Happy Pi Day!
The geeks among us know what we’re talking about when we say “Happy Pi Day!”. Would you like to be in on the celebration? Pi is the name of a very special number, represented by the Greek letter π. In mathematics, the Pi symbol equals the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. When measuring circles, the perimeter around the circle is always a little over 3 times its diameter. In fact, it is a constant and precise number, approximately 3.14159, and known by mathematicians as Pi.
An exciting characteristic of Pi is that it is irrational and transcendental, meaning that the number beyond the decimal point goes on forever without any repeating pattern. Pi has been calculated to over one trillion digits after the decimal point! Because of its extraordinary characteristics, Pi is a part of popular culture – there is even a website devoted to Pi. Check out this cute video explaining Pi for your little ones.
Now for the most exciting part of Pi Day – food!!
We celebrate Pi Day on March 14th. Get it? 3.14. In 2015, there were especially large celebrations because it was 3.14.15, showing more digits of the infinite number. But for over 25 years, savvy number geeks eat pie on March 14. Really, any round food can work – because we’re also celebrating the circle. Blueberry pie, pizza pie, chicken pot pie, and all others fit the bill.
5 Fun ideas to get your kids excited about Pi
1. Create appreciation cards
Make fun (round) cards with Pi-puns espousing themes such as infinity and irrational friendships.
There’s nothing irrational about being friends with you!
2. Start a Pi word challenge
Play a word game where everyone tries to list as many words with the letters pi in them. How many can you think of? Pie, pumpkin, pity, pinnacle. Create a point system where the more letters = more points. Winner gets the first slice!
3. Write a Pi-ku (3.14) poem
First line: 3 syllables
Second line: 1 syllable
Third line: 4 syllables
4. Organize a Pi-Fun-Run
Invite friends and neighbors to run 3.14 miles (a 5k is 3.1miles). Set the course as a circle.
5. Raise round figures
Sell pies of all kinds such as fruit, quiches or pizza. Raise money for your school’s math department or to send the proceeds to foundations that support summer math camps.
Fun fact: The famous mathematician, Albert Einstein, was born on Pi day. Check out other famous people born on March 14th, like Billy Crystal and Simone Biles.
Have the kids help you cook up a Pi(e) for dinner using one of these kid-friendly recipes!
Search for more delightful pie recipes in your DinnerTime Recipe Box.
Use the filter function (found on right of your DinnerTime Recipe Box search) to find desserts, main dish, side dishes etc.
