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๐Ÿฅง Week 28: Pi Day Activities

Lesson Overview
Grade Level Grades 3-4
Duration 40 minutes
Curriculum Year B
STREAM Focus M (Math), S (Science), A (Arts)

Week 28: Pi Day Activities

๐ŸŽฏ Learning Objectives

STEM Objectives

Students will be able to: 1. Understand what Pi (ฯ€) is 2. Measure circles and discover Pi 3. Create circular art using math 4. Appreciate patterns in mathematics

Faith Integration Objectives

Students will be able to: 1. See mathematical order as God's design 2. Appreciate sacred geometry 3. Marvel at the infinite nature of Pi

Week 28: Pi Day Activities

๐Ÿ™ Faith-Reason Integration

Catholic Teaching Connection

Sacred Geometry โ€” The mathematical patterns in creation point to an intelligent Creator. Pi appears everywhere in nature โ€” in orbits, waves, spirals. This constant ratio reveals God's orderly design of the universe.

Scripture Connection

"You have arranged all things by measure and number and weight." โ€” Wisdom 11:20

Saint Connection

Nicholas of Cusa โ€” 15th century Catholic cardinal and mathematician who explored the relationship between the finite and infinite. He saw mathematics as a pathway to understanding God's infinite nature.

๐Ÿ“š Materials Needed

  • Circular objects (various sizes)

  • String or measuring tape

  • Calculators

  • Rulers

  • Circular art supplies

  • Pi digit printouts

  • Compass tools

๐Ÿ“ Lesson Procedure (40 minutes)

Opening Prayer (2 min)

"God of order and beauty, You created a universe of patterns and numbers! Help us see Your wisdom in mathematics today. As we explore Pi, may we marvel at Your infinite creativity. Amen."

What is Pi? (8 min)

Introduction to ฯ€:

The mystery:

  • "There's a special number hidden in EVERY circle!"

  • "No matter how big or small the circle..."

  • "The relationship between distance around and distance across is ALWAYS the same!"

Definition:

  • Circumference = Distance around the circle

  • Diameter = Distance across through center

  • Pi (ฯ€) = Circumference รท Diameter

  • ฯ€ โ‰ˆ 3.14159...

The amazing thing:

  • Pi NEVER ends!

  • Pi NEVER repeats!

  • Pi is IRRATIONAL (can't be written as simple fraction)

  • We've calculated TRILLIONS of digits!

Why March 14?

  • 3/14 (American date format)

  • 3.14 = first digits of Pi!

  • Pi Day celebrated since 1988

Circle Measurement Lab (12 min)

Discover Pi yourself!

Materials per group:

  • 3-4 circular objects

  • String

  • Ruler

  • Calculator

  • Data sheet

Procedure: 1. Measure circumference (wrap string, then measure string) 2. Measure diameter (straight across through center) 3. Divide: Circumference รท Diameter 4. Record answer 5. Repeat with different circles

Data table: | Object | Circumference | Diameter | C รท D | |--------|--------------|----------|-------| | Cup | | | | | Plate | | | | | Lid | | | |

Discovery questions:

  • "What do you notice about your answers?"

  • "Are they all close to the same number?"

  • "What number is it close to?"

WOW moment: "You just discovered what mathematicians have known for 4,000 years! Every circle has the same ratio!"

Pi Art (12 min)

Create mathematical art:

Option A: Pi Skyline

  • Use Pi digits (3.1415926535...)

  • Each digit = building height

  • 3 squares, 1 square, 4 squares, etc.

  • Create a city skyline from Pi!

Option B: Pi Beads/Chain

  • Assign colors to digits 0-9

  • String beads in Pi digit order

  • Create bracelet or chain

Option C: Pi-ku Poetry

  • Like haiku, but syllables match Pi

  • Line 1: 3 syllables

  • Line 2: 1 syllable

  • Line 3: 4 syllables

  • Line 4: 1 syllable

  • Line 5: 5 syllables

Option D: Circular Mandala

  • Use compass to draw circles

  • Create geometric patterns

  • Color with mathematical precision

Faith Connection (4 min)

God's infinite design:

Discussion:

  • "Pi is infinite โ€” it never ends, never repeats"

  • "Where else is infinity in math?"

  • "How might God's infinity be like mathematical infinity?"

Nicholas of Cusa's insight:

  • He saw math as a way to understand God

  • Finite things (circles) reveal infinite truth (Pi)

  • Math points to something BEYOND math!

Sacred geometry:

  • Rose windows in cathedrals use mathematical patterns

  • Ancient builders used Pi and Phi (golden ratio)

  • Beauty and mathematics connect!

Wonder: "Isn't it amazing that a number discovered by humans appears EVERYWHERE in nature that God created? Galaxies spiral with Pi. Sound waves involve Pi. The cycle of seasons follows circular patterns!"

Closing (2 min)

Pi facts to take home:

  • ฯ€ โ‰ˆ 3.14159265358979...

  • Pi appears in circles, spheres, waves, DNA spirals

  • Pi Day is also Einstein's birthday!

Challenge:

  • Memorize first 10 digits of Pi

  • Look for circles in nature this week

Closing Prayer: "Infinite God, Your creation is full of mathematical wonder! Thank You for Pi โ€” a number that reveals Your endless creativity. Help us see Your design in numbers, patterns, and circles all around us. You are infinite, and Your love for us never ends โ€” just like Pi! Amen."

๐Ÿ“Ž Home Connection

"We celebrated Pi Day today! Ask your child: 'What is Pi?' 'How did you discover it?' 'What Pi art did you create?' Challenge: Measure circles at home together. Bonus: Make a circular pie and discuss the math of its shape!"

โœ… Assessment

  • Demonstrated understanding of Pi concept

  • Accurately measured circles

  • Created Pi-themed art

  • Made connection to God's design

Lesson Version: 1.0 โ€” Year B | **