Explaining Pi to Upper Elementary Students

Many lessons expect upper elementary students to measure the diameter and circumference of a circle and discover pi.  I find that upper elementary students do not measure accurately enough to do this.  I have reversed the order of this lesson.

I use the page shown above to introduce pi.  Next, I give them a variety of round plastic lids to measure to the nearest millimeter.  I have them record their measurements and see how accurately they measured based on the ratio.

To download Pie for Pi Day, please visit this post at Artistry of Education.