The Borys Paton State Polytechnic Museum at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute organized the "Celebrating Pi Day" quest as part of its Family Saturday program to mark nternational Pi Day, celebrated annually on March 14. The quest program was jointly developed by the museum's Scientific and Educational Activities Department and the Exhibitions Department.
On March 14, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., visitors were invited to the museum's main exhibition hall—formerly the institute's mechanical workshops—to collect a quest worksheet and clues before beginning the challenge.
During the quest, participants searched for ten exhibits and, upon finding them, identified the mechanical or electrical engineering components whose design, calculation, or manufacture involved the mathematical constant π (pi).
One of the tasks read: "Find the machine tool equipped with the same foot-operated drive mechanism as the famous nineteenth-century sewing machines. Identify and name the types of mechanical transmissions for which the mathematical constant π plays a key role in engineering calculations."
The accompanying clue included illustrations of the transmission types featured in the exhibit. Participants learned that π is essential in the calculations that ensure the smooth operation of these mechanisms, accurate gear meshing, component interchangeability, and the reliable performance of mechanical transmission systems under load.
In the photo: presentation in the museum hallWhenever participants located an exhibit and identified its relevant components, they shared their findings with the Head of the Museum's Scientific and Educational Activities Department, who provided additional explanations and guidance whenever needed.
People of all ages and backgrounds took part in the quest. Entire families, Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute students, and other visitors joined the activity. Regardless of their level of technical knowledge, everyone shared the same excitement when they successfully discovered each hidden exhibit.