Celebrating Pi Day!

We had some fun in 5th grade today celebrating Pi Day (3/14)! Pi (π) is a mathematical constant representing the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. It's an irrational number, meaning it cannot be expressed as a simple fraction, and its decimal representation goes on infinitely without repeating. Typically, pi is rounded to 3.14, hence why Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14).

We introduced the idea of Pi through a fictional read aloud of Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi. This story fit right into our Fantasy genre study in reading! In this story, a potion changes Sir Cumference into a fire-breathing dragon. Radius sets out on a quest through the castle to solve a riddle that may reveal the cure. It lies in discovering the magic number that is the same for all circles: Pi! 

We also did other fun activities like measuring circular items around the classroom! Students measured the diameter and circumference of several circular objects in the classroom using string. Students worked in pairs to calculate the ratio of the circumference to the diameter for each object they measured. They quickly noticed that this ratio was close to, but not exactly, 3.14. Pi! 

Another hands-on experience that the students enjoyed today was Buffon's Needle Challenge! In the 1700s, a French nobleman named Count Buffon observed that a popular game of chance could help calculate the value of pi. The students tossed some toothpicks on a sheet of lined paper. Next, they had to count how many toothpicks they tossed, as well as how many of those touch a line on the paper. By dividing these two numbers, you get an answer close to pi! It was amazing!

Pi Day is not only a fun celebration but also an opportunity to deepen students' understanding of mathematical concepts. By engaging in hands-on activities and discussions, 5th graders can develop a greater appreciation for the beauty and significance of pi in the world around them. So, let's embrace the spirit of Pi Day and celebrate the magic of mathematics together!