February Math Update

Students in pre-algebra are learning about the beauty of Pi this week in math class! Pi is a very special ratio that is used for circles. Students learned that Pi (rounded to 3.14) is the ratio of a circle's circumference to it's diameter.

We were able to estimate the age of trees on our school grounds by measuring several different circumferences. Instead of counting the rings on the cross-section of a tree (and having to cut a tree down), we used measuring tape and algebra skills to solve for new variables. Students used the formula to calculate a circle's circumference and solved for the radius by dividing the circumference by 3.14, and then dividing the diameter by 2.

Encourage your kids to explore math in nature! There are so many opportunities to link math concepts when on a walk in the woods. We will revisit Pi on March 14th (Pi Day), and use Pi to calculate the surface area of cylinders and cones.

Here are some photos of students measuring the tree trunks!

Liz & Laurene