On the afternoon of March 12, 2026, the annual Middle School Pi Day celebration was successfully held in the Hsi Building. Students and teachers from Grades 6 to 8 gathered together to experience the unique charm of mathematics through a variety of engaging and challenging activities. This year's theme, Galloping Across Borders— One π, One World, symbolized how mathematics can serve as a bridge connecting people and ideas across the world.

Learning with Joy, Beyond the Classroom

On the day of the event, 24 classrooms in the Hsi Building were carefully transformed into interactive mathematics experience spaces. Teachers from different grade levels designed a wide range of creative and engaging challenges. These included games that tested calculation skills and quick thinking, such as 2048, the 24 Game, Sudoku, and pattern-finding puzzles, as well as logic-based challenges like matchstick puzzles, Water Sort puzzles, and Minesweeper. There were also strategy-based games, including Connect Five, Rummikub, and the Nim Game, alongside activities that challenged spatial imagination, such as Peg Solitaire and the Rubik's Cube.

With their passports in hand, students moved from classroom to classroom, enthusiastically participating in different mathematical activities. They thought critically during the games and collaborated with peers during the challenges. By solving problems one after another, students strengthened their logical reasoning skills while also gaining a strong sense of accomplishment.

Teachers and student volunteers patiently explained the rules, maintained order, and stamped students' passports as rewards for active participation, creating an atmosphere that was both lively and well-organized. The mathematics department also prepared small gifts for participants, including math-themed card holders, stationery, and stamps from the "Beauty of Mathematics" series, adding more excitement and surprises to the event.

Thinking Creatively, Exploring the Boundaries of Ideas

Alongside the activities, two exhibitions of outstanding student work were displayed on the fourth floor of the Hsi Building: "Mathematics Kaleidoscope— Connecting the World with Geometry" and the Grades 7-8 "Math Thinking Exploration" project.

In the Mathematical Kaleidoscope exhibition, every student from Grades 6 to 8 designed a "Mathematical Card" for a city that has hosted the International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO). Drawing inspiration from cultural elements of the host locations, students extracted colors and shapes from traditional patterns and iconic architecture. By incorporating mathematical concepts such as symmetry, rotation, and translation, they created distinctive cards that beautifully blended mathematics and culture while showcasing their creativity.

The Mathematical Thinking Explorers project encouraged students to select challenging problems from textbooks or exercises and explore multiple solution methods. Students also compared and reflected on their approaches through dialogue with AI, ultimately producing research reports summarizing their findings. More than 100 reports were submitted, demonstrating clear mathematical thinking and a strong spirit of inquiry. By exploring diverse solution strategies, students gradually discovered the elegance and unity of mathematics while developing deeper thinking and independent learning skills essential for the digital age.

Kindness in Action, Care Without Boundaries

While the math activities were in full swing, a lively charity sale was also taking place in the Hsi Building corridor. This year's Pi Day charity sale expanded in scale, with 11 Grade 8 Service Learning groups participating and offering creative products related to their project themes.

The Booker Librarian group prepared practical stationery items such as geometry sets and book stands. Groups like Primo and Tutoring designed Pi Day-themed merchandise, including calculators, tote bags, and folders to support students' daily learning needs The Sciacademy group introduced card holders featuring DNA patterns, animal badges, and subject-themed folders, creatively incorporating scientific elements into their designs and attracting many students. Meanwhile, the Tales for Tomorrow group organized a fun tongue-twister challenge that energized the atmosphere, with many students joining in and laughter filling the corridor.

All proceeds from the charity sale will be donated to charitable causes, spreading warmth and care through concrete action while helping students understand the meaning of responsibility and service through their participation in service learning.

Inspiring Minds and Growing Through Practice

As the Pi Day mathematics journey came to a joyful close, the seeds of exploration were planted in students' hearts. Through diverse and engaging mathematical experiences, students not only strengthened their logical reasoning and problem-solving abilities but also broadened their global perspectives and creative thinking.

While discovering the beauty of mathematics, they also gained a deeper understanding of its close connection with everyday life. We look forward to seeing students continue their journey of discovery, using π as a key to unlock new windows into the unknown world ahead.

(Written by Peiyao Tang

Pictures by Ginger Xu, photography service learning group, Ruolin Yan

Reviewed by Mr. Shen Tianyuan, Wenyin Zheng, Shiyu Wu, Hannah Kloeber)