At a Glance Grade Level: Grade 8 Subjects: Mathematics, Language and social sciences Topics: Mathematics, irrational numbers, pi, transcendental numbers, circles Time Needed: 10 class periods (two weeks) of 40 minutes each Key Learnings: Problem solving, information management skills, summarising and reporting, a fascination with the number, Pi     Things You Need Critical outcomes Identify and solve problems, Work effectively with others Communicate effectively Organise and manage oneself Collect, organize, analyse and critically evaluate information Use science and technology effectively and critically Specific outcomes The learner will be able to recognise, describe and represent numbers. The learner is able to describe and illustrate the historical and cultural development of the number pi. Resources: computer, internet connection, scanner, laser disk and printer Tip sheets for PowerPoint and Publisher

	Critical Question: Why are some people fascinated by maths?
	Unit Questions: Why are so many people fascinated by the number pi?
	Sample Content Questions: How has pi been calculated through the ages? How can pi be calculated? What is the link between pi and poetry?

The unit is introduced by using a whole class discussion.

An outline of the tasks is provided for learners which explains the steps in the project.

Learners work in groups of four on three separate but linked tasks:

1. A PowerPoint presentation where they express their views on why the number pi is fascinating to so many people. They are required to reflect critically on information gained from a variety of sources. A sample PowerPoint presentation. An assessment rubric of the PowerPoint presentation is also available.
2. A brochure created in MS Publisher where they advertise a Pi Day celebration which their class has organised. A planning document explains how the tasks are divided within the group. A sample brochure can be viewed as well as an assessment rubric.
3. A website where they are required to present information about two lesser known or fun aspects of the number Pi. There is a sample website to be viewed as well as an assessment rubric. A number of other Pi websites link from the sample website.

	A summary page
	An Implementation plan
	Pi websites
	Sample Pi calculations
	A sample Pi Natic Award certificate