Projects

In small groups or individually, have students give a short speech (1-5 min.) on how pi, or math in general, is involved in their favorite hobbies.

» “They’re up there talking about soccer and horseback riding and ballet, but it gets them thinking about math and talking about math,” said Corrine Biscardi, of her students at Galvin M.S. in Wakefield, MA.

In honor of Albert Einstein’s birthday, have students make a display about the scientist, his life, quotations, and discoveries. Include poems and handmade birthday cards for old Al.

For extra credit, encourage small groups of students to make a short film about pi. Suggest both music videos and live-action skits.

» Two seniors at Downington H.S. West in Philadelphia filmed the story of shopping for pie ingredients at the grocery store, baking the pies, and then, in artful slow-mo, a pie-in-the-face fight, set to a variety of songs that included Chicago’s “25 or 6 to 4.”

Have your students make crafts with Pi Day themes, either as homework for Pi Day, or in class when the day arrives.

» So many possibilities! Just a few that have been done are: Jewelry (Beads), Paper Plate Pi Hats, Pi Day Greeting Cards, Pi-Mobiles, Paper Dolls, and Pi Buttons. We’re sure this is only the tip of the crafty iceberg.

The day before Pi Day, pass out paper plates, and assign each student a digit. Have them draw the number on the plate, and color and decorate it. On Pi Day, hang them along a string or on the hallway wall, or have everyone hold their plate and stand in one big circle.

» At Foothill Knolls Elem. in Ontario, CA, a square of more than 200 students was formed outside the building, each one holding his or her decorated paper plate. “We wanted to do just more than tell them about it,” said sixth grade teacher Beth Stone. “This allows them to actually become a part of Pi.”

Ask students to compose an original song, poem, or piece of art about Pi Day or the number pi. Hold presentations/exhibits, and present any artistic awards, on Pi Day.

» How about a “Pi-ku” poetry contest? (Think Haiku.) For example:

Unending digits…
Why not keep it simple, like
Twenty-two sevenths?

Decorate your clothes with the pi symbol, and have the students do the same! Let’s hope the Art department will help you out with some markers, glue, glitter, and a little puffy paint.

» About 100 math students at Chittenango H.S. in Syracuse, NY decorated t-shirts, shorts, necklaces, socks, jeans, and hair accessories for the big day.

Have a group of students prepare a creative segment for the school’s video newscast about the importance of pi, both in math and in everyday life.

» A goofy & informative Pi Day-morning broadcast is ideal.