Students take part in math exhibitions and interactive experiences at Renmin University of China in Beijing on Pi Day on March 14, 2025. [Photo by Zhao Yimeng/chinadaily.com.cn]
Renmin University of China celebrated Pi Day on March 14 with a series of math exhibitions and interactive experiences aimed at sparking students' interest in the subject across all education levels.
Organized by RUC's School of Mathematics, the outdoor event featured nearly 50 exhibition booths equipped with engaging mathematical tools and games. Highlights included a newly upgraded life-size Monopoly-style interactive experience and a strategic one-on-one math competition.
More than 200 students, from primary school to university, participated in the activities, immersing themselves in the beauty of mathematical reasoning and logic through hands-on experiences.
Ke Yuanyuan, Party secretary of the school, said the event aimed to engage more young students in math learning and nurture their passion for the subject through creative activities outside the classroom.
Students take part in math exhibitions and interactive experiences at Renmin University of China in Beijing on Pi Day on March 14, 2025. [Photo by Zhao Yimeng/chinadaily.com.cn]
"Cultivating this interest should start from an early age, allowing school students to take part in mathematical activities and visit university campuses, inspiring them by experiencing the academic environment firsthand," Ke said.
By exposing them to concepts beyond the standard curriculum, the event helped students realize that mathematics is not just about formulas, but also contains elements of beauty and creativity, she added.
Fourth-grade student Gu Jiatong presented his creative wellness clock at the exhibition. After learning about hours, minutes, and seconds in second grade, Gu combined the 24-hour day with traditional Chinese medicine concepts to design a clock that links each hour to the activity peaks of different internal organs.
"Since different organs function optimally at different times, people can adjust their daily routines and diets according to the wellness clock for better health," Gu explained.
Students take part in math exhibitions and interactive experiences at Renmin University of China in Beijing on Pi Day on March 14, 2025. [Photo by Zhao Yimeng/chinadaily.com.cn]
Zhang Enhao, a student at the High School Affiliated to RUC, showcased an arithmetic game he designed, which he and his classmates often play during breaks. "Many players today found the game both interesting and challenging due to its complex rules," he said.
Cai Zhenhao, a mathematics student at RUC and a volunteer at the event, said that engaging younger students in math games that blend logic and fun not only enhances their interest in the subject but also strengthens their critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
He also highlighted the growing demand for mathematical talent, driven by advancements in big data, artificial intelligence, and blockchain technology.
"The importance of fundamental disciplines like mathematics is increasing because it underpins AI algorithms," Cai said. "From algebra in machine learning to optimization theory in deep learning, mathematics plays a crucial role in technological progress."
Students take part in math exhibitions and interactive experiences at Renmin University of China in Beijing on Pi Day on March 14, 2025. [Photo by Zhao Yimeng/chinadaily.com.cn]
