For every single circle, the distance around the edge, or circumference, is about 3.14 times longer than the distance straight across (the diameter). This constant, known as pi (π), is a mathematically fascinating number that math fans celebrate on March 14 (3/14).
There are many ways to celebrate Pi Day. Here are about 3.14 of them:
Try this activity that helps explain pi.
Find a cylindrical object, such as an oatmeal canister. Wrap string around the outside of the cylinder and cut the string so that it is exactly as long as the cylinder's circumference. Take this circumference string and stretch it, as shown, across the diameter of the cylinder. How many diameters would you be able to cut from the string? The answer should be three and a little piece left over, or pi: 3.14.