Title:

Celebrate Pi Day March 14

Grade Level:

4,5,6

Subject:

Mathematics,pi

Author:

hshamble

Time:

50 minutes

Lesson Plan Type:

Experiential Learning,Presentation (PowerPoint)

Keywords:

math, pi, march 14, circumference, diameter

Brief Description:

 A powerpoint introduction to understanding the value of pi.  Students will measure the circumference and diameter of many circular objects, add information to a googleforms spreadsheet, then obseve the relationship between circumference and diameter

California State Standards Addressed:

Mathematics/5/Mathematical Reasoning)
Mathematics/4/Mathematical Reasoning)

Related Links:

Link 1:

Goal(s):

 hands-on understanding of Pi
observation

Specific Objectives:

 students will measure circumference and diameter, add data to a spreadsheet, calculate Pi

Required Materials:

measuring tapes and rulers in cm
drinking glasses, plates, vases, items that can be traced to get a circle
large paper for tracing
at least 1 computer with internet connection for googleform
parent help is good

Anticipatory Set (Lead-in):

ask if students have heard of Pi, explain that today is Pi day, March 14.... 3/.14, though this can be done any day 
show google presentation, pausing part way through to do activity

Lesson Plan Procedure:

Form small teams  
watch presentation, pausing part way through to trace, measure, add data to form
analyse data as whole group

Assess - can they calculate circumference from diameter?

Closure (Reflect Anticipatory Set):

watch conclusion of presentation
disscuss non-repeating decimals
 discuss usefulness of Pi - how big does a box have to be to hold our class globe? etc.

Plan for Independent Practice:

 see lesson plan

Assessment Based on Objectives:

 given circle, student calculates diameter
given diameter, student calculates circumference

Possible Connections to Other Subjects:

 history - research Greek mathematicians, Greek alphabet

Adaptations and Extensions:

 

Additional Notes: