The Value of Pi Using Tinkerplots

My group members for this exercise were Laura K. and Kelsey D. We were put in station 3 which was entitled "The Value of Pi." For this station, we first gathered our materials: a measuring tape, 10 different round objects, and opened Tinkerplots (a software application that allows you to plot data and create equations). When we open Tinkerplots, we created a new project file and created a new collection. We then defined the following attributes: circumference (C), diameter (d), and C/d. We then measured ten perfectly round objects and recorded their circumference and diameter in the table. C/d was then automatically calculated because we set up that equation. We then calculated the average value of C/d.

Step 1: Set up new table and defined attributes.















Step 2: Filled in table with collected data.















Step 3: Set up equation to calculate C/d.















Step 4: Plot data to see differences.
















All of the values of C/d are in a close range 3-3.21 cm. Our average of all of these values was 3.13 cm. I think if our measurements would have been exactly correct, the average value of C/d would be 3.14 cm. This activity helps show students the relationship between the circumference and diameter of a circle to the value of pi. Instead of just telling students that Pi=3.14... this hands-on activity helps students actually figure out why the value is that way.