Pi WebQuest 1
Please answer all questions on the Answer Sheet provided.
Introduction:
The mathematical constant ∏, sometimes written as Pi, is approximately equal to 3.14159... Each year, Pi Day is celebrated on March 14 but math enthusiasts around the world. You will be going to explore the meaning of Pi and to celebrate Pi Day through online activities.
YOU WILL NEED TO READ EACH OF THE FOLLOWING ACTIVITIES. OPENING NEW TABS BY GOING TO FILE "NEW TAB" WILL MAKE IT EASIER TO GO BACK IN FORTH TO QUESTIONS. JUST COPY AND PASTE THE LINK OR YOU CAN JUST CLICK ON IT AND IT WILL BRING YOU TO THE PAGE.
The Task:
To prepare for these explorations, you will need to browse some lessons on circumference and area of circles. Next, you will engage in web-based inquiry to explore the meaning and history of Pi and calculations involving Pi. You will also explore the history of Pi Day and how it is celebrated. These tasks will require a computer, access to the web, paper and pencil.
The Process:
Process Part 1: Learning the parts of a circle
Go to the http://www.math.com/school/subject3/lessons/S3U1L6GL.html . (click on the link and it will take you to the site or copy and paste after opening a new tab.). Read this section.
On answer sheet draw and label the parts on the circle (diameter, radius, chord, arc, etc). Below the circle are the words radius, chord, diameter, arc, and semi-circle. Click on each (one at a time) this will help you identify the parts of a circle. (Chord does not work but you can find out about it in the reading.
Process Part 2: More about circles
Go to the bottom of the page and click NEXT. Use the information of that page to answer the following questions on a separate sheet of paper or on a word document.
1) What is perhaps the “most seen” shape?
2) By definition, what is a circle?
3) If a plate is not a circle, what is it? What part of the plate is a circle?
4) What is a circle named by?
5) What is the plural of “radius?
6) What is the relationship between diameter and radius?
7) What is a “chord”?
8) How many degrees does a circle contain?
9) Define: minor arc:
major arc:
semi circle:
10) What is the circumference of a circle?
11) What are concentric circles?
12) When you slice a round pizza, you usually slice along a ___________?
13) What is the name of the tool used to construct circles?
Process Part 3: Learning about Pi
Go to http://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons/vol2/circle_area.html (click on link or paste to new tab). Read the lesson on "Area of Circles". Complete the five internet exercises on the answer sheet. Next go to http://www.mathgoodies.com/lessons/vol2/circumference.html (click on link or paste to new tab). Read the lesson on "Circumference". Complete the five internet exercises on the answer sheet.
Process Part 4: Learning About the Meaning and the History of Pi
Next answer the following questions below about "Area of Circles" and "Circumference" from the readings. Refer back to the readings as needed.
14) The distance around a circle is the _____________.
15) How is the relationship between diameter and radius expressed?
16) What is the formula for area of a circle?
17) What is the relationship between the symbol and the word Pi?
18) The value of Pi comes from what ratio?
19) Why is Pi called a mathematical constant?
20) Why does Pi continue infinitely?
21) Why is Pi an irrational number?
22) How many digits of Pi are known?
23) Which mathematicians first used the symbol ? Why??
You are now done with the first WebQuest. Next complete the Pi Day WebQuest 2.