Pi Day Web Quest

IntroductionTaskProcessEvaluationConclusionTeacher’

s Page

Introduction

The mathematical constant π, sometimes written as Pi, is approximately equal to 3.14159... Each year, Pi Day is celebrated on March 14 by math enthusiasts around the world. We will explore the meaning of Pi, its history, and the celebration of Pi Day.

Task

You should get acquainted with the uses of Pi including its circumference and area, its history and calculations, and how it is celebrated. You will then celebrate Pi Day yourself by encouraging others to learn about Pi.

Groups will have to present their findings to the class using visual aids for added effect. The students should type their answers to the questions which can be used as a guideline for their presentation.

Process

You may use the following websites to guide you through the web quest and answer the following questions:

Introduction to Pi Day

The History of Pi

The Celebration of Pi Day

Circumference of a Circle

Area of Circle

QUESTIONS

QuestionsAnswer the following questions using the following given websites.

1. What is the relationship between the symbol and the word Pi?

2. The value of Pi comes from what ratio?

3. Why is Pi called a mathematical constant?

4. Why does Pi continue infinitely?

5. Why is Pi an irrational number?

6. How many digits of Pi are known?

7. Which mathematicians first used the symbol? Why?

8. Why is Pi Day celebrated on March 14?

9. For how many years has Pi Day been celebrated?

10. Who tried to find the first calculation of Pi?Back to the Process

Evaluation

4 3 2 1

Content Knowledge

Displays excellent knowledge of the material presented.

Good understanding of topic

Average understanding of topic

Understanding of material is not there.

Creativity Very interesting presentation with visual aids.

Maintained audience’s attention.

Used few visual aids and/or props.

Not there

Group Work Everyone worked equally together on presentation

One or more persons took on more work than another

Missing information from some of the persons

Lacks organization and incompleteness

Answers All questions are answered correctly and type.

1 or 2 questions are incorrectly answered.

Lacks knowledge of the subject.

Not completed.

Conclusion

Now that you are aware of the meaning of Pi, its history and uses, and how Pi Day is celebrated, you should have enough information to make your presentation about Pi.

Now go out there and spread the word of Pi.

Good luck on your presentation.

Teacher’s Page

For lesson plans involving Pi

This project is designed for students in grades 6-8.

The objective is to get students excited about Pi Day, to educate the students on Pi’s history, and how it is used in mathematics.

Standards: Develop formulas and procedures for determining measurements (e.g., area, volume, distance).