The Science of Sport develops STEM curriculum and provides programming for all learners. We bring math and science to life through hands-on learning activities using sports examples and provide direct services to teachers and students. The Science of Sport develops STEM curriculum and provides programming for all learners. We bring math and science to life through hands-on learning activities using sports examples and provide direct services to teachers and students. Services include Youth Summer Camps, Field Trip Days, STEM Showcases and airs, After-School Programs, Teacher Kits, STEM Activity Bags, Teacher Workshops, Educational App called STEMadium, and Virtual Programming.
The Arizona Diamondbacks Science of Baseball Program provides a mechanism for students to improve their academic performance. Our goal is to translate the love of baseball into an appreciation, understanding, and passion for the science and mathematics underlying the sport. This approach aims to empower students who may be underperforming academically by relating core curriculum topics to their athletic strengths, capabilities, and interests. By demonstrating the natural connection between baseball, science, and mathematics, students are encouraged to define and pursue better life choices, including the continuation of their education and even attending college. Participation in the Arizona Diamondbacks Science of Baseball Program has the potential to improve academic achievement, provide a path to college, and elevate socioeconomic status.
Objective 1
Increase Student Awareness of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Fields as a Future Education and Career Option
Baseball has been shown to be an effective subject to expose children to math and science. In this same spirit, this program gives students the ability to learn and apply basic academic concepts through hands-on application on the baseball field.
We strive to not only expose students to STEM fields, but to help them understand, visualize, and integrate the connection between baseball, science, and mathematics through a variety of learning styles (i.e., visual, kinesthetic, auditory). These hands-on experiences encourage continued involvement and enrollment in math and science classes that will promote academic and career pursuits in related fields.
Motivate Students to Excel Despite Obstacles
In addition to the program's academic objectives, a parallel objective is to motivate students to excel despite social, economic, and cultural obstacles (either real or imaginary) that may prevent them from advancing their education.
The Arizona Diamondbacks Science of Baseball Program could include motivational “pep talks” by players who provide compelling stories about overcoming adversity, providing real-world encouragement for students pursuing their dreams.
Provide a Measurable Opportunity for Individual Transformation
We strive to provide a life-changing, transformative experience for students in elementary school. Many targeted students could be the first in their families to pursue a college education. As such, participation in the program provides an ideal opportunity to encourage an educational path that might be unimaginable or perceived as impossible.
A specific objective is to measure the program's impact on students’ academic performance and life choices. This goal is accomplished by assessing each student’s math and science comprehension levels at the beginning, at the end of the program, and six months after the program. We also interview the students, their teachers, and their families to determine other intangible impacts resulting from their participation in the program.
Establish a Framework for Sustainable Change
Each participant is assigned a mentor to reinforce the lessons learned through the Arizona Diamondbacks Science of Baseball Program and maximize the likelihood of improved academic achievement.
The mentor engages the student in dialog about academic and personal achievement facilitated through participation in reunion games held every three months.
