Pi Day Activities

5 Activities for π day! 

• What is π? 
  The logic of finding the perimeters of inscribed and circumscribed polygons as the number of sides to the polygons increases. Good investigation activity for upper elementary to middle schoolers. 

   

• Calculate some approximations of π 
  Using a process like the one Archimedes used, let’s get some approximations for π. We will try to increase the number of sides of a polygon that is inscribed in a circle and measure its perimeter, diagonal, and the ratio of these two numbers. This activity is suitable for middle school and high school students. Don't forget the challenge at the end of this activity.

   

• Discover π.  
  Measuring these circumferences and dividing the object’s circumference measure by its diameter, let’s students see π appear as the ratio. Students spend a day of class measuring various round items; practicing exact measurements; long dividing their own measurements by the radius measurements; and comparing their resulting ratios.

   

• Hat sizes
  Hat size is a measure of the diameter of your head, but how do you measure that?! Work in pairs. Great for elementary & middle schoolers. 

   

• Around the world
  A belt fits tightly around the Earth at the equator. This activity can be used as a starter, suitable for middle school and high school students.

   

We hope your Pi Day is filled with infinite circles of fun and mathematical wonder!