Off-the-shelf Primary Mathematics Masterclass all about the number Pi.
Introduce your students to pi and explore its fundamental connection to circles, and the randomness in its infinite string of digits.
The special number pi (π) is a world-famous mathematical constant. Pi, approximately equal to 3.14159..., was originally defined as the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. Many other remarkable properties are assigned to pi that have long fascinated people the world over, including being an irrational number (infinite digits and non-repeating). This number is both useful and beautiful, and the search for patterns within the digits of pi can be highly satisfying and occasionally frustrating.
The aim of this workshop is to investigate pi and its relationship with circles, putting the original definition of pi to the test. Students go on to use pi as a tool to explore the concept of randomness through a detailed investigation of some of the digits in the infinite string that follow the decimal point. This is an excellent introduction to pi, randomness and probability.
Length: 2 hours (see the session leader notes for ideas on how to shorten the Masterclass).
Further details of quantities etc. can be found in the session leader notes, along with things to prepare in advance.
All supporting notes, worksheets and the spreadsheet to display during the session can be downloaded from this page along with the Powerpoint presentation.
The session leader notes offer full notes on the activities and a detailed list of resources, including quantities needed.
Ask the Ri
You can collect any student questions and email them to the Ri Masterclass team at masterclasses@ri.ac.uk - we will endeavour to answer them before the next Masterclass in your series.
Masterclass series support
For more information on running a Masterclass series and the support, templates and other resources available to you, please get in touch via masterclasses@ri.ac.uk.