Activity Overview
Students explore the use of linear measurement and calculators to discover the existence of π, the constant ratio between the circumference and the diameter of a circle.
Before the Activity
See the attached PDF file for detailed instructions for this activity
Print student activity sheet page 102 from the attached PDF file for your class
During the Activity
Distribute the page to the class.
Follow the activity procedures:
Identify several circular objects in the classroom, on the school grounds, or at home
Select a tool to measure the circumference and diameter of each circle, and record these measurements on the recording sheet
Use a compass to draw several different circles and record their circumferences and diameters on the recording sheet
Calculate the ratio between the circumference and diameter of each circle
Look for patterns in the data and make conjectures about why the patterns might exist
Discover the existence of π, the constant ratio between the circumference and the diameter of a circle
After the Activity
Review student results
As a class, discuss questions that appeared to be more challenging
Re-teach concepts as necessary