It’s March 14 (3.14) — Happy International Pi Day, Literacy Leaders! Math literacy (also known as numeracy) is essential for students’ success in the classroom and in life. (Learn more about Literacy Strategies in Mathematics from this ASCD resource.)
Celebrating Pi Day is fun but it also can be a meaningful learning opportunity. Here are some Pi Day Resources and Activities from Scholastic
“Start your quest for pi by reading “A Brief History of Pi,” which chronicles the history of this remarkable (though irrational) number that stretches back 2,000 years B.C.E. Learn how the ancient Egyptians and Babylonians first divined pi and find out how the search for the exact value for pi continued until early modern times. More advanced students might want to check out Pi Through the Ages, which provides a more detailed history of pi theories.
Trying to find answers to a few basic questions about pi? Don’t miss Dr. Math’s Pi Page. This site contains many fascinating facts about pi — including a basic definition for those who are still stumped by the mathematical mystery.
And if you’re ready for a few tunes to help you get into the spirit of the day, visit the Pi Day site! This site includes pi-related videos, recipes, arts and crafts project ideas, and other great activities for the class. Another must-see is the Exploratorium Museum’s Pi Day site, which features other useful pi-related videos and activities.
Curious about whether your birthday shows up anywhere after the decimal point in pi? You can find out at The Pi Search Page! Sure, this page searches only the first 50 million digits of pi, but what the heck — it’s worth a shot! This search engine will also show you where your number shows up after the decimal point, as well as the digits that surround your number.
Still “hungry” for more pi? Check out The Joy of Pi, a site promoting a book by the same name. Here you’ll find pi to its first ten thousand digits, a pi cartoon, and links to valuable pi sites around the Web.”
Have a great Pi Day, Literacy Leaders!
Loved the article from ASCD about using literacy strategies in the math classroom! I had never thought about the idea of teaching students how to read a math textbook. It just reinforces the idea that we are all in this together and how we can support each other to grow our students.
Yes–we are all in this together!
Check out
Strategies That Work, 3rd edition: Teaching Comprehension for Engagement, Understanding, and Building Knowledge, Grades K-8
by Stephanie Harvey, Anne Goudvis