Happy Pi Day everyone! No we are not celebrating the delicious baked treat today but rather recognizing the association of the date of March 14 (3/14) with π (Pi) as an opportunity to promote that mathematics doesn't need to be viewed as dull and boring but rather it can have a fun side to it as well. What is Pi by the way? Ancient mathematicians realized that while circles vary in size they all maintain the same shape They realized that there had to be a mathematical constant when it comes to the creation of a circle which has become know as Pi. Pi is the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. So for any circle no matter how small or large it may be when you divide its circumference by its diameter you'll always get π which is the exact same number 3.14.
Cy Tymony who has developed a reputation for teaching fun ways to learn about math and science through his educational book series "Sneaky Uses for Everyday Things" decided Pi Day was a great opportunity to catch people's attention on this topic. So this year, he created www.PiDayFun.com which is dedicated to making Pi Day math memorable with activities meant to get children engaged in mathematics. The website contains directions for free diy projects that will allow kids to create things like a Sneaky Pi Detector, Pi Quizzer, Fraction Calculator and a Range Finder.
One of the PiDayFun.com projects we made and played around with is the PI WHEEL. You can use the PI WHEEL to compute the circumference of various sized circles by turning the wheel until a circle's diameter appears in the window. Right below it will be that circle's circumference. Here are the instructions on making your own PI WHEEL, give it a shot!
For more tips on how to get your kids interested in math, check out Cy's book "Sneaky Math -- A Graphic Primer with Projects" which contains activities using every day items to help kids grasp the mathematical concepts involved with Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry and Calculus. While Cy Tymony is known to be a math and science wizard, his book shows that you don't need to be a genius to excel at math. This book which probably most suitable for junior high and high school students uses practical activities to help kids excel in their math courses. Looking at mathematical concepts from a down to earth perspective can eliminate much of the anxiety and confusion kids often feel about math. The book shows its readers how math is all around us through intriguing and easy projects, including 20 pass-along tools that are meant to complement what students learn in the class room.
You can get Sneaky Math from retailers such as Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Books A Million.
By reading comic books and studying science as a young boy, Cy Tymony amazed his friends with unusual scientific projects, demonstrations and ideas. He is trained in auto mechanics, electronics, video and audio technology and computer science plus has studied martial arts and survival techniques. Now he has focused his enthusiasm, creativity and imagination toward educating people of all ages through his Sneaky Uses for Everyday Things books.
A Geek Daddy received a complimentary copy of Sneaky Math from the publisher.
I am so thankful that our daughter LOVES math. I can remember my parents trying to sneak it into everyday life.
ReplyDeleteBoth of my girls excel at math and we definitely encourage it. So important in any career!
ReplyDeleteThis looks great! I have one daughter that loves Math and one that does not.
ReplyDeleteI have always thought that Pi Day was so much fun. My daughter didn't really like math, but Pi Day seemed to make it more fun.
ReplyDeleteHow fun! My daughter does enjoy math, and would love to have done more to 'celebrate' Pi day!
ReplyDeleteMy daughter has really taken a liking to math. I am going to have to check out that book because I think it could come in handy
ReplyDeleteI like books like "Sneaky Math" because it is a way to teach children to enjoy a subject many find hard. It enables them to learn and have fun all at the same time.
ReplyDeleteWe celebrated with PIE on Pi Day at work. It was a lot of fun. That Sneaky Math book looks great for kids. Math needs to be fun for everyone!
ReplyDeleteI'm ordering this book right away for my oldest. Math is not his favorite subject but I'm excited to show him it can be FUN! Thanks for sharing this!
ReplyDeleteMy husband loved Pi day! I wish I could fall in love with Math.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if my library carries that book! Do you know what age the book is geared towards? My daughter has taken to math. She definitely didn't inherit that from me!
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