15 Easy Pi Day Activities to Get Students Excited About Math!
Make math memorable this March 14 with hands-on Pi Day activities that spark creativity and excitement!
Whether you’re looking to blend language arts with math, use delicious treats to reinforce key concepts, or crack some Pi Day jokes, the activities outlined below will bring some mathematical excitement to your classroom.
15 Pi Day Activities for the Classroom
Check out these unique Pi Day activities that will get your students thinking, laughing, and learning all while celebrating one of the most interesting numbers in mathematics.
1. Write Pi-Themed Poems
Combine language arts and math with this fun, creative twist on the traditional haiku poem.
Instead of following the standard 5-7-5 syllable haiku pattern, students will write a “pi-ku” with a 3-1-4 syllable structure, mirroring the first three digits of pi (3.14). This exercise encourages students to think about pi in a poetic way while reinforcing its significance.
How to Do It:
- Explain the concept of a haiku poem and provide relatable examples for students to decipher.
- Introduce the pi-ku structure, which has a 3-1-4 syllable structure.
- Challenge students to create a pi-ku poem inspired by pi, circles, or anything related to Pi Day or just math in general.
- Have students share their pi-ku poems with the class or turn them into a Pi Day poetry book.
- For added fun, you could make a bulletin board showcasing student pi-ku poems.
2. Celebrate Pi Day with Pie
Is it even Pi Day without pie? Bring in some premade pies of different sizes, or make it even more fun by baking them together as a class. Use pi to calculate the circumference and area of each pie by measuring the radius and diameter with a measuring tape. Then take it a step further by cutting pies into halves, thirds, and quarters to explore fractions in an interactive and memorable learning in disguise moment.
How to Do It:
- Decide whether you’ll bring in pies of different sizes or bake some together as a class.
- Use a measuring tape to find the radius and diameter of each pie, then calculate the circumference and area of each pie.
- Cut pies into different fractions – starting with halves, then quarters, and thirds. Discuss how the fractions compare in size and their decimal equivalents (e.g., 1/2 = 0.50).
- For a fun visual representation of pi, use three whole pies and a small sliver of a fourth pie to illustrate 3.14. Connect 0.14 to a fraction over 100 and discuss its approximate size.
- Finally, let students enjoy a slice of pie while solidifying their understanding of pi!
3. Make a Pi Paper Chain
This activity turns the digits of pi into a visual masterpiece. Students will use different coloured paper strips to represent each digit of pi, with each number getting its own colour. This activity is a fun and collaborative way for students to visualize pi.
How to Do It:
- Write the first 50 digits of pi on a whiteboard or display them for reference (3.1415926535…).
- Prepare strips of coloured paper for each digit (e.g., use orange for 3, red for 1, blue for 4, green for 5, and so on, assigning a unique colour to each digit 0-9).
- For each digit in pi, cut strips of paper according to the digit’s value. For instance, if the digit is 3, cut three orange paper strips, and if it’s 1, cut one red strip.
- Assign each student a digit (or a few digits) and have them add the appropriate number of color-coded paper strips to the chain. They’ll work together to build the chain, ensuring each digit in pi is represented by the correct color and number of links.
- Once the chain is complete, hang it up in the classroom as a Pi Day decoration. The result will be a vibrant and creative way to see pi come to life!
4. Pi Memorization Challenge
How many digits of pi can your students remember? Challenge them to memorize as many digits of pi as they can. This can be turned into a fun competition where students race to see who can recall the most digits, starting with 3.14 and moving onward.
How to Do It:
- Provide students with a handout featuring the first 100 digits of pi to get them started.
- Encourage students to practice memorizing the digits in the days leading up to Pi Day. You can even set up practice sessions or partner them up for peer support!
- Host a friendly competition on Pi Day where students can either recite or write out the digits. For those who feel shy about speaking in front of the class, writing them out can be a great alternative.
- Celebrate their efforts by awarding certificates for memorization milestones like 10, 20, or even 50 digits!
5. A to Z Pi Day Scavenger Hunt
This A to Z scavenger hunt challenges students to come up with words related to pi, circles, and math for every letter of the alphabet. Students are encouraged to think critically about pi and its relation to math concepts in this fun activity.
How to Do It:
- Create a chart or worksheet with a list of all the letters of the alphabet, leaving space for students to write their answers. Alternatively, you can purchase a pre-made A to Z scavenger hunt template!
- Challenge students to come up with a word related to pi or math for each letter. You can have them work in groups or individually.
- For example, “A” could stand for “area” (since you use pi to calculate the area of a circle), “B” for “bisect,” and “C” for “Circle.” You get the idea.
- As they complete their scavenger hunt, encourage discussion and creative thinking about each word they choose.
- Once they’ve filled out the list, have students present their words to the class, explaining their choices.
