With July of this year, 2023, being the hottest on Earth yet recorded, there are increasing concerns about how climate change will shape the next several decades. We often hear about how climate change will increase disastrous weather events, decimate crops, and...
Illinois Science Council’s 6th annual Pi Day run was an all-around success! Over 300 science-loving and science-curious Chicagoans, young and old, participated in the 3.14 mile run/walk at one of three sponsoring Fleet Feet locations—Oak Park, and the Old Town and Lincoln Square neighborhoods in Chicago. Many runners could be seen sporting their official Pi Day run t-shirts.
Runners couldn’t have asked for better conditions in mid-March, with temperatures around 40°F and clear skies as the sun set on the Chicagoland area. This was a stark 180° change from the blustery and snowy weather the hearty Pi Day runners braved last year!
After the run, all participants were presented with an official ISC Pi Day medal (a first in 2018!).
Runners also enjoyed slices of Connie’s deep-dish pizza and pie from Hoosier Mama Pie Company, Café Selmarie, and Trader Joe’s. Beer from local brewery Metropolitan Brewing was also available to those runners having circled the sun at least 21 times. A huge thanks to our pie and math-loving sponsors!
Answers to the official Pi Day trivia quiz were also revealed at the after-run party. Questions included: “What famous scientist was born on Pi Day in 1879?” (Answer: Einstein) and “Approximately how much do Americans spend on supermarket pies each year?” (Answer: $700 million!). Would you have guessed correctly? Winners of the Pi Day quiz contest took home official ISC swag and gift certificates from our generous sponsor, Fleet Feet.
The Illinois Science Council would like to thank everyone that participated in this year’s Pi Day fun run/walk, one of ISC’s cornerstone fundraising events. As in the past, the proceeds from this year’s run will be used to support other ISC events, such as the Chicago Science Festival, which will be held May 12. Science Fest is a showcase and celebration of Chicagoland’s rich STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) culture, open to all science curious! The event will feature presentations, lectures and demonstrations from universities, business, museums, and nonprofits from all over Illinois. Last year’s Fest included demos highlighting amazing research (and researchers) from Argonne Lab, Fermilab, Northwestern, UChicago, the University of Illinois in Urbana/Champaign, Rush University, the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and more! We are so excited for what Science Fest 2018 has in-store and we hope to see you all there!