TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over a billion active users. The platform has taken the world by storm, especially amongst teenagers and young adults, with its endless stream of short-form videos ranging from comedy sketches, dance routines, makeup tutorials, and DIY hacks.
On March 14th, TikTok celebrated Pi Day – the annual event commemorating the mathematical constant π (pi) – by announcing a STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) livestream event. The event, which was broadcasted on March 14th, 2021, aimed to celebrate the significance of Pi Day and encouraged TikTok users to embrace and celebrate STEM education.
Pi Day, celebrated each year on March 14th (3/14), acknowledges the constant π (pi), which represents the ratio of a circle’s circumference to its diameter. The number π is a significant mathematical constant that appears in many formulas and calculations that are used in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields. Pi Day is celebrated worldwide by enthusiasts and professionals alike, with activities ranging from Pi-themed pies, mathematical quizzes, and even Pi recitation competitions.
The STEM livestream on TikTok was hosted by Matt Parker, a popular YouTuber and stand-up mathematician. Matt Parker is renowned for his work in making mathematics more accessible and engaging to young people. In the livestream, Matt Parker explained the significance of pi, how it is calculated, and its historical origins. He also provided some context around why STEM education is so valuable and essential for young people.
For the TikTok event, Matt Parker created three 60-second challenge videos that showcased some of the fundamental principles of math, physics, and engineering. He issued the challenges to TikTok users, inviting them to answer various questions or perform specific activities to enter into a prize draw to win merchandise from the event sponsors.
As part of the TikTok event, Parker also highlighted various educational resources aimed at encouraging young people to consider a career in STEM fields. He stressed that the need for STEM skills is on the rise globally, with more and more jobs requiring skills in these areas. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, STEM occupations are expected to grow by 8.8% between 2018 and 2028, compared to just 5.0% job growth for non-STEM jobs.
The TikTok event was a unique opportunity to raise the profile of STEM education and highlight the exciting and diverse careers available in STEM fields. The event showcased the importance of STEM education to young people and provided an alternative means of engaging them in STEM activities.
Overall, the TikTok livestream event was a fantastic way of celebrating Pi Day and promoting STEM education to young people. The event highlighted the importance of the mathematical constant π (pi) and encouraged young people to consider pursuing a career in STEM fields. The challenges issued by Matt Parker were fun and engaging, while the resources highlighted provided young people with valuable educational tools to continue their exploration of STEM subjects. The event was a great success and is a great example of how social media platforms can be used as a tool to promote education and awareness around important issues like STEM education.