6. Pi Day BINGO
Create a Pi Day-themed bingo game with math terms, pi digits, and pie-related vocabulary. This simple but fun game will help students review math concepts while enjoying the spirit of Pi Day.
How to Do It:
- Prepare bingo cards with pi-related terms such as “radius,” “diameter,” “circumference,” and the digits of pi. You can create your own or use an online generator to ensure variety among the cards.
- Write each term on a slip of paper and place them in a hat or bowl. A designated caller – either the teacher or a student – will randomly draw a term and read it aloud.
- As each term is called, students will check their boards and cover the matching word or number if they have it.
- The first player to cover a full row, column, or diagonal shouts “BINGO!” to win.
7. Pi Day Spiral Art Activity
Celebrate Pi Day with a creative art project where students use circles to create a beautiful spiral pattern. This activity blends math and art, allowing students to explore shapes, patterns, and colours in a fun and engaging way!
How to Do It:
- Gather paper, coloured pencils or markers, and a compass for each student. If a compass isn’t available, provide circular objects for tracing different sizes of circles.
- Have students start with a small circle in the center of their paper and gradually add larger circles around it to create a spiral effect. Encourage them to overlap, space out, or connect circles in creative ways.
- Let students experiment with colours, shading, or patterns to personalize their spiral designs. They can use repeating color sequences or blend shades for a more artistic look.
- Display the finished artwork in the classroom or hallway to showcase their creativity. This adds a festive touch to your Pi Day celebrations and highlights the beauty of circles in art!
8. Pi Day Word Search
Engage students with a Pi Day-themed word search filled with math and pi-related words. This simple activity reinforces key math concepts while keeping students engaged in a fun and low-prep way.
How to Do It:
- To prepare, use an online word search generator or create your own by listing pi-related words such as circle, radius, circumference, diameter, fraction, and irrational. Print enough copies for each student.
- Distribute the word search and allow students to complete them individually or in pairs. Set a timer to add a challenge or let them work at their own pace.
- Once finished, review the words as a class. Discuss their meanings and how they connect to pi to reinforce learning.
9. Measure and Discover Pi in Action
This hands-on activity will help students understand the relationship between a circle’s diameter and circumference, all while discovering the magic of pi.
How to Do It:
- Gather circular objects like coffee cans, soup cans, pie tins, paper plates, bowls, CDs, and candles. Make sure you have a variety of sizes available for students to explore with.
- Have students measure the diameter of each object using a ruler. Write down the measurements.
- Then have them measure the circumference using a string or a flexible measuring tape. Wrap the string around the edge of the circle, then measure the length of the string against a ruler.
- Do the math! Get students to divide the circumference by the diameter and see the result. Students will be amazed to see that the answer is close to 3.14 every time.
- Finish off with a fun treat – measure some round snacks (chocolate chip cookies, anyone?) to wrap up the lesson with a sweet ending.
10. Pi Day Math Relay Race
Get students up and moving while reinforcing pi-related math skills with this high-energy relay race! Students will work in teams to solve math problems or answer trivia questions related to pi before tagging the next teammate to continue the race.
How to Do It:
- Set up a clear, clutter-free out-and-back route in the classroom, gym, or even outside with a designated “work station” at the turnaround point. Students will run to the station, read their challenge, complete it, and then race back to tag the next teammate in line.
- Prepare pi-related math challenges on index cards, such as solving for the circumference of a circle, measuring the diameter of a circle, identifying a certain amount of digits of pi, or answering trivia about pi’s history. Each station should have enough different challenge cards for each player to complete.
- Divide the class into small teams. One at a time, players from each team run to the work station, complete a challenge card, and run back to their team with the completed challenge card to tag the next teammate. The relay continues until all challenges at the work stations have been completed.
- The first team to finish all challenges correctly wins! Consider awarding Pi Day-themed prizes like small pies, stickers, or fun certificates. End with a class discussion to reinforce the math concepts from the activity.
11. Pi Day Movie Viewing
Wrap up Pi Day with an engaging math-related movie that highlights the significance of pi. A film like Hidden Figures or Life of Pi will inspire students while reinforcing the importance of math in real-world contexts.
How to Do It:
- Choose a movie that connects to math or pi in an engaging way. If time is limited, consider showing a short educational video about pi’s history and applications.
- Before starting the movie, provide students with a brief introduction explaining how the film relates to math, problem-solving, or the concept of pi.
- After the movie, lead a short discussion by asking open-ended questions like: How did math play a role in the story? Why is pi important in real life? Encourage students to share their thoughts.
- Wrap up by having students reflect on what they learned through a quick journaling activity or a class discussion about how math impacts the world beyond the classroom.
12. Share Pi Day Jokes
Inject some humor into your Pi Day celebrations by sharing pi-related jokes with your students. By incorporating humour into your Pi Day activities, you create a positive and engaging learning environment that makes math more enjoyable and relatable for your students.
