Using Literature to Get to Pi

Abstract

First paragraph: Literature is often used as a springboard into mathematics at the elementary and middle school levels. Stories can help motivate students to explore and discover mathematical concepts. Even if the reading level of the book is below grade level, the story can help students recall mathematical concepts and ideas. Sir Cumference and the Dragon of Pi: A Math Adventure is an example of this type of book. This activity incorporates literature in this manner and makes use of a handheld graphing device to discover pi using multiple representations. Some prior knowledge of a handheld graphing device is assumed.