Yes, we all know that Pi Day on March 14th is a fun excuse to eat one of the best desserts ever, but it’s also a great time to recognize just how irrationally awesome the number pi is.

It’s a number so seemingly infinite, that even modern computers still cannot determine its true value. So don’t forget to take the time to connect your students’ hunger for food with their appetite for learning.

Here’s your definitive guide to 5 fun and educational ideas you can bring to your classroom in celebration of Pi Day.

1. Hold a Memory Challenge

Take pi beyond it’s simple 3.14 shorthand and challenge your students to see who can memorize pi to the highest digit. Reward the winner, or winners, with extra credit or maybe an extra slice of pie.

2. Share Some Laughs with Some Great Jokes

Tell your students your favorite pi or math related jokes. We all love a good joke and when it comes to math jokes, the cornier the better.

Here are a few of our favorites:

• What was Isaac Newton's favorite dessert? Apple pi.          
• What did 0 say to 8? Nice belt!
• Why was the math book so sad? It had a lot of problems.
• Why do you never want to get stuck talking to pi at a party? Because he goes on and on and on and on and on…
• Why are circles bad at telling stories? Because they have no point.
  
  

3. Test the Theory 

Send your students on a scavenger hunt with a ruler and some string. Tell them to go out and measure the circumference and diameter of any circles they find around the classroom or around the school.

When they report back to you, show them the universal theory of pi by dividing the circumference by the diameter. They’ll be amazed that no matter how big or small the circle, pi is always the answer.

3.14159

Remember to have fun with it!

4. Quit clowning around!

Have a math contest with a pie themed punishment. Test your students with simple math problems, but if they give the wrong answer they get a pie in the face. Or just some whipped cream on a paper plate, since there’s no sense in wasting a good dessert.

Remember to grab some garbage bags to make cleaning up easier… or save a big slice of pie for the custodian as an apology.

5. Eat Some Delicious Pie

If you’re feeling extra crafty, check out our pie recipe. This is a great way to show your students real-world applications of fractions, measurements, and timing. Your students will love it!

Click Here for the Recipe

Then, grab a slice of pie and dig in. Math never tasted so good!

Looking for More Ways to Explain Pi to Your Students?

If you need other ideas and educational tools for your classroom be sure to check out our Scopes programs.

Here at STEMscopes, we offer great solutions that help break down complex ideas into simple terms that can reach students wherever they are. From printable graphics to intentional discourse, our programs keep everything in one convenient place.