As the vibrant tides of spring surge forward, it is the perfect time to enjoy Math. The long-awaited "π Day" has arrived for math enthusiasts! This special day, named after the mathematical constant π (3.14), is a celebration of the beauty of mathematics and a grand festival for young math lovers at the Primary Division of SHSID. The infinitely non-repeating π, like a mysterious sprite, weaves through geometry, physics, engineering, and many other fields. On this day, students eagerly participated in various exciting activities, making their journey of mathematical exploration both engaging and fun.

The first graders embarked on a mysterious journey for Pi Day, meeting the intriguing number π for the first time. With its seemingly endless decimal places, π surprised and piqued the curiosity of the children, who eagerly demonstrated their memory skills by competing to recite more digits of π. As the cheerful Pi Day song played, the children began to feel an indescribable close connection between π and circles. To get closer to this magical number, they started making creative flip books by hand. During the process, they learned that 3.14 is just an approximation of π, and that π actually reveals the secret relationship between the circumference and diameter of a circle.

Then, the children turned their attention to everyday life, starting to look for circular items around them. Pizzas, soccer balls, doughnuts, clocks, coins, and Oreo cookies—all these familiar circular objects made them realize that math is all around us, closely intertwined with life. When asked about their favorite circular food, scenes of round cakes and sweet apple pies flashed through their minds like movie scenes. These delicious desserts, closely linked with π, deepened their impression of π. They excitedly shared the tantalizing tastes of π, and in this joyful and laughter-filled atmosphere, the children's understanding of π and circles deepened.

In the second-grade math classroom, a unique and exciting Pi Day celebration kicked off. Even before the event, the children were eagerly anticipating it, transforming into little creative masters as they carefully crafted their own Pi Day hats. With colorful markers dancing across the paper, vibrant patterns, bold "π" symbols, shimmering stickers, and fluffy pom-poms, each uniquely designed hat came to life, instantly filling the room with the joyful spirit of Pi Day. In class, the highly anticipated "Pi Day Math Hunt" began. Like playful deer, the children bounced excitedly onto the grassy field, ready to embark on their treasure hunt. Hidden in different corners were math problems covering topics like geometric calculations, number patterns, and logical reasoning. Huddled together, they eagerly discussed their problem-solving strategies. Back in the classroom, teamwork took center stage. The quick calculators scribbled down answers, the analytical thinkers broke down the problems, and the artistic minds turned math into visual diagrams. Through lively discussions and collaborative efforts, challenges were solved one by one. This Pi Day was not only a fun and engaging experience but also a meaningful journey of learning, where children strengthened their math skills and discovered the power of teamwork.

The third-grade students immersed themselves in a variety of math games. Grouped around tables, they took turns experiencing different math board games and activities. One group enthusiastically played "24 Points" with playing cards, focusing intently and racing against time to find the best solutions. Another group concentrated on the board game Prime Climb, strategizing and flexibly using addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division to gain an advantage. Yet another group artistically represented the infinite non-repeating decimal pi within a circle, transforming abstract mathematical symbols into vibrant visual artworks using colors and creativity. Through these games, the children gained a firsthand understanding that math is not just about formulas and calculations from textbooks—it is a subject full of fun and creativity. Math is cool!

At the start of the week, fourth-grade and fifth-grade teachers prepared a series of π-themed challenges, and students eagerly showcased their talents in various creative ways. Some picked up their brushes, bringing to life imaginative π-inspired illustrations; others transformed the digits of π into musical notes, composing unique melodies. Math enthusiasts, drawn to logic and reasoning, immersed themselves in a special π Sudoku challenge, experimenting with different permutations of the first 12 digits of π to explore patterns and order. Aspiring writers captured the infinite beauty of π through their words, while some cleverly incorporated the digits of π by matching each number to the letter count of English words, crafting poetic tributes to mathematics. Young food lovers paid homage to Pi Day by assembling π-shaped creations using various ingredients or baking delicious pies. Moreover, a series of exciting π recitation competitions pushed the event to its climax. Students held their breath, competing to recall as many digits of π as possible, challenging the limits of memory amidst tension and laughter, witnessing both wisdom and perseverance.

G4 students also wove a vibrant "π Dreamcatcher" using colorful threads. By marking the numbers 0-9 along the edge of a paper plate and threading according to the sequence of π, they transformed this infinite, non-repeating irrational number into a mesmerizing web of imagination. As threads crisscrossed in intricate patterns, students not only visualized the essence of π but also discovered the joy of mathematics through hands-on creativity. With each stitch, their mathematical dreams took shape at their fingertips.

On March 14, during the special Pi Day celebration, fourth graders were joined by eighth-grade service-learning students for an exciting cross-grade collaboration. Together, they formed mixed teams to tackle the 24-point challenge or engaged in head-to-head battles of mixed arithmetic operations. Competing against their older peers, the younger students embraced the thrill of mathematical duels, making this event a truly exhilarating experience.

The fifth graders' Pi Day celebrations unfolded with a lively and engaging story. They followed the adventures of Sir Cumference and Lady Di, uncovering and verifying the origins of π. By measuring the circumference and diameter of everyday circular objects—such as coins, cup rims, and buttons—they were thrilled to discover that no matter the size of the circle, the ratio of its circumference to its diameter always approached a mysterious number: π.

Building on this newfound knowledge, students put their understanding of circles into action. Using clay and bamboo sticks, they collaborated to design and construct their own creative Pi Day rolling wheels. Through repeated trials—experimenting with different diameters, adjusting structural designs, reinforcing internal support points, and maximizing the contact area between the wheel and the ground—they not only grasped the practical applications of geometry but also experienced the seamless fusion of math and engineering. Each creation reflected their deep understanding of π and their passion for innovation.

On Pi Day, the much-anticipated rolling wheel competition brought excitement to its peak. With high energy and determination, students eagerly showcased their group's ultimate rolling wheels, racing down the track at thrilling speeds. Cheers and laughter filled the air as classmates cheered each other on, making the celebration a truly unforgettable experience.

As the golden hues of sunset bathed the campus, the π Day celebrations at the Primary Division of SHSID gradually came to a close. The infinite nature of π, like the gentle breeze of spring, quietly settled into every child's heart. More than just a mathematical symbol, π represents the students' pursuit of the unknown and their quest for truth. With their hands, they wove the path of π; with their intellect, they unraveled its mysteries; with their creativity, they expressed its beauty. Though π Day has ended, the ocean of knowledge is boundless, and the journey of exploration never ceases.

Written by Yu Lin, Yixin He, Yuanjing Zhang, Zhou Jie

Proofread by Chad Higgenbottom

Pictures by Siying Li, G1- G3 Homeroom Teachers, G4-5 Math Group

Reviewed byLuting Lu, Yi Zhang, Xumei Ge, Chenli Shen, Cong Luo