UNIST to Celebrate Pi Day with Interactive Math Festival

A special celebration of mathematics is coming to campus as the Department of Mathematical Sciences at UNIST hosts an interactive Pi Day festival, inviting students, faculty, and staff to explore the beauty of π through hands-on activities and friendly competition.

The 2026 Pi Day event will take place on March 12 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the first-floor lobby of Engineering Building 104. Although Pi Day is traditionally observed on March 14, this year’s celebration has been scheduled two days earlier so that more members of the UNIST community can participate.

Pi Day is an internationally recognized celebration of the mathematical constant π (pi)—the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter—commonly approximated as 3.14. Universities and research institutions around the world mark the occasion with educational programs and community events that highlight the significance and beauty of mathematics.

At UNIST, the event aims to make mathematics more approachable and engaging while fostering interaction among members of the campus community. Rather than presenting mathematics as an abstract or difficult subject, the festival invites participants to experience the creativity and curiosity at the heart of mathematical thinking.

The event will feature a series of booth-style interactive activities, where visitors can participate in mathematical games and experiments. Participants will also receive a slice of complimentary pie, a playful nod to the Pi Day tradition. Those who successfully complete the challenges will receive additional prizes, including custom notebooks featuring the π symbol.

One of the featured activities is the Buffon’s Needle Experiment, a classic probability puzzle that connects geometry and randomness. Using a specially designed simulator, participants will drop needles onto a lined surface and estimate the value of π through repeated trials. Those who achieve results within a specified margin of error will receive additional rewards.

Another highlight is the Circle-Drawing Challenge, where participants attempt to draw the most precise circle possible. Based on their drawings, participants will estimate the value of π, providing an intuitive way to explore the relationship between a circle’s circumference and diameter.

The activity booths will be organized and run by students from the Department of Mathematical Sciences, who will guide participants through the experiments and share the fascinating ideas behind them.

“Through the event, we hope members of the UNIST community can experience mathematics not as something difficult, but as something enjoyable and engaging,” said Professor Philwon Kim, Head of the Department of Mathematical Sciences at UNIST. “We look forward to seeing many people join us to discover the fun and beauty of mathematical science.”