* EDHM560 * Teaching Geometry * Webquest * Tina Stone *
All You’ve Ever Wanted to Know About Pi...
But, Were Afraid To Ask!
Introduction
We are going to be reviewing what you have already learned in elementary school. We’ll be completing a unit on circumference, radius, diameter, and, of course, Pi. You can all surely recite “3.14!” in large, enthusiastic voices when asked ‘What is Pi?’ But, how many of you know what Pi really is, aside from the number? How was it discovered? When? What will you need to know it for in the future? After working together on this webquest, you’ll know the answer to these things... and more!!
Tasks
To prepare for these explorations, you will need to browse some lessons on circumference and area of circles, completing the interactive exercises at the end of each. You will then learn about the meaning and history of Pi by visiting selected websites. These tasks will require a computer, access to the web, and paper and pencil.
The Process A: Learning about Pi!
- Go to this site to learn about circumference/radius/diameter:
- Go to this site to work on some circumference, radius, and diameter activities:
- Go to this site to learn about area and perimeter of circles:
- Go to these sites to learn about the discovery of Pi:
- To learn more about the history of Pi, check out this site:
- Finally, if you are wondering ‘When will I EVER really need to use this out of school??” Check out:
The Process B. Fun with Pi!
- Visit this site to learn about Pi Dday!!
- How many digits of Pi are known?
- How is Pi Day celebrated?
- For how many years has Pi Day been celebrated?
- March 14th is also whose birthday?
- Using this site ( or one similar, find out who holds the world record for remembering the most numbers of Pi!
- How many from the USA are on the list from numbers 1-50
The Process C. More Fun with Pi!
- Find a great Pi day song or Pi limerick to present in class. You may visit these sites to find one, or try a google search to find one of your own!
Resources:
- Selected lessons from Math Goodies and AAMath.
- Selected websites listed above in the three Process sections.
- Search engines such as Google and Yahoo.
Evaluation:
- Feedback from the online exercises
- Answering the questions in the Process sections
- Presentation of your answers, as well as your Pi Day limerick/poem
- Create your own poem, drawing, limerick
Conclusion:
Congratulations!!! You learned about Pi, the history of Pi, how to solve various calculation problems, and all about Pi Day! And, hopefully, you had fun doing it!!!!