Whether you’re calculating the circumference of your pizza or celebrating Albert Einstein’s birthday (yes, he was born on Pi Day!), we’ve got you covered with a fun Pi-themed scavenger hunt for your classroom. The best part? It’s easily adaptable for different grade levels and customizable with your own questions. Check out our templates below for a Pi Day Scavenger Hunt, or use them to create a scavenger hunt of your own!
How It Works:
This scavenger hunt is best suited for older students who can read independently and responsibly search for clues around the school. However, you can modify it for younger students by reading the questions aloud and leading a whole group scavenger hunt.
To get started, open the “Questions to Post” (use our Pi Day version, or our template create your own!). Select a variety of locations from around the school, and add them to the (location) portion of each question. Make sure your answer location leads them to the next question location!
Here’s an example to get you started:
After you have your locations added for each question, print them out and post them before class. Once class begins, give each student a copy of the “Student Handout”, place them in groups, explain the directions and send them off!
One of our biggest successes with this activity has been incorporating other school staff into the hunt! Consider making stops at the principal’s office, librarian’s desk, or cafeteria —just be sure to check with them beforehand to avoid interruptions.
Helpful Tips
- Keep clues slightly hidden or add a note that says “Please do not remove” to prevent well-meaning people from taking them.
- Secure clues with tape to prevent students from accidentally carrying them away in the excitement.
- Instruct students to start at different locations. Having everyone start at the same location creates chaos, and a lot of simply “following”.
- Use AI to create themed scavenger hunts. For example, use the prompt “create a 10 question quiz on the industrial revolution with a Pi Day theme”.
- Ex: Eli Whitney’s cotton gin helped process cotton faster. If the cotton gin’s internal drum has a radius of 4 inches, what is the area of one circular end of the drum?
Get ready for a memorable Pi Day full of math, teamwork, and adventure!
Activity Resources
Scavenger Hunt – Student Handout (always stays the same)
Scavenger Hunt – Questions to post around the school (Pi Day) *don’t forget to add locations for clues!
Scavenger Hunt Teacher Key (Pi Day) *don’t forget to add locations for clues!
Scavenger Hunt – Questions to post around the school (Template)
Scavenger Hunt Teacher Key (Template)
About the Author
Amy Szczepanski (she/her) is a Professional Learning Specialist at Teaching Channel. She holds a B.S. in both Biology and Environmental Science, a Master’s in Teaching, and has been teaching since 2014. Amy uses her experience to create highly engaging and effective content for both teachers and students. She loves all things STEM and is passionate about teacher advocacy.
Fun fact: Amy’s favorite hobby is taking long walks through New York City searching for delicious treats.
