter. It is an important constant, and used not just in mathematics, but in engineering and science. This unusual number is derived by dividing the circumference of a circle by its diameter. No matter what the initial number, Pi will always be the answer. It is truly a great, “that is totally cool” moment for students when they realize this fact.
Celebrating Pi can be simple. In some cases, it might involve eating pie while discussing Pi. The San Francisco Exploratorium first started to eat a slice of pie in honor of Pi in 1998. Museum staff and patrons marched in circles, and consumed quantities of pie. Sounds like a great way to celebrate math. Pi even has its own special day in March. The founder of Pi day is Larry Shaw, a retired physicist. But don't wait for a special day to delve into the life of Pi. You can use the lesson plans that follow to make any day a Pi event.
Pi Lesson Plans:
This lesson explores the unique relationship of the circumference and diameter of a circle. Students practice measuring skills. A collection of different circular objects is used as tools to illustrate this point.
In this lesson students listen to the book, “Sir Circumference and the Dragon of Pi: A Math Adventure." There are several attachments available to supplement this lesson.
This lesson is designed for high school students. It helps explain how the idea of Pi came about. There are links with additional resources to help students learn about Pi's importance throughout history.
In this lesson, students define vocabulary words, using mathematical language from algebra and geometry. Students complete a presentation to convey the meaning of the words and the relationship between the concepts.