Pi Day Approaches!

Mathematicians tend to celebrate 3/14 as Pi Day in honour of the important relationship that exists between the circumference and diameter of any circle. Historians note that at least 2000 BC humans had noticed the constant ratio between these two parts of any circle, but it was not until 1706 that the notation using the Greek letter π was introduced by a man named William Jones. This site http://www.educationworld.com/a_lesson/lesson/lesson335.shtml offers a whole host of ideas for exploring and celebrating Pi Day with students. Try singing this song (to the tune of Oh Christmas Tree) written by LaVern Christianson:   Oh Number PI Oh, number Pi Oh, number Pi Your digits are unending, Oh, number Pi Oh, number Pi No pattern are you sending. You’re three point one four one five nine, And even more if we had time, Oh, number Pi Oh, number Pi For circle lengths unbending. Oh, number Pi Oh, number Pi You are a number very sweet, Oh, number Pi Oh, number Pi Your uses are so very neat. There’s 2 Pi r and Pi r squared, A half a circle and you’re there, Oh, number Pi Oh, number Pi We know that Pi’s a tasty treat. And here’s a quick video showing several approximations of pi: http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-6200593424291031420&hl=en Have fun, and enjoy a slice of Pi! Mathematically yours, Carollee