Education Technology

Exploring the Diameter and Circumference of a Circle

Subject Area
Math: Geometry: Circles
Level
9-12
Activity Time
30 Minutes
Software
TI Connect™
TI Calculator
TI-84 series
Resource Types
Lessons

Exploring the Diameter and Circumference of a Circle

Activity Overview

In this activity, students explore the relationship between a circles' circumference and its diameter which leads them to their own "discovery" of a value for pi. NCTM Geometry Standard covered: Analyze characteristics and properties of 2- and 3-dimensional geometric shapes and develop mathematical arguments about geometric relationships.

Before the Activity

  • Install the Cabri™ Jr. App on the students' graphing calculators using TI Connect™, a TI Connectivity Cable, and the Unit-to-Unit Link Cable
  • See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
  • Print pages 21-22 from the attached PDF file for your class
  • During the Activity

    Distribute the pages to your class.

    Follow the Activity procedures:

  • Draw a circle
  • Measure the diameter of the drawn circle
  • Measure the circumference of the circle
  • Calculate the ratio of the circumference to the diameter
  • Alter the circle and calculate the ratio again
  • After the Activity

    Review student results:

  • As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
  • Re-teach concepts as necessary
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    Subject Area
    Math: Geometry: Circles
    Level
    9-12
    Activity Time
    30 Minutes
    Software
    TI Connect™
    TI Calculator
    TI-84 series
    Resource Types
    Lessons
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