Lesson Title: Celebrating Pi Day with Math & Chemistry
Pi Day is more than just a fun excuse to eat pie (don’t need a reason for that, if we’re honest) —it’s an opportunity to explore one of the most fascinating and essential mathematical constants!
This lesson engages students in an interesting journey through the history, applications, and significance of Pi in both math, chemistry, and even engineering. Through interactive discussions, problem-solving, and a Goosechase Scavenger Hunt, students will deepen their understanding while celebrating this special day in a hands-on and memorable way!
Grade: 9 - 12
Subject: Math, Chemistry
Learning Objectives:
- By the end of this lesson, students will:
- explore the significance of Pi (π) in mathematics, chemistry, and engineering.
- Understand its historical background
- Engage in a Goosehase interactive experience to apply their learning in a fun and engaging way.
Materials:
- Projector/whiteboard for discussion
- Measuring tools (rulers, tape measures, string, etc.)
- Mobile devices (tablets, phones, or laptops) with the Goosechase app installed
- Optional: Pi-themed treats for celebration
Preparation:
- Create an Experience on the Goosechase app with a series of Missions focussed on Pi, the history, and any skills associated with Pi.
- Develop Missions that require students to demonstrate their understanding of Pi. Example Missions:
- Calculating the circumference of various circular objects in the classroom.
- Finding real-world examples of Pi in chemistry or physics textbooks.
- Creating a short video explaining an interesting fact about Pi.
- Solving a Pi-related math riddle.
- Sharing a fun Pi Day tradition (eating pie, memorizing digits of Pi, etc.).
- Find example Missions in the Goosechase Templates below.
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Try using our free, AI-powered Mission Generator for ideas!
- Adapt the difficulty of the Missions based on the proficiency levels of your students to keep the activity inclusive and engaging for everyone.
- Prepare hints or resources that might help students solve the Missions if needed.
- Divide students into teams and assign each team a mobile device with the app, or have students complete the scavenger hunt individually.
- Run your Experience during one class period or for the entire week.
- App Set-Up
- Dedicate time to ensuring all students have the Goosechase app downloaded and joined to the Experience to avoid any tech issues.
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Share this link with students to easily download the app!
Lesson Plan Outline:
- Introduction
- Begin with a class discussion: "What do you know about Pi (π)?"
- Ask students to share where they have encountered Pi in math or science.
- Briefly discuss the concept of irrational numbers and why Pi is unique.
- History of Pi Day
- Explain how Pi Day is celebrated annually on March 14th (3/14) due to the numerical representation of Pi (3.14159...).
- Discuss its origins, including the role of physicist Larry Shaw in popularizing it at the San Francisco Exploratorium.
- Highlight famous applications of Pi in mathematics, engineering, and even chemistry.
- Exploring Pi
- Math Connection: Show how Pi is used in formulas for circles, spheres, and waves (e.g., circumference, area, volume, and trigonometric functions).
- Chemistry Connection: Explain how Pi appears in quantum mechanics, molecular structures, and periodic trends.
- Provide a few quick example problems involving Pi for students to solve.
- Goosechase Scavenger Hunt
- Read through Missions with students, emphasizing the importance of accuracy and critical thinking in their responses.
- Monitor progress and provide assistance as necessary.
- If working in teams, encourage them to strategize and collaborate to solve the Missions.
- Sit back and enjoy watching your students collaborate and demonstrate their learning.
- Debrief and Reflection
- Review the activity, discussing which missions were the most challenging or fun.
- Discuss how teams collaborated and solved problems together.
- Discuss: What did you learn? Why is Women's Day still so important today?
- Encourage students to reflect on how they can support gender equality in their own lives.
- Optionally, award prizes to the team(s) with the highest score.
Optional Post-Experience Activities:
- Pi Memorization Challenge
- Encourage students to memorize as many digits of Pi as possible and recite them in the next class. Offer extra credit or a small prize for the student who remembers the most!
- Pi Calculation Challenge
- Assign a set of problems involving Pi, such as:
- Calculating the circumference and area of different circular objects.
- Using Pi in physics/chemistry equations, such as in wave motion or molecular structures.
- Assign a set of problems involving Pi, such as:
- Pi in History (Short Essay or Presentation)
- Students research a mathematician or scientist who contributed to the understanding of Pi (e.g., Archimedes, Euler, or Ramanujan) and write a short summary of their discoveries.
- Baking with Pi (Optional Hands-On Activity)
- If students have access to a kitchen, they can bake a circular pie, measure its circumference and diameter, and confirm the value of Pi using their own calculations. Students can take photos and write a brief reflection on their findings.
Assessment
- Assess Student Pi Calculations, Short Essay or Presentations
- Observe students' participation and collaboration during the Goosechase activities and whole-class discussions.
Ready Made Experience To Try
Pi Day!
It's March 14th - do you know what that means? PI Day! Have some fun completing these 'Pi' themed missions and earning points along the way. Time to celebrate!
Want a copy of this lesson plan to use with your class?
What is Goosechase EDU?
Goosechase is an online platform that helps educators create and run interactive learning experiences in their classrooms and beyond. Sign up and try creating an Experience, or contact us to learn more about our school and district-wide solutions!
