COSAT PI DAY by Phaldiela Cooper

Every year there is much excitement on March 14th on this day we celebrate pi day. This day is chosen because of the digits of pi (3,14159…..). The 3 indicates the third month and 14 the 14th .


Each year we have different activities for our grade 10 learners to make it a day that they will always remember.The programme for the day consists of

• A short talk by a teacher on the significance of pi as well as a brief history of the development in the calculation of the digits of pi. Also the interest that pi has generated.
• An activity where learners ( in groups) measure with sting and a ruler the circumference and diameter of everyday circular objects like CD’s, cans, lids, etc. The learners then have to calculate the ratio and the conclusion is reached that this ratio is pi.
• A fun activity. This year (2008) the learners made pinecklaces. Each of the digits 0 to 9 were assigned a different colour bead The beads were then strung in the order of the digits of pi.
• Competition: Learners are given a week in which to memorise the digits of pi. The three learners who memorise the most digits of pi each receive a small prize like a chocolate or movie tickets. The unbeaten record of 384 digits is held by Thembisa Qwabe (2004).
• The grade 10 learners of 2008 did very well. First position went to Asiphe Dumbane who recited 225 digits. Qiqa Mavumengwana occupied second position with 218 digits. Nomawethu Ngcukana memorized 23 digits.

Pie –eating: This is the best part of pi-day because each learner get to enjoy a real pie.
Previous pi-day activities:
Pi human chain: Digits were printed on coloured paper and handed out to students who had to march around the soccer field in the order of the digits of pi.