Fun Ways to Celebrate Pi Day

National Pi Day is a fun day for teachers and students alike to celebrate the mathematical constant pi! From hands-on projects to fun pi-inspired challenges, cultivating cross-curricular experiences for this holiday can spark student engagement with math. Read on to find fresh ways to celebrate Pi Day with your students. 

Set Up a Pi Day Scavenger Hunt

A special scavenger hunt is a wonderful way to help students bridge connections with pi and retain some fun facts. Your scavenger hunt might include finding an object that measures 3.14 inches, hidden pi symbols or round objects. You might also consider personalizing your scavenger hunt to highlight your most recent lessons! 

Create Pi Mosaics 

Incorporate a STEAM experience into your classroom with pi-inspired mosaics. Start by assigning corresponding pi digits to your pick of vibrant colors. Next, challenge students to turn the digits of pi into a sequence of colors and build their own masterpiece!

Take on a Measuring Challenge

From hula hoops to paper cups and classroom duct tape, host a measuring challenge to celebrate Pi Day and guide children to discover the radius, diameter and circumference of a circle. As your students explore the geometry of circles with yarn, they will discover what makes pi so special.

Roll Dice

Create an interactive dice game! With a simple template and pair of dice, challenge students to see who can roll the first five digits of pi! Rolling one die per turn, students test their luck and stay persistent. 

Read Pi-Themed Books

Invite literature into your classroom with vibrant storybooks that help kids connect with the concept of pi. Check out these fun book recommendations below: 
 

Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi

This book is where fairy tales meet math adventures. When Sir Cumference is turned into a fire-breathing dragon, children will discover how the magic of pi will help his son Radius solve a riddle and change him back! 
 

On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein 

Did you know that Pi Day is also Albert Einstein’s birthday? This story of curiosity, laughter and scientific discovery inspires students by demonstrating the powerful difference imagination can make.
 

The Dot

This special story highlights the creative potential in all students. Use this book as the perfect springboard for a dot-inspired activity to celebrate pi, from coloring dots based on pi’s digits to creating patterns with dot cut-outs. 

Make Paper Plate Fractions 

Encourage your students to personalize their own paper plate designs and cut them into thirds, fourths or fifths. This is a great hands-on way for students to visualize and experiment with fractions.

Find More Ways to Celebrate STEM

Keep exploring our blog to find more fun activities to incorporate in your classroom year-round.