Teacher: Miss Leah Fry

Subject: Mathematics
Lesson Title: What is Pi?
Level: 8th Grade

Materials, Equipment and Technology: Handout/Notes, Calculators, Writing Utensils,

Rulers, ActiveInspire, Book -Why Pi? By Johnny Ball (pg. 30-31) and Song from:
http://www.piday.org/2014/music-video-what-is-the-value-of-pi/

Standard: Know that there are numbers that are not rational, and approximate them by
rational
8.NS.1. Know that numbers that are not rational are called irrational
Objective: Students will demonstrate their knowledge of pi, by writing 3 to 5 sentences
that contains classification of pi as rational or irrational and where pi is used in real life.
Procedures:

Allow time for students to work on spiral review questions (5 min)

Go over spiral review, also review the relationship shown and connecting
vocabulary : (3 min )
1.
2. The measure of an angle is
43. What is the measure of the complementary angle?

3.

Ask what the students know about pi?

Read Why Pi? By Johnny Ball (pg. 30-31) (10 min)
Review Real Numbers by comparing rational or irrational numbers
a
o Rational - a ratio of whole numbers, in the form b w h ere b 0 . When
expressed as a decimal, a rational number has a finite (a decimal number
that has digits that do not go on forever) or recurring expansion (repeats
forever).
1
,6
Examples: 3 =0 .3333 , 2 .36 8

Teacher: Miss Leah Fry

Subject: Mathematics
Lesson Title: What is Pi?
Level: 8th Grade

o Irrational- cannot be expressed as a ratio of integers, i.e. as a fraction.

Therefore, irrational numbers, when written as decimal numbers, do not
terminate, nor do they repeat.

4
Examples: 3 , 2 , 2

Ask the question is pi rational or irrational?

o How do you know?
Listen to the Song from: http://www.piday.org/2014/music-video-what-is-the-valueof-pi/ (2 min)
Have students complete the Exit Ticket. (5 min.)

Name:
Exit Ticket
Date:
Write 3 to 5 complete sentences that contain classification of pi as rational or
irrational and where pi is used in real life.

Remainder of class will be spent on the: Class Research Project

Goal: See what cool facts you and your partner can find about Pi Day. (Students
may pick their own partners)
There are 6 things you must find
1) Both partners names
2) When is Pi Day
3) When does Pi Day officially start
4) Who was the founder of Pi Day
5) Name three formulas that use
6) What are the first ten digits of

The six answers should be written out in complete sentences and handed in on
Friday.
Modifications:
Review concepts ( Spiral Review)
o Practice
Reading book allowed
Listen to Pi song
Connection to real world historical facts

Teacher: Miss Leah Fry

Subject: Mathematics
Lesson Title: What is Pi?
Level: 8th Grade

Written expression

Student assessment:
Answer questions
Exit Ticket
Initial Reaction: