Planning a Pi Day Party
A webquest for 5th graders
Developed by Christan Lucas
Introduction Questions Task Process1 Process2
Evaluation Conclusion Credits Standards
Introduction
If one day of the year screams Party!
in math class, that day is March 14.
In classrooms across the globe there
are special celebrations in honor of
pi (3.14). March 14 is also the birth
date of Albert Einstein. Pi day
activities are meant to enrich and
deepen student understanding of
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the concept of pi.
Quest(ions) and the
Task
You are a professional party planning company who may be
selected to plan a pi party for Ms. Lucas’ 5th grade class. The
class is interviewing different companies for this job. You will
put together a proposal for a pi day party that best fits the needs
of the class.
Consider the following: What is pi day? What kind of activities
will interest the students and help them understand the concept
of pi? What materials will be needed? (example: worksheets,
computers, game items, pies, paper products, etc.) What will
the schedule be for the day? How many people will attend the
party? Where will the party be held?
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Georgia Performance Standards
M5G. Geometry
Students will further develop their understanding of
geometric figures.
M5G2. Students will understand the relationship of the
circumference of a circle to
its diameter is pi (π ≈ 3.14).
ELA5LSV1 The student participates in student -toteacher, student-to-student, and group verbal
interactions.
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Standards continued
ELA5W2 The student demonstrates competence in a variety of genres.
The student produces informational writing (e.g., report, procedures,
correspondence) that:
b. Develops a controlling idea that conveys a perspective on a subject.
c. Creates an organizing structure appropriate to a specific purpose,
audience, and
context.
d. Includes appropriate facts and details.
e. Excludes extraneous details and inappropriate information.
f. Uses a range of appropriate strategies, such as providing facts and
details, describing
or analyzing the subject, and narrating a relevant anecdote.
g. Draws from more than one source of information such as speakers,
books, newspapers, and online materials
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Tasks
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You will work in a group of 3.
Your group must come up with a proposal for the pi day party that
the class simply cannot refuse.
Your group will discover what pi is using internet resources.
You will also use internet resources to research different activities
for pi day and come up with a theme.
You will create a schedule for the day to include the activities you
choose.
You will also decide on decorations and any theme related items that
will be appropriate to use.
You will present your proposal for the pi day party to the class for
approval.
Process
You will work in groups of 3 and devise a theme for the
party.
 Then you will choose one of the following roles:
Scheduler, Decorator, or Activity Coordinator.
 The scheduler will create the schedule for the day based
on the activities presented by the activity coordinator.
 The decorator will select the party decorations to meet
the theme.
 The activity coordinator will research websites to find
activities which are appropriate for the party.
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Process continued
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Here are some websites to use:
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Pi Day Lessons from the Math Forum (Grades 5-8)
Pi Day Songs; Pi Day Activities (Grades 4-12)
Pi Day Activities (Grades 4-6)
What Is Pi? A Cool Lesson (Grades 5-8)
Pi Day Scavenger Hunt and Other Activities (All grades)
(Pizza) Pi Project (Grades 4-8)
Pi Day Ideas from Mrs. Highley (Grades 4-12)
Pi Pages on the Internet
Finally you will all come together to write your proposal and create
a PowerPoint presentation to present to the class.
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Evaluation
1 = Weak 2 = Moderately Weak 3 = Average 4 = Moderately Strong 5 = Strong
1. Each member of the group had a clear understanding of the group’s task. 1 2 3 4 5
2. Each member of the group had a clear understanding of his or her expected
contribution to the group’s assignment. 1 2 3 4 5
3. Group members listened willingly to one another. 1 2 3 4 5
4. Members of the group showed strong leadership qualities. 1 2 3 4 5
5. Group members encouraged others to express opinions or contribute information. 1 2 3 4 5
6. Group members presented their information or ideas in a clear and logical manner. 1 2 3 4 5
7. Each member of the group fulfilled his or her responsibilities in the completion of the
group’s assignment. 1 2 3 4 5
8. The group fulfilled all the requirements of its assigned task. 1 2 3 4 5
9. Overall, the group worked well together. 1 2 3 4 5
10. The group performed to its full potential. 1 2 3 4 5
Additional Comments:
Total Points/Grade: ____________
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Conclusion
You
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have successfully planned a party and have learned
how to develop an idea and organize it for a purpose.
You have also developed the skills necessary to use
PowerPoint software and can use it for presentations in
the future.
 You have also gained an understanding of the concept
of pi and how it is used in geometry.
Now you can go and share this with your family and
friends, especially if they are planning a party and need
some help.
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Credits
http://www.educationworld.com/math/
http://webquest.org/
http://go.hrw.com/ndNSAPI.nd/gohrw_
rls1/pKeywordResults?sr9%20rubrics