Let me start off with saying I love pie. Costco’s pumpkin pie and banana cream pie being at the top of the list! So when a day brings together pi(e) and math?! #bestdayever
So now what do I do in my middle school math classroom that brings that fun?
Here’s my Pi Day agenda:
1. Read aloud “Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi“
I love this book because it gives the background of pi in a fun and silly way. It’s perfect for middle school because it isn’t a little kid’s book. Plus, a lot of the characters’ names are math puns! I always ask my students to see how many they can write down and contextualize!
Here’s the video I use:
2. Have students create a Pi Day Skyline
I have used this free activity 3 years in a row, and it is by far my favorite. It takes about 20 or more minutes for students to complete and color, so it’s perfect for short or long class periods.
The Pi Day Skyline Art (FREE!!) activity is from Inspire Math Matematyka. You can find it here.
One thing I will say about this activity is you will need to review the centimeter side of the ruler. My first year using this, I had several students try and do inches and the 9 inch buildings do NOT fit on the paper.
Another option, which I appreciate the creator adding this, is to print out the mini “rulers” that are included in the free resource.
This is my completed picture from last year:
3. Complete my Pi Day Word Search
I made this activity for my students MANY years ago and I still love it! It’s a circle shaped words search filled with circle vocabulary. And you can get it for free!
It also includes a digital version in case you teach online or want multiple ways for students to complete it.
Most of the time, about half of my students get to this in my 58 minute class period. The rest spend their time completing their skyline.
And that’s it! Usually completing all 3 of those activities brings us to the end of our class period.
If you have any other fun pi day activities that you like to use, send me a message on Instagram @misskuiper. I’d love to hear about it!
