It's PI Day!

 

March 14 (3/14) is Pi Day because the number pi is 3.14159…. What makes this number and day so special? Discover the reason and other facts about pi by exploring these online activities. It’s as easy as pi!

 

CONNECT:

• Watch an explanation of pi and why it’s celebrated at https://youtu.be/mC3Vj1q5rXo
• Read about the history of pi at https://www.homeschoolwithlove.com/2013/03/14/share-a-history-of-pi-with-your-children-for-pi-day/
• Read top 25 interesting facts about pi at https://www.piday.org/pi-facts/

 

CREATE:

• Find out how to find the circumference of a circle – and why it is important -- at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVf9jkQ2QqA&t=177s
• Start with https://www.pbs.org/parents/crafts-and-experiments/happy-pi-day and then try some of these  mathtastic Pi Day activities at https://www.weareteachers.com/pi-day-activities/
• Plan your own Pi Day using https://www.exploratorium.edu/pi/guide-celebrating-pi-day

 

CARE:

• See how someone kept others warm and comfy by making a pi-inspired quilt: https://www.snexplores.org/article/math-is-muse-for-these-artists
• Do you care about the universe? Meet Pi: a new earth-sized planet – at https://news.mit.edu/2020/earth-sized-pi-planet-0921
• For parents: Are your kids anxious about pi and other math? Help them manage their math stress at https://www.webmd.com/parenting/features/how-to-help-your-child-with-math-anxiety

 

CAREERS:

Do you want a piece of the career pi? You can be a mathematician, of course, but you can also use pi in building, transportation, communications, medicine, and music.  See its job-related uses here:

• https://amazingarchimedes.weebly.com/real-life-application-of-pi.html
• https://www.universetoday.com/110331/happy-pi-day-5-ways-nasa-uses-pi/#:~:text=In%20basic%20mathematics%2C%20Pi%20is,flight%2C%20to%20name%20a%20few
• https://www.greenworldinvestor.com/2016/06/05/life-is-weird-ten-real-life-applications-of-the-most-famous-number-in-the-world-pi/

How Do You Measure Up?

 When you think of measurement, do you think of a ruler? Or maybe a kitchen measuring cup? Or the bathroom scales? How do those measurements connect with each other? Even a ruler may have two different scales. Measurement is more complex than you think – it can even be political (such as measuring votes). Measure your learning by exploring the following activities.

 CONNECT:

• Why is it important to measure? How do we do it, and what are the units? Find out the answers at  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zsv7bYSrzMU
• Watch how your body and other concrete items led to metric and standard measurement systems at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQPQ_q59xyw
• What are some different ways to measure things? Watch the possibilities at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JCmqVAYujv4
• Watch the Measurement League use their incredible powers of measure to perform amazing feats of science and engineering at https://www.nist.gov/kids

CREATE:

• Solve this video mystery using measurement at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7omxmCDpW7U
• Play these measurement games online: https://pbskids.org/games/measurement
• Your house is filled with things to measure. Discover the fun at https://kidadl.com/articles/measurement-activities-for-kids
• Measurement can be delicious! See how with these cooking activities at https://www.landolakes.com/expert-advice/kids-in-the-kitchen-measuring-techniques/

 

CARE:

• Find out more about your body by measuring it with string: https://igamemom.com/fun-body-measurement-activities-with-a-piece-of-string/
• Learn how to read food labels, which measure nutritional information, at https://www.fda.gov/food/new-nutrition-facts-label/read-label-youth-outreach-materials
• Watch how water quality is measured at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=94YcjbYBchc
• Discover how measurement helps to level the sports playing field at https://www.nist.gov/pml/weights-and-measures/metric-sports

 

CAREERS:

Think of a job that doesn’t include measurement. It’s hard, isn’t it. Sciences, service, education, business, construction, arts, entertainment, politics, sports all use measurement. There’s even an Instrument Society of America that focuses on careers based on measurement: https://www.aip.org/jobs/profiles/careers-instrumentation-measurement.

https://vpm.org/articles/3788/math-and-measurement-fair-prepares-students-for-future-careers

 

Shark!

