Saturday, March 14, 2026

Schools : Pi Day ! Let's learn & have fun ? Resources & thematic activities !


Google Doodle Pi Day 2026

https://doodles.google/doodle/


Today marks National Pi Day in the United States and around the world. The holiday commemorates a timeless symbol beloved by many in mathematical and scientific communities, while making the most of the opportunities it allows for humorous wordplay, dessert and "teachable moments," as some experts have said.

The date today resembles 3.14159, the common approximation of the mathematical constant Pi, orπ.




Archimedes
Ancient Greek Mathematician, Physicist, and Inventor, Known for His Contributions to Geometry, Calculus, and Mechanics


The Doodle Pi Day 2026 celebrates the numerical constant pi (π), highlighting the foundational geometry used to calculate its limits in ancient times. Long before modern technology, the Greek mathematician Archimedes popularized an innovative approach: he approximated the value of pi by sandwiching a circle between two 96-sided polygons to determine its precise upper and lower bounds. Today, we honor this mathematical legacy as enthusiasts worldwide celebrate with pi-reciting contests and slices of pie.


Pi Day is celebrated annually on March 14, since the date written numerically corresponds with the first three digits of π . (Pi Day was particularly momentous in 2015, when the numerical date corresponded with  up to five digits: 3.1415.) It is also coincidentally the birthday of Albert Einstein.




Google Doodle Albert Einstein's 124th Birthday (2003)


Dividing any circle’s circumference by its diameter gives you an answer of pi, which is usually rounded to 3.14. Because pi is an irrational number, its decimal representation goes on forever and never repeats. 






In 2022, mathematician Simon Plouffe discovered the formula to calculate any single digit of pi. In the same year, teams around the world used cloud computing technology to calculate pi to 100 trillion digits. But you might be surprised to learn that for space exploration, NASA uses far fewer digits of pi.





via Science Sparks


  • What is pi?

Pi is a special number — so special, in fact, that most laypeople are probably aware of it, even if only as a relic of bygone classroom lectures or geometry textbooks. Represented in abbreviated form by the somewhat familiar sequence 3.14, pi, or the Greek letter π, is an iconic symbol seen in mathematical equations and, in more recent decades, merchandise like T-shirts, sweatshirts and coffee mugs.






William Jones. mathematician

credits :  Steven Wynn/ Getty Images

https://fr.wikipedia.org/


The symbol for Pi was first introduced by a Welsh mathematician called William Jones in 1706.

Anglesey-born William Jones as i told before was the first person to use the Greek letter  for the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. But who was this little-known figure?

William Jones a Welsh mathematician whose pioneering work left a mark on the world of mathematics and introduced a symbol that has become synonymous with the field, π, died on this day in 1749.

He would go on to make significant contributions to mathematics, particularly in the realm of trigonometry.

He introduced the use of π (pi) as a symbol for the mathematical constant representing the ratio of a circle's circumference to its diameter. Yet, it hurts my head, too.





Leonhard Euler, mathematician


Jones' use of π as the symbol for pi was adopted by Swiss mathematician Leonhard Euler in the 18th century. It has since become universally recognised and is essential in various mathematical and scientific disciplines.


It is thought that he chose π either because it is first letter of the word for periphery (περιφέρεια) or because it is the first letter of the word for perimeter (περίμετρος). (Or because of both).




Palmarioriu mathesos 
William Jones
Photograph: Gareth Roberts
via The Guardian



On the back of his experience, he published his first book in 1702 on the mathematics of navigation as a practical guide for sailing. On his return to Britain he began to teach mathematics in London, possibly starting by holding classes in coffee shops for a small fee. Shortly afterwards he published Synopsis palmariorum matheseos, a book written in English, despite the Latin title.


Jones' work laid the foundation for a deeper understanding of trigonometry and the principles that underpin it. His contributions revolutionised mathematical notation and paved the way for countless mathematical discoveries.


Remember ! Teaching or having fun...

"Understanding Pi is essential if you want to make calculations for circles, cylinders, spheres, and anything circular, even an ellipse. Pi is the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter. It doesn't matter how big or small the circle is - the ratio stays the same. Properties like this that stay the same when you change other attributes are called constants."


