| A | |
|---|---|
1 | Discovering Pi |
2 | |
3 | Note: This is a read-only spreadsheet. You need to make your own copy of this Google Sheet so you can use it and edit it for your class. To make a copy simply click "File" and then "Make a copy". |
4 | |
5 | Overview: |
6 | This activity is designed to help students explore the relationship between the distance around a circle (circumference) to the distance across a circle (diameter). |
7 | |
8 | Directions: |
9 | Each student will need a circular object, such as a can, lid, frisbee, plate, or such. For best results the items should be a variety of sizes. |
10 | Students will also need a tape measurer (one that can easily wrap around the circular object). |
11 | First each student should measure the distance around their circular object. |
12 | Next each student should measure the distance across their circular object, being careful to go directly through the middle of the circle. |
13 | The students should then record their measurements on the spreadsheet tab titled "Data" |
14 | The spreadsheet will automatically calculate the ratio of the circumference to the diameter for each student. |
15 | The spreadsheet will also calculate an avarage of all the ratios from all the students. |
16 | The students should examine their ratios to see if they notice any patterns. |
17 | Finally switch over to the spreadsheet tab titled "Pi" to compare how close the students' average ratio is to the real value of pi. |
18 | |
19 | Created by: Eric Curts |
20 | ericcurts@gmail.com |
21 | www.ericcurts.com |
22 | www.appsusergroup.org |
23 | plus.google.com/+EricCurts1 |
24 | @ericcurts |
25 |