 

Sharks seem to be a hot summer topic. But there’s a lot more beyond surface knowledge about them. Plunge into these online activities. They don’t bite!

 

CONNECT:

• Watch this kid-friendly video that share “all” about sharks at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tfWMwG6aYzQ. Pay special attention to their teeth!
• Imagine a 5-foot long baby that can weight more than 2 tons as an adult! That’s the great white shark. Discover more details about this shark at https://kids.nationalgeographic.com/animals/fish/facts/great-white-shark
• There are many different species of sharks that range in size from the size of a person's hand to bigger than a bus. Compare their sizes at https://www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/sharks/anatomy/Size.shtml

 

 

CREATE:

• Learn the Baby Shark song at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XqZsoesa55w
• Here’s a week of shark-themed activities for you to try: https://theeducatorsspinonit.com/sharks-themed-activities-for-shark-week/
• Dive into virtual shark camp at https://www.sharks4kids.com/virtual-shark-camp

 

CARE:

• Going to the beach? your risk of being killed in a shark attack is miniscule—approximately 1 in 3,749,067. But there are still some shark safety tips to follow (they work for most open water swimming): https://www.smartertravel.com/shark-safety-tips/
• Read how kids are helping sharks at https://www.sharks.org/kids-helping-sharks
• Shark fin soup is an ancient Chinese tradition; it’s especially favored at weddings. But it’s at the expense of sharks: about 100 million sharks are killed each year (much more than sharks kill people). Find out about this controversial practice at https://savingoceans.org/blog/f/the-controversy-of-shark-fin-soup

 

CAREERS:

It’s true that you can make money from shark parts, such as their teeth, but there are several more positive ways to make money from sharks without hurting them: as a conservationist, marine biologist, zoologist, shark driver, and lifeguard.

• https://www.sharksider.com/job-working-sharks/
• http://www.professorclarkthescienceshark.com/
• https://scubadiverlife.com/cool-scuba-jobs-great-white-shark-guide/

.

Nature's Geometry

 

When you think of math, does nature come to mind? Think of all the shapes you find in nature – and maybe some you don’t find. Explore new dimensions of math by trying these activities about geometry in nature.

 

CONNECT:

• Start your tour of geometry in nature by watching this video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4_q1z4k0o8A
• Why are bee honeycombs hexagonal (6-sided)? Find out at https://www.npr.org/sections/krulwich/2013/05/13/183704091/what-is-it-about-bees-and-hexagons
• Spirals are common shapes in nature – and they are mathematical in nature (pun intended). Find out how nature creates the Fibonacci sequence at http://www.montessori-blog.org/2017/08/29/geometry-in-nature-the-fibonacci-sequence/
• Explore the geometry of minerals at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rkNM6666hG4,  and for teens see https://www.ted.com/talks/graham_baird_how_do_crystals_work/transcript?language=en

 

CREATE:

• Use this guide to find geometry for your next nature walk – even in the city: https://medium.com/purple-museum/finding-geometry-in-nature-797523737555
• Have fun in this geometry playground: http://annex.exploratorium.edu/geometryplayground/resources.php
• Create hexagonal paper snowflakes by following this video’s directions: http://youtube.com/watch?v=a3mpmly9b2o
• Can you make a cubic bubble? See how at https://www.rookieparenting.com/make-a-square-bubble/

 

CARE:

• Views of nature impact our mind, our feelings. See how biomorphic forms and patterns influence us at https://blog.interface.com/geometry-in-design/
• See how architects use geometry in landscaping, which helps enjoy nature’s geometry: https://land8.com/geometry-brings-out-the-best-in-landscape-architecture-at-the-earthly-pond-service-center/
• You can help others by uploading photos of your observations of geometry in nature to share on https://www.projectnoah.org/missions/37000089

 

CAREERS:

What jobs link nature and math? The most obvious career is photographer. But what about scientists, jewelers and landscapers? Check out the possibilities below. The benefits may be incalculable!

