Discovering pi

Designed by: Margaret Knight    School: Gibbes Middle School

Grade Level: 6     Subject(s): math

Core Curriculum Objective(s):  Student will create and solve problems by finding the circumference and/or area of a circle when given the diameter or radius. Using concrete materials or computer models, the students derive approximations for pi from measurements for circumference and diameter. (6GS6-1)

Overview: Students will measure the diameter and circumference of some circular objects.

Focus/Essential Question(s): How does pi relate to the circumference of a circle?

Time Frame: (1) 50 minute class period

Bibliography: Reader's Digest. How Math Works. Carol Vordeman. Copyright 1996, Dorling Kindersley Limited London. 

Materials: Measuring tape, pencils, paper, several circular objects of varying sizes, calculators

Culminating Assessment: Students will measure the diameter and circumference of some circular objects, divide the circumference by the diameter, and record the results in a chart which will be used to write a paragraph explaining how pi relates to circumference. Paragraph will be graded.

Instructional Activities: Teacher will review circumference. 

1) Students will be divided into pairs. 

2) Students will measure the diameter and circumference of some circular objects. 

3) Students will record this data on a chart. 

4) Students will analyze chart and explain how pi relates to circumference in a paragraph. 

5) Students will share this information with other pairs of students and compare results.