The Nobel Prize,
@NobelPrize







via Google Images Archive


  • Why is pi important ?


The ratio is beloved by math and science enthusiasts for a reason: Pi serves critical functions in many of the most basic and the most complex equations. It's necessary to calculate the area and the volume of everything circular and spherical, and it allows humans to measure the sizes of tiny things, like molecules, in a similar way it allows them to estimate the sizes of massive things, like Earth, the moon, other planets and the sun. Pi helps NASA engineers build spacecraft just as it helps scientists study newly discovered worlds. It's also fundamentally related to gravity.


Manil Suri, a mathematics and statistics professor at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County, said pi helps people understand more about the world, the universe and how they work.



via Google Images Archives

  • How to celebrate Pi Day : Some thematic activities


  • Eating pie, baking pie and perhaps observing the mathematical principles of pi using a pie are some thematic activities to enjoy. Pizza pies and dessert pies are both appropriate variations. 


  • A play on traditional "pie contests," pi contests are common on Pi Day and often involve competitions to recite as many digits of π as possible from memory.


  • But there are no right or wrong ways to celebrate Pi Day. For people around the world excited by the mathematical significance of pi and the broad potential for honorary puns related to it, there are plenty of ways to pay homage. 


The same goes for educators and students, although math and science experts do generally recommend using Pi Day festivities as opportunities to make learning more fun. 


G-souto

14.03.2026

copyright © 2026G-Souto'sBlog, gsouto-digitalteacher.blogspot.com



Schools : Pi Day ! Let's learn & have fun ? Resources & thematic activities by GinaSouto is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.


sources: NASA/ The Guardian / CBS News / Wikipedia / Google Doodles/

some images : Google Images Archive



Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Schools : Here comes the Lunar Year 2026 : Year of the Fire Horse ! Traditions, history & interculturality ! Resources

 





credits. unknown
via Business Week


Lunar New Year, known in China as Spring Festival - chunjie - and often called "Chinese New Year", marks the beginning of the new year in the traditional Chinese lunisolar calendar

As Lunar New Year celebrations begin around the world, 2026 ushers in the Year of the Horse, a symbol of forward movement, independence, and endurance. This year ushers in the Year of the Fire Horse, a rare, blazing return that only comes once every 60 years.


Celebrated across China, Vietnam, South Korea, Tibet and much of Southeast Asia, as well as in communities around the world, the Lunar New Year is one of the world’s most significant cultural events, observed by billions. 


In 2026, it coincides with a new moon and a solar eclipse, intensifying themes of fresh starts and transformation.


“For many families, Spring Festival is the most significant celebration of the year, a time for reunion, reflection and renewal,”says Professor Xiaohuan Zhao (University of Sydney), from the School of Languages and Cultures in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences.






via Google Images Archive


Each new year has been named for one of the 12 animals of the Chinese zodiac, which repeat in a 12-year cycle. In Chinese astrology, each of the zodiac animals are believed to have distinct traits which are supposedly reflected in people born in that corresponding year.


The Chinese zodiac follows a 12-year cycle, each year represented by an animal: rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, sheep, monkey, rooster, dog, and pig. Each year also corresponds to one of five elements: metal, wood, water, fire, or earth.


Combining the 12 animals with the five elements forms a 60-year cycle. The Heavenly Stem for 2026 is bing (Fire), and the Earthly Branch (dizhi ) is wu (Horse), making 2026 a bing-wu year, also called the Year of the Fire Horse (huoma or the Red Horse (hongma).


Fo example the last bing-wu Fire Horse year was 1966, the current one is 2026, and the next one will be 2086.






Year of the Fire Horse
 credits: AdobeStock


In 2026, Lunar New Year begins on 17 February, ushering in the Year of the Horse. 
For this year’s celebrations, fire horse symbols will be omnipresent, adorning festival decorations, as well as envelopes, cards, and wrapping paper that accompany Lunar New Year gifts.

