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As March 14 approaches, it’s time to get ready to celebrate Pi Day! It’s the annual holiday that pays tribute to the number that results from dividing any circle's circumference by its diameter. Pi is used all the time at NASA to explore Earth, Mars, and worlds beyond.
Pi Day comes around only once a year, giving us a reason to chow down on our favorite sweet and savory pies while we appreciate the mathematical marvel that helps NASA explore Earth, the solar system, and beyond. There’s no better way to observe this day than by getting students exploring space right along with NASA by doing the math in our Pi Day Challenge.
Visit our Teachable Moments blog to find out how students can put their math mettle to the test and solve real problems faced by NASA scientists and engineers as they explore the cosmos! Plus, explore the resources below to discover even more ways to celebrate Pi Day with NASA.
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Here's everything you need to bring the NASA Pi Day Challenge into the classroom. |
Mathematics | Grades 4-12
Time: Varies
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The entire NASA Pi Day Challenge collection can be found in one, handy slideshow for students. |
Mathematics | Grades 4-12
Time: Varies
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Related Lessons for Educators |
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In this challenge, students will use a model robotic arm to move items from one location to another. They will engage in the engineering design process to design, build and operate the arm. |
Engineering | Grades K-8
Time: 30-60 minutes
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Whip up a moon-like crater with baking ingredients as a demonstration for students. |
Science | Grades 1-6
Time: 30-60 minutes
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In this lesson, students build a paper helicopter, then improve the design and compare and measure performance. |
Engineering | Grades 2-8
Time: 30-60 minutes
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Students learn how waves are used in communication between far-away spacecraft and the Deep Space Network on Earth. |
Science | Grades 3-8
Time: 30-60 minutes
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Students kinesthetically model the mathematics of how NASA communicates with spacecraft. |
Mathematics | Grades 4-12
Time: 1-2 hours
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In this activity, students learn how light and energy are spread throughout space. The rate of change can be expressed mathematically, demonstrating why spacecraft like NASA’s Juno need so many solar panels. |
Science | Grades 6-8
Time: Less than 30 minutes
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In this intermediate-level programming challenge, students use microdevices along with light and mirrors to build a relay that can send information to a distant detector. |
Technology | Grades 8-12
Time: 1-2 hours
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Students use math to investigate a real-life asteroid impact. |
Mathematics | Grades 8-12
Time: 30-60 minutes
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Related Activities for Students |
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