How to Do It:
- Prepare a list of age-appropriate Pi Day jokes suitable for your students’ age group. For inspiration, refer to our blog post, 45 Pi Day Jokes That Are Guaranteed to Get Students Laughing.
- Kickstart the day with humour! Begin Pi Day by posting a joke on the whiteboard, chalkboard, or bulletin board. This sets a fun tone and engages students in the subject matter.
- Integrate jokes throughout the day. Share additional pi-related jokes during transitions between activities, at lunch, and as the day concludes. Encourage students to reflect on the answers, fostering a deeper connection to the material.
- Invite students to share their own math-related jokes or create new ones, promoting creativity and a deeper connection to the subject matter.
13. Read Books About Pi
Reading books about Pi is a great way to introduce students to the magic of 3.14 in a fun and engaging way. Picture books, biographies, and hands-on math stories help kids see Pi beyond the numbers, making it more relatable and exciting.
How to Do It:
- Choose age-appropriate books. Select engaging picture books for younger students or more detailed explorations of pi for older learners.
- Make it interactive. Pause during reading to ask questions, spark curiosity, and highlight connections topPi in real life.
- Encourage discussion. After reading, have students share their favorite parts, ask questions, or discuss how pi relates to the story.
- Retell the story. Have students summarize the book in their own words or act it out, emphasizing the role of pi in the narrative.
14. Pi Word Challenge
Pie-eating contests are so last year! It’s time to introduce your students to pi-writing contests! This fun and fast-paced word game challenges students to think creatively while building vocabulary. Plus, it’s a great way to bring language learning games into your Pi Day celebrations!
How to Do It:
- Give each student a blank piece of paper or a whiteboard.
- Set a five-minute timer and challenge them to write as many words as possible that start with “pi” (pizza, pickle, pilot, picnic, etc.).
- When time’s up, have students count their words and share their lists.
- Award pi-themed certificates to the students with the most words.
- For an extra challenge, work together to define or use the words in sentences.
15. Race to Pi Card Game
Celebrate Pi Day with a fun and simple card game suitable for all ages. This game involves the number pi but doesn’t focus on specific math skills – it’s just a pi-themed activity to enjoy with your students.
Ho to Do It:
- Remove tens and face cards from a standard deck, keeping the Ace (representing 1) and Jack (representing 0). Shuffle the remaining cards and deal seven cards to each player.
- The goal is to be the first to play all your cards by matching them to the digits of pi in order.
- The first player must play a 3. The next player must play a 1, then a 4, and so on, following the sequence of pi: 3.141592653589793238462643383279502884197169399375105820974…
- If a player doesn’t have the required card, they draw one from the deck.
- Play continues clockwise until a player has no cards left.
- The first player to play all their cards wins. If no one can play a card, the player with the fewest cards remaining wins.
All You Need to Know About Pi Day
Pi Day is celebrated annually on March 14th (3/14), as the date represents the first three digits of the mathematical constant π (3.14).
The tradition began in 1988 at the San Francisco Exploratorium, where physicist Larry Shaw organized the first Pi Day event. Since then, it’s grown in popularity, especially in North America, where schools, universities, and math enthusiasts celebrate with fun activities focused on pi.
And it’s not just a North American phenomenon anymore! Pi Day has gone global, with countries worldwide embracing it as a way to celebrate and promote math education, inspiring learners of all ages to appreciate the beauty of numbers.
In the classroom, teachers use Pi Day as an opportunity to add a creative twist to math lessons. Whether it’s measuring circular objects, learning about pi’s significance in geometry, or holding pi recitation contests, Pi Day activities make abstract math concepts feel tangible and fun.
Celebrate Pi and Einstein
March 14th, the date we celebrate Pi Day, is also the birthday of Albert Einstein, who was born on this date in 1879. This coincidence adds a fun twist to Pi Day celebrations, connecting the appreciation of mathematics with the recognition of Einstein’s contributions to math and science.
However, it’s important to clarify that Einstein did not invent pi.
The Rhind Papyrus (ca. 1650 BC) offers insight into the mathematics of ancient Egypt, where the Egyptians calculated the area of a circle using a formula that gave an approximate value of 3.1605. Later, Archimedes of Syracuse (287–212 BC), one of the greatest mathematicians of the ancient world, made the first calculation of pi.
The symbol π was first introduced by Welsh mathematician William Jones in 1706, who chose it because it is the first letter of the Greek word “perimeter.” It was later popularized by Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler in the 18th century.
The Wrap-Up: Pi Day Activities for Your Classroom
Celebrate Pi Day with engaging math activities! By combining creative activities with important math concepts, you can celebrate Pi Day in a way that’s both educational and entertaining. Whether through poetry, pie, or hands-on projects, these Pi Day activities will leave your students with lasting memories and a greater appreciation for math and the fascinating world of pi!
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