Do you like pie? How about pi? These questions greeted all who entered Bethany Christian School’s campus for the month leading up to a special Pi Day.
Students were invited to explore the world of science on 3-14 (March 14), which coincides with the first part of pi (3.14159...) and also happens to be Albert Einstein’s birthday. Students at Bethany Christian School learned about the wonderful ubiquitous number that has been woven throughout nature and also bears the same name as a tasty dessert.
On 3-14 BCS preschoolers through eighth graders participated in a morning full of science and math. BCS parents who make their careers in the mathematics and science realms were on hand to help students discover the wonder of science that is all around us. Among the station leaders participating were biologists, chemists, physicians, and computer programmers. All were excited to instruct and encourage students for their common passion and love of science and math.
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Principal James Lugenbuehl and Academic Dean Melody Heal birthed the idea of a math and science curriculum enhancement day as a way to connect students and professionals within the BCS community who have careers in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) related fields.
“Encouarging student enthusiasm and interest in these fields is important for us as a school and nation,” Mr. Lugenbuehl said. “Having fun while learning about STEM related careers is a great way to motivate students.”
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Teachers and students alike marveled at the chemist igniting balloons filled with varying ratios of hydrogen and oxygen, viewing a replica from JPL of the Mars Space Laboratory brought by a JPL engineer, and calculating Pi using a Monte Carlo Simulation by throwing celery and carrots on a grid during a Cal Tech computer programmer’s take on Veggie Wars.
Students had the opportunity to learn about Black Holes on Mars, the amount of sugar in a soda, and what happens chemically when baking soda and vinegar are combined. Many of the stations were hands-on demonstrations, making it especially fun for BCS preschoolers.
Students, parents and teachers alike all certainly got into the spirit of the Pi Day theme. They were encouraged to dress up as scientists or wear math-related clothing.
“It was awesome to learn about science and math for an entire morning at BCS,” remarked one student.
The BCS community also ate pie together and had a school-wide picture in the form of the first few digits of Pi. Combining Pie eating and Pi learning...what’s more awesome than that?
To learn more about Bethany Christian School please visit our website: www.bcslions.org and sign up for a campus tour via our website or call 626-355-3527.
