March 12, 2009
House Encourages Students to ‘Observe’ Pi Day
(Washington, DC) –Today the U.S. House of Representatives approved House Resolution 224 “Supporting the designation of Pi Day” by a vote of 391-10.
The Greek letter Pi—the symbol for the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter—is rounded to 3.14. Many teachers and schools plan events around March 14th—3/14—to engage students in math and science activities.
“This is a lighthearted event but the goals are serious,” said Committee on Science and Technology Chairman Bart Gordon (D-TN), who sponsored of the resolution. “Math and science underpin our nation’s economic competitiveness and national security. U.S. students are not performing up to their potential right now. By engaging students in math and science activities from a young age, we are setting our students on a path toward science and math literacy and careers.”
The legislation supports the designation of `Pi Day' and its celebration around the world; recognizes the continuing importance of National Science Foundation's math and science education programs; and encourages schools and educators to observe the day with appropriate activities that teach students about Pi and engage them about the study of mathematics.
“Our students’ education—especially in science and math—is a key component of our national economic competitiveness,” said Gordon. “We need to ensure not only that the U.S. produces the world’s tops scientists, mathematicians, and engineers, but that every student is prepared for the high-paying, technical jobs of the 21st century. Getting students interested in math and science is an important first step.”
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