It’s National Pi day!
Pi Day is celebrated on March 14th (3/14) around the world. Pi (Greek letter “π”) is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant — the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter — which is approximately 3.14159.
Pi Day is an annual opportunity for math enthusiasts to recite the infinite digits of Pi, talk to their friends about math, and eat pie.
Pi has been calculated to be over one trillion digits beyond its decimal point. It will continue infinitely without repetition or pattern as an irrational and transcendental number.
While only a handful of digits are needed for typical calculations, Pi’s infinite nature makes it a fun challenge to memorize and computationally calculate more and more digits.
First, look at the date; it’s 3.14, the written form of the mathematical symbol Pi.
How cool is that?
Pi is the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. The ratio is ALWAYS 3.14!
3.14 is the day people worldwide irrationally and irreverently celebrate this important mathematical constant. It’s the only number with its own holiday.
Most scholars consider Pi the most important and fascinating number in all mathematics. Technically, the mathematical constant pi is an irrational or never-ending number created by dividing the circumference of a circle by its diameter. It is a number that begins with 3.14 but then goes on and on never repeating itself for infinity.~PiDay.org
A Pi Day Booklist
It Happened One Pi Day: The Easy Way to Memorize Pi
This charming book with beautiful illustrations contains a powerful and elegant method for memorizing Pi or any number. It was written by a family that tapped into the most cutting-edge competitive memory techniques, found some pretty serious success (now easily rattling off hundreds of digits each!), and decided to share it with the rest of us.
Pi In the Sky by Wendy Mass
Joss is the seventh son of the Supreme Overlord of the Universe. His older brothers help his dad rule the cosmos, but all Joss gets to do is deliver pies. That’s right: pies. Of course, these pies actually hold the secrets of the universe between their buttery crusts, but they’re still pies.
On a Beam of Light: A Story of Albert Einstein
There’s lots of fun science and physics play, and it’s the perfect way to celebrate Albert Einstein. Travel along with Einstein on a journey full of curiosity, laughter, and scientific discovery. Parents and children alike will appreciate this moving story of the powerful difference imagination can make in any life.
The History of Pi by Petr Beckman
Pieces of Pi by Naila Bokhari
Something To Do: Pi Celebration
Let’s be corny, I think we need to make a pie. Sorry, I had to go there. I can’t stop myself. It’s round, and we can measure the circumference before eating it and then after as it gets smaller.
It doesn’t matter if it’s an apple pie, a cherry pie, or a chocolate pie. It’s just time to eat in the round. But remember that I’m quite a giver, so with that, I will share the Best Ever Chocolate Chip Pie recipe.
The Best Chocolate Chip Pie Ever
In my home state of Tennessee, this particular dessert is known as Courtney Orr’s Chocolate Chip Pie, and making this treat would be the perfect start to Pi Fest.
Ingredients
1 unbaked 9-inch (4-cup volume) deep-dish pie shell *
2 large eggs
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) butter, softened
1 cup (6 oz.) Semi-Sweet Chocolate Morsels
1 cup chopped nuts
Sweetened whipped cream or ice cream (optional)
Instructions
PREHEAT oven to 325° F.
BEAT eggs in a large mixer bowl at high speed until foamy. Beat in flour, granulated sugar, and brown sugar. Beat in butter. Stir in morsels and nuts. Spoon into pie shell.
BAKE for 55 to 60 minutes or until the knife inserted halfway between the edge and center comes out clean. Cool on a wire rack. Serve warm with whipped cream, if desired.
* If using a frozen pie shell, use a deep-dish style, thawed completely. Bake on a baking sheet; increase the baking time slightly.
Enjoy!
