Coding for Kids
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Three Fun Coding Projects for Pi Day
March 14th is Pi Day! It’s a time for eating pie and celebrating an infinite decimal number. But why should we care about this number, and why do we use it as an excuse to consume extra sugar?
“Pi” is what we call the mathematical symbol π which represents 3.14, the approximate ratio between a circle’s diameter and its circumference. It’s actually an “infinite decimal,” which means the numbers go on forever after the decimal point. If you divide a circle’s circumference by its diameter, you will always get Pi, no matter the size of the circle–that’s why Pi is such a cool number! In 1988, American physicist Larry Shaw decided it deserved a party: The first Pi Day celebration started out with pie-eating among the museum staff at San Francisco’s Exploratorium, where Shaw worked, but eventually grew into a large community event. In 2009 it become a nationally recognized holiday.
Celebrate this cool number with our Pi Day Art project! Kids will code the digits of Pi to appear one at a time to make a fun design. For this project, you can choose what programming language to use. Depending on your level, you can build the same project using any of these three coding languages: block coding, JavaScript, or Python! As a bonus, you can even make the digits appear in a spiral! Check out the samples below and choose the tutorial that works best for you. Use block coding if you are an intermediate coder, and try out the JavaScript and Python projects if you are an advanced coder!
1. Block Coding Project
Intermediate coders will combine creativity with problem-solving skills to code this project, while reinforcing their understanding of coding concepts like variables, string handling, loops, and math.
2. Python Coding Project
Advanced coders will strengthen their knowledge of functions, variables, loops, and Python syntax, and will put these concepts to use to make an artistic project.
3. JavaScript Coding Project
Advanced coders will practice writing JavaScript syntax while learning about geometry, HTML Canvas, variables, loops, and more.
How to Code These Projects
All registered Tynker users have access to these three projects in their student dashboard. Simply click on any of the three project cards and follow the instructions to get started! If you do not have an account, you can sign up for a FREE account here and access many fun coding puzzles, games, and tutorials.
Teachers, to assign this project to your students, please follow the instructions below:
- Set up a classroom in your Tynker account and add your students.
- Click on the “Lessons” tab in your classroom dashboard.
- The project will be available under “Weekly/Special” Projects – click the “Assign to Class” button.
Please note that you may assign any one or all of the projects depending on your students’ coding abilities. The Python and JavaScript versions require knowledge of text coding.
After your class has finished, don’t forget to create a showcase of all your students’ projects to share with friends and parents!
Parents, to give this project to your child:
- Have your child log into his/her account.
- They can find Pi Day Art in their student dashboard!
Classic Pi Day Projects
Ready for more Pi Day fun? Check out these other Pi Day projects!
Bake the Perfect Pi! Celebrate by baking and frosting a virtual pie in the shape of the Pi symbol! Can you figure out how to bake a different kind of pie or add an ice cream layer using code?
What is Pi? This Pi project demonstrates the relationship between a circle’s circumference and diameter!
We love to see what kids are making! Share your Pi Day Art projects on Twitter or Facebook and be sure to tag us @gotynker. Join the conversation by tagging your post with #tynkercoding! And don’t forget to grab a slice of pizza or lemon meringue!