• http://passyworldofmathematics.com/jobs-with-geometry/
• http://theatlantic.com/education/archive/2014/10/10-creative-careers-that-use-science-and-math/382160/
• https://www.cooperhewitt.org/2019/12/11/the-geometry-of-nature/
• https://land8.com/wurth-la-rioja-museum-gardens-how-to-merge-geometry-with-nature/

Fibonacci Numbers: Nature’s Code

 Nature isn’t as random as you might think. Mathematicians have coded patterns in nature, and Fibonacci’s sequence is one of the most famous – and seen in art as well as the physical world. Explore the following sequence of activities to see the pattern.

 

CONNECT:

• What is a Fibonacci sequence? See the answer at https://ca.pbslearningmedia.org/resource/math_nature/fibonacci-sequence/
• Who was Fibonacci? Find out at https://www.cbc.ca/kidscbc2/the-feed/its-everywhere-you-look-but-have-you-ever-heard-of-fibonacci
• Where do you see Fibonacci’s sequence? At https://insteading.com/blog/fibonacci-sequence-in-nature/

 

CREATE:

• Paint like Fibonacci-inspired Mondrian following the directions at https://teachbesideme.com/mondrian-style-fibonacci-art/
• Start with nature to explore Fibonacci numbers at https://youtu.be/ahXIMUkSXX0
• Explore Fibonacci math at http://www.maths.surrey.ac.uk/hosted-sites/R.Knott/Fibonacci/fibnat.html

 

CARE:

• Why does nature choose to follow the Fibonacci sequence? Discover the advantages at https://www.mathsisfun.com/numbers/nature-golden-ratio-fibonacci.html
• The conservationist Sierra Club salutes Fibonacci too: https://www.sierraclub.org/sierra/2015-2-march-april/green-life/wide-eyed-look#6
• Our face models Fibonacci’s sequence; see how at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wy6cqVUloJQ. Explore other parts of your body follows the sequence: arms, hands, and so on.

 

CAREERS:

Do you see patterns in numbers? You might see math in your future – as a mathematician, sure, but also as a statistician, a scientist, an engineer, a computer programmer, an architect, an artist, or a business person.

https://www.stemjobs.com/fibonacci-day/

https://www.mathscareers.org.uk/article/the-mathematics-of-rabbit-island/

https://recompilermag.com/issues/issue-8/finding-a-path-with-the-fibonacci-sequence/

https://dribbble.com/tags/fibonacci_sequence

Pyramids Are Tops

You may have seen pictures of Egyptian pyramids, but do you know their history – or the history of other pyramids around the world? They are also great examples of design thinking. There’s lots to figure out with these activities about pyramids. Get the point?

CONNECT:

• See how the ancient Egyptian pyramids look today at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xtc0LQuA3z4
• The ancient Mayans built pyramids too. See what they look like now at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyvw6G9Max0
• In fact ancient pyramids are found around the world; see ten examples at https://www.heritagedaily.com/2018/05/10-ancient-pyramids-around-the-world/119856
• Today’s buildings are sometimes constructed as pyramids, the most famous one at the Louvre. Get the facts at https://kids.kiddle.co/Pyramid_of_the_Louvre
• Math is the basis of pyramids – of several sorts; figure them out at https://www.mathsisfun.com/geometry/pyramids.html

CREATE:

• How do you build a pyramid? See the science and math behind the hard work at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=52V9jmrgSbI
• Try this range of pyramid projects: https://study.com/academy/lesson/pyramid-projects-for-kids.html
• Learn about ancient Egypt with these fun activities: https://www.curiositychronicles.org/single-post/2017/09/08/19-Activities-for-Ancient-Egypt
• Make ancient Egypt come alive with these fun activities: https://egypt.mrdonn.org/games.html

CARE:

• See the history of the human pyramid at https://www.atlasobscura.com/articles/a-visual-history-of-the-human-pyramid
• Use this activity pyramid for kids to keep in shape: https://www.mdpedi.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/04/eKids1.pdf
• The U.S. used to use a pyramid to explain how to have a healthy diet; see the history of USDA food guides at https://www.choosemyplate.gov/eathealthy/brief-history-usda-food-guides
• The pyramid of conservation is a good way to figure out where to start to green your home: https://www.treehugger.com/sustainable-product-design/the-pyramid-of-conservation-is-a-terrific-tool-for-figuring-out-where-to-start-to-green-your-home.html

CAREERS:

Be they old or new, pyramids can lead to an inspiring career: from archeologist to architect.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BXkL5nba40

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ImTTW94ZicM

https://www.world-archaeology.com/features/pyramids-excavation-and-preservation/

Think Like a Computer

Step-by-step, following directions, is how many computer work. People know how to create those directions to make things and solve problems. Explore how to think like – and better than – a computer with the following activities about computational thinking.

