10 Engaging Pi Day Activities for Math and STEM Learning

7th Mar 2025

Pi Day, celebrated on March 14th (3/14) in honor of the mathematical constant π (pi ≈ 3.14159), is a fantastic opportunity to blend math, science, and creativity in the classroom. Whether your students are diving into math equations or hands-on STEM challenges, these 10 engaging Pi Day activities will help them see how math is everywhere!

1. Pi Day Paper Chain – Visualizing Pi’s Endless Digits

Objective: Students create a visual representation of the digits of pi.

Each digit from 0 to 9 corresponds to a different color of paper strip.
Students create a long paper chain, linking the digits together in order (3-1-4-1-5-9…).
As the chain grows, students get a tangible sense of pi’s never-ending and non-repeating nature.

? Extension: Challenge students to calculate how many digits they can add in a class period or measure the length of their pi chain to practice unit conversions.

2. Circle Measurements – Discovering Pi for Themselves

Objective: Students use real-world measurements to understand the ratio of π.

Provide students with circular objects (plates, lids, coins, frisbees, or cups).
Using a measuring tape or string, have students measure:
- Circumference (distance around the circle)
- Diameter (distance across the circle)
Calculate circumference ÷ diameter for each object.
Students will discover that no matter the size of the object, the ratio is always ≈ 3.14!

? STEM Twist: Use a robot like Dash to trace circles and measure the path!

3. Pi Digit Memorization Contest – How Many Can You Remember?

Objective: Boost memory skills while having fun!

Challenge students to memorize as many digits of pi as they can.
Have a classroom contest where students recite the digits.
Offer small rewards (stickers, extra credit, or a “Pi Master” title) for winners.

? Fun Fact: The world record for memorizing pi is over 70,000 digits!

4. Pi Day Scavenger Hunt – Finding Circles Everywhere

Objective: Reinforce geometry skills and problem-solving.

Create a list of circular objects found in the classroom or school.
Students search for and document these objects.
They measure and record the circumference and diameter.
Have them calculate pi for each object and compare results.

? Bonus Challenge: Add math riddles about circles to unlock the next clue!

5. Pi Skyline Art – Math Meets Creativity

Objective: Create a city skyline graph using the digits of pi.

Each digit of pi (0-9) represents the height of a “building”.
Students color and arrange rectangles (bars) in a skyline formation.
The resulting cityscape is based on the sequence of pi’s digits.

? Extension: Discuss how data visualization helps interpret information in real-world applications!

6. Pi Day Bracelets – Wearable Math

Objective: Create a pi-themed bracelet using color patterns.

Assign a different colored bead to each digit (0-9).
Students string the beads in order of pi’s digits.
They create a bracelet or keychain that represents the digits of pi.

? Math Connection: Introduce probability by asking: What’s the likelihood of randomly picking a certain color from the bracelet?

7. Pi Day Storytime – Bringing Math to Life

Objective: Introduce young learners to the concept of pi through engaging stories.

? Read books like:

"Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi" by Cindy Neuschwander
"The Joy of Pi" by David Blatner
Discuss the history of pi, its importance, and fun pi facts.
Have students draw their own “Sir Cumference” adventure!

? STEM Crossover: Have students design their own pi-themed comic strips!

8. Pi Day Coding Challenge – Using Robots to Draw Circles

Objective: Integrate coding with pi-related geometry.

Use Dash Robots or Ozobots to trace perfect circles.
Challenge students to write code that:
- Moves the robot in a circular path.
- Measures the circumference of the drawn circle.
- Calculates pi using circumference ÷ diameter.

? No robots? Use Scratch or Python to create a digital pi spiral!

9. Pi Day Music – Turning Digits into Melodies

Objective: Convert the digits of pi into music!

Assign each digit (0-9) a musical note.
Use an online music tool (like Chrome Music Lab) or a keyboard to play the sequence.
Students can compose their own “Pi Song” using pi’s digits.

? Cross-Curricular: Discuss the math behind music and how frequencies relate to circles!

10. Pi Day Art Projects – Spirals & Spirographs

Objective: Explore geometric patterns with pi.

Use a Spirograph to create pi-inspired designs.
Challenge students to draw perfect circles freehand.
Create pi poetry—where each line of a poem has the same number of words as the digits of pi.

? STEAM Bonus: Use compasses and rulers to design pi-themed mandalas!

Make Pi Day Meaningful!

These math and STEM activities help students see pi in action—whether through coding, music, art, or engineering.

What’s your favorite Pi Day tradition? Send us an e-mail at info@geyerinstructional.com and we will add it to the blog post!