Beyond festivities, the Lunar New Year period is devoted to honouring ancestors, and reconnecting with friends and relatives.


What means the Year of the Horse ?

The horse is revered in Chinese culture due to its long-standing roles in agriculture, transport, and warfare, says Jonathan H. X. Lee, Asian studies professor at San Francisco State University. 

However, in the Chinese zodiac, this galloping animal symbolizes : strength, grace, endurance, loyalty, freedom, and success. Its strength, Lee explains, represents possibilities for personal growth and success. 





Year of the Fire Horse
credits: Freepick

According to Lee, this is exemplified by the Chinese idiom: When the horse arrives, success arrives. 

“The horse’s energy is associated with yang energy, which is active, dynamic, and life-generating, and speaks to ambition and vitality.” 

In Chinese astrology, Horse years favor decisive action and independence, while also warning against impulsiveness.


Why is Lunar Year in 2026 Later than usual ?


The late arrival of Lunar New Year in 2026 is due to a leap month  in the Chinese lunisolar calendar. In 2025, an extra intercalary month -run liuyue means the 12th lunar month is shorter. This shifts the 2026 Spring festival into mid-February, significantly later than in most years.





credits:  Sipa USA/AAP Image

  • Lucky Colours:

💟Lucky : Green, blue, pink, purple, with small accents of red (balance Fire energy and support prosperity). These cooler colours are thought to balance the strong fire energy of the year, helping to calm the atmosphere and stabilise the flow of wealth.


👎Avoid : While red is traditionally auspicious, some interpretations suggest limiting very bright reds in a Fire Horse year (bright orange-red). These colours excessively activate in a Fire Horse year – adding fuel to the fire, potentially manifesting as impulsive expenditure, irritability or even financial loss. 


However, red remains an auspicious colour in Chinese cultural practice; when used in moderation it can harmonise with the year’s Fire element and support career advancement and significant financial gains.

Dr Xiaohuan Zhao








  • Education:


As you see history and interculturality are very important. Three-quarters of the world’s major conflicts have a cultural dimension.

Bridging the gap between cultures is urgent and necessary for peace, stability and development.

A good moment to talk about Lunar New Year - Year of the Fire Horse with students. Perhaps have you some Asian students in your classes.

Invite all of students to a concrete action supporting diversity aims:

  • To raise awareness worldwide about the importance of intercultural dialogue, diversity and inclusion.
  • To build a world community of individuals committed to support diversity with real and every day-life gestures.
  • If you have Asian students in your classroom, invite them to share their own family traditions to celebrate the New Lunar Year.


Cultural and linguistic diversity, local traditions are interesting subjects to include and discuss into school curricula by using science to explain why Asian people call their new year, Lunar Year, inviting students to deepen their knowledge using social media in the classroom.


Learners are curious about other cultures and traditions. Let students participate in different activities by doing ONE thing for diversity.


  • Values: traditions, family, friends, honor old people. And of course, sensitivity, prosperity and peace.

  • Celebration at your school the Lunar New Year:

Students and teachers are invited to attend Year of the Horse celebrations at the Student Lounge on (day will depends from each teacher) February from 5pm (?), for example. Celebrations will include Asian food, some performances, as well as paper lantern making and calligraphy.



Resources:


United Nations : Stamps






New commemorative marking this special occasion



Google doodle:




Lunar New year 2026


This Doodle celebrates the Lunar New Year with a focus on the year of the fire horse. Occurring only once every 60 years, the Fire Horse zodiac is known for its dynamic and independent spirit—bringing a year filled with passion, drive, and the momentum to chase your dreams.



“Let us continue to advance our shared commitment to peace, dignity, and sustainable development for all.”

@antonioguterres as we welcome the Year of the Horse.


G-Souto 17.02.2026

copyright © 2026G-Souto'sBlog, gsouto-digitalteacher.blogspot.com



Schools : Here comes the Lunar Year 2026 : Year of the Fire Horse ! Traditions, history & interculturality ! Resources by GinaSouto is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License.


sources: The University of Sydney/ San Francisco State University/ National Geographic/ G-Souto's Blog