Pi Day Skyline Activity is the Coolest Thing Since Sliced π
Completed Pi Day Skyline project
Are you looking for a STEAM activity that's fun and creative to celebrate Pi Day? Look no further! The Pi Day Skyline project is the perfect way to engage your students in STEAM education. 1st Maker Space is committed to discovering creative ways to encourage students to engage in hands-on learning experiences that stimulate their imagination and problem-solving skills.
This math art project combines creativity with mathematics as kids graph out the numbers of pi, creating a beautiful skyline. With just some markers, graph paper, and pastel paints (or colored pencils or crayons), kids can create their unique cityscape artwork that celebrates this mathematical constant. And don't worry; this activity is as easy as pi!
1. Intro - STEAM Education & Pi Day
Pi Day is a fun and educational way to explore the world of STEM/STEAM education! This activity is an exciting opportunity for students to learn more about the "A" and "M" in STEAM education. Spending time on Pi Day can lead to inspiring conversations about problem-solving and critical thinking. Furthermore, it provides a golden opportunity for participants to embrace their creativity through the Pi Day Skyline activity, which created a beautiful artwork with a mathematical connection. Celebrating Pi Day is an excellent way for parents and teachers alike to engage in an innovative application of learning mechanics while fostering teamwork and collaboration amongst students.
2. What You Need for the Pi Math Art Project
Optional:
Actual pie for a slice of inspiration.
A way for students to research Pi or a printout of the number
Standard grid/graph paper
Sharpies
A way to color (pastel paints, colored pencils, or crayons)
Optional: Actual pie for a slice of inspiration
3. How to Make a Pi Skyline
Students research the number Pi and write the number along the bottom of the grid- one number in each box.
Using a sharpie, students will color in the number of squares above each number. For example, above the column with the number 3, a student would color in three squares vertically. In the column above a 4, four squares would be colored-in vertically. This continues until all the numbers in Pi have coordinating columns colored in.
Once the sharpie portion is finished, students can decorate the background using pastel paints, colored pencils, or crayons.
Add Decorative Touches: Add any decorative touches to your skyline that a student would like, such as stars in the sky, trees, or the sun (there are more ideas below). The sky is the limit.
4. Other Ideas for Doing this Project
Digital Pi Day Skyline: Create a digital skyline with a graphic design or drawing program. Fill in squares with color and add text or images to make the design more attractive.
Pi Day Street Art: Create colorful and eye-catching street art using chalk or paint. Use the digits of Pi to create the design, and find a public space where you have permission to create your masterpiece.
Pi Day Skyline Collage: Create a cityscape by gluing paper squares onto a larger sheet of paper. Each square can represent a digit of Pi, and you can use different colors and textures to make it visually appealing.
Pi Day Skyline Sculpture: Build a three-dimensional cityscape using LEGO or other materials. Use different colored blocks to represent each digit of Pi and get creative with your design.
Pi Day Skyline Story: Write a story about your cityscape, including characters living in the city, events taking place there, and why Pi is significant in their world.
Pi Day Skyline Animation: Create an animated skyline using stop-motion animation software. Use different colored blocks or paper cutouts to represent each digit of Pi and bring your skyline to life.
Pi Day Skyline Gallery Walk: Share your creations with classmates during a gallery walk. Ask questions, provide feedback, and celebrate everyone's unique "Pi-casso" masterpieces!
Closing Thoughts on STEAM Education and Creative Learning
STEAM education is becoming increasingly important today as it prepares students for a future heavily reliant on technology. By incorporating science, technology, engineering, art, and math into the curriculum, students can develop various skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, creativity, communication, and collaboration.
Creative learning experiences like those offered by Pi Day math art activities encourage students to think outside the box and add a "pi"nch of creativity to our approach to education. This type of learning helps students develop their imagination and fosters a love for learning that can last a lifetime. In addition, creative learning experiences help to engage students who may not be as interested in traditional academic subjects.
By promoting STEAM education and creative learning opportunities in the classroom, we are preparing our students for a future where innovation and creativity will be essential for success. So why not add a little "Pi-zazz" to your classroom and celebrate Pi Day with these fun and educational activities?
1st Maker Space is on a mission to empower students to learn through doing. 1st Maker Space designs and provides makerspaces, builds high-quality furniture made for making, trains educators through hands-on professional development, and provides STEM & maker curriculum. The overall goal is to help students and educators discover a passion for learning that lasts a lifetime. You can learn more about 1st Maker Space at www.1stmakerspace.com, and we would love to discuss developing and supporting a makerspace for your school, community organization, or business. #madetomake