March 14 is National Pi Day, a time to celebrate the mathematical constant, 3.14 and a good excuse to eat pie. BPR’s Helen Chickering talked with UNCA Math Professor Sam Kaplan about why the irrational number deserves its own day, why math intimidates many of us, and his work in the community - outreach that uses math as a platform to help local students sharpen their leadership skills.
Want to celebrate Pi and eat pie? UNC Asheville will host a Pi Run/Walk on Sunday, March 18, in celebration of Pi Day that occurs earlier in the week. The 3.14-mile fun run on UNC Asheville’s Straus Track is open to everyone, with a registration fee of $5 to reserve your spot. The run begins at Pi time – 3:14 p.m. and will conclude with pie for all. Onsite check-in and registration begin at 2 p.m. on March 18. Advance registration is encouraged and is available online at unca.edu/pi-run
Proceeds from the Pi Run will benefit the Asheville Initiative for Math at UNC Asheville and its Marvelous Math Club, which fosters math leadership. The Club meets weekly at Pisgah View Apartments and is run in partnership with the Housing Authority of the City of Asheville and Parent U, a program of Asheville City Schools. The 2018 Pi Run at UNC Asheville will be held outdoors even in inclement weather, but will move indoors to the Brookhouse Track in the case of severe weather.
To learn more about the Marvelous Math club:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHtF6SBFTVw" target="_blank">
https://www.facebook.com/Asheville-Initiative-for-Math-220264604653236/
