Faculty members, students and spherical enthusiasts in general have made Pi Day an “integral” (ahem) part of mathematical celebrations around the world. At SUNY Fredonia, that tradition signals the annual scavenger hunt sponsored by Department of Mathematical Sciences.
Pi Day is a way of recognizing the importance which math plays in every-day life, Fredonia Math Professor Keary Howard said. “Pi,” represented by the Greek letter “Π,” is the mathematical constant whose value is the ratio of any circle’s circumference to its diameter. It is traditionally observed on March 14, due to the first three digits of pi, 3.14.
This year, however, March 14 falls during SUNY Fredonia’s Spring Break; but that will not “derive” anyone away from the celebration, now in its ninth year.
This year’s event will be held a few days early, on March 10, with the theme, “Pi School Prom.” All participants are encouraged to come dressed in fancy prom attire. The scavenger hunt starts at noon in the Fishbowl, the math study room in Fenton Hall, where teams will receive the first clue.
The hunt concludes at 6 p.m. in S104 of the Williams Center where the results will be tallied. There, teams will encounter a series of quick challenges based on new hit the television show, “Minute to Win It.” At the end of the evening, the winning team will be awarded the coveted Pi Cup, housed in the math department’s trophy case in Fenton Hall.
This annual celebration is coordinated by the Math Outreach Committee, comprised of department faculty, including co-chairs Julia Wilson and Lan Cheng, Keary Howard, Bob Rogers, Kim Conti, Rebecca Conti, Allison Spencer, and Kristi Jo Bockhahn.
The Department of Mathematical Sciences helps prepare students for the lifelong study and use of mathematics through courses designed to develop mathematical thinking and communication skills. The program also sharpens students’ abilities in quantitative and logical reasoning needed for informed citizenship and productive employment.
To learn more about Pi Day, contact: Associate Professor, Keary Howard at 716-673-3873 or keary.howard@fredonia.edu.