CONNECT:

• Learn about the 4 key techniques to computational thinking at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mUXo-S7gzds&t=76s
• Here’s how Google uses computational thinking to solve problems: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVVB5RQfYxk
• Use cooking to teach algorithms and computational thinking: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnS7lwXENts

CREATE:

• Build your brain with these free games: http://www.exquisite-minds.com/best-thinking-games-online/
• Use computational thinking to break these CIA codes: https://www.cia.gov/kids-page/games/break-the-code
• You too can code – with Scratch Jr. See how at https://unlcms.unl.edu/ianr/extension/4-h-youth-development/designlab21/computational-thinking-young-children

CARE:

• Make your own puzzles to keep your sick friends or relatives engaged: http://puzzlemaker.discoveryeducation.com/
• Make chores fun with computational thinking at https://www.stem.family/activities/computational-thinking-activities/
• Use computational thinking (sorting algorithms) to sort laundry: https://classic.csunplugged.org/sorting-algorithms/

CAREERS:

Computational thinking is a logical step for a great career: from statistician to managing, from emergency planner to fashion designer, from computer programmer to military officer. Get the facts here.

https://www.enterprisetimes.co.uk/2018/07/04/computational-thinking-will-be-vital-for-the-future-job-market/

https://careerswithstem.com.au/computational-thinking/

https://minutehack.com/opinions/how-thinking-like-a-computer-will-help-save-our-jobs

The River Nile

The River Nile is the longest river in Africa. Grab your passport, suncream and shades, and check out the  fascinating Nile River.

CONNECT:

• Check out ten great facts about the great Nile at https://www.natgeokids.com/uk/discover/geography/physical-geography/nile-river-facts/
• Experience the Nile River, visually riding a Felucca boat on https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=glEBxUm1WAk
• Watch exotic creatures on the Nile at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tUvsPFvY5OE
• Learn about Sobek: the Egyptian God of Crocodiles and the Nile,  at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxmznSQ5J74

CREATE:

• What might you have eaten as an ancient Egyptian? Find out at http://cotn.heavengames.com/history/food
• Make a model of the Nile River, following the directions at http://tapestryofgrace.com/blog/2016/10/making-a-model-of-the-nile-river/
• Do math like an Egyptian at https://www.storyofmathematics.com/egyptian.html
• Build an Egyptian paper boat craft to use in a local creek or the tub. See how at https://www.education.com/activity/article/paper-boat-craft-for-kids/

CARE:

• Is the Nile dying? If so, why? What can be done? Get the facts at https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/resources/idt-sh/death_of_the_nile
• Several African animals, including the hippopotamus who lives near the Nile, are endangered. Find out what efforts are being done to same them, and help them, at https://www.awf.org/wildlife-conservation/hippopotamus
• Write like an Egyptian with hieroglyphics. Read about their system at https://www.ancient-egypt-online.com/hieroglyphics-for-kids.html and use their alphabet (https://www.ancient-egypt-online.com/hieroglyphics-alphabet.html) at  to write your own messages.
• Ancient Egyptians made their own paper—and you can, too! Then write in hieroglyphics or create a treasure map for more fun with your friends. See how at https://www.crayola.com/crafts/egyptian-papyrus-paper-craft/

CAREERS:

What kind of jobs might you have had in ancient Egypt? Explore the possibilities at https://egypt.mrdonn.org/jobs.html

Dig into the past of the Nile River by becoming an archeologist or even an Egyptologist:

https://www.environmentalscience.org/career/archaeologist

https://slate.com/human-interest/2014/10/what-is-it-like-to-be-an-egyptologist.html

Today you could become a travel agent or tourist guide:

https://collegegrad.com/careers/travel-agents

http://career.iresearchnet.com/career-information/tour-guide-career/