The Pi lesson in the circle
unit is important since Pi is used in so many different places in
mathematics. We start by looking into an
ancient way of estimating Pi and move to a modern way for students to estimate
Pi. This would give students different
ways to understand Pi that will help most students: reading, seeing, doing, and
hearing. They use different tools, some
of which will be available to them on the test. Students take a hands-on
approach to promote understanding and to keep their attention on class work.
This was designed for high
school math students. It has multiple deliveries of the same material since it
is so important. It keeps them engaged by letting them work with classmates and
technology, even though they also need to perform their own assessment
worksheet and closure quiz so I can verify learning. I enjoyed creating this
lesson as a new twist on a familiar topic. Though I never got to use it with students,
I did present parts to my college class; it was fun with them.