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Overview

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 different services including Youth Summer Camps, Field Trip Days, STEM Showcases, After School Programs, Teacher Kits, STEM Activity Bags for Students, Teacher Workshops and Virtual programming.

Production companies based on both production and reserves, with a globally diversified asset portfolio. We’re headquartered in Houston, Texas, and around the globe we contribute to the wellbeing of communities through charitable giving, volunteerism, and civic leadership. We strive to positively impact the communities where we live and operate.

That’s why ConocoPhillips is proud to partner with Houston Dynamo and Dash Charities as the presenting sponsor of Kickstart STEM. Programs like Kickstart STEM help lay the foundation for key science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills and help students connect STEM to soccer
and the world around them.

The partnership with Houston Dynamo and Dash Charities expands on ConocoPhillips commitment to investing in education and STEM disciplines. Around the globe, we fund programs that provide professional development, recognition and resources for math and science teachers, supplemental STEM instruction and college access and career readiness for students.

Over the last decade, ConocoPhillips has invested over $30 million to support education and STEM programs in Houston. We’re excited to be a part of the journey with you over the next year as you bring the Kickstart STEM program to your classroom.

Thank you to our Program Sponsor, ConocoPhillips

Objectives

Objective 1

Objective 2

Objective 3

Increase Student Awareness of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Fields as a Future Education and Career Option


Soccer is the world’s game and 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 soccer field. We strive to not only expose students to STEM fields, but to help them understand, visualize, and integrate the connection between soccer, 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 academic objectives of the program, 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 Science of Soccer program could include motivational “pep talks” by players who provide their compelling stories to describe their experiences in overcoming adversity that provides 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 of the targeted students could be the first in their family 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 impact of the program of students’ academic performance and life choices. This goal is accomplished by assessing each student’s math and science comprehension levels at the beginning of the program, 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.

Lessons

Growth Mindset

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Soccer Equipment and Rules

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Player Positions

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Formations

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Juggling

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Highlight Reel

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Sustainability

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Soccer Field Geometry

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Dribbling

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Mindfulness

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Trajectory of Ball Flight

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Scoring Percentages

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Reaction Time

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Carbon Footprint

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Heart Rate

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NWSL Teams

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MLS Western Conference

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Elasticity

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STEM Occupations in Soccer

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Turf vs Grass

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Air Resistance

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Box Breathing

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Curve Of A Soccer Ball

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Build A Starting Roster

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Throw-In

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Uniform Design

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Stadium Innovation

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Catapult

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If you have any questions, please reach out to Carly Stevens at

carly@sciencesport.org

Overview

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 different services including Youth Summer Camps, Field Trip Days, STEM Showcases, After School Programs, Teacher Kits, STEM Activity Bags for Students, Teacher Workshops and Virtual programming.

The Kickstart STEM Program, presented by ConocoPhillips, provides a mechanism for students to improve their academic performance. Our goal is to translate the love of soccer 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 soccer, science, and mathematics, students are encouraged to define and pursue better life choices, including the continuation of their education and even attending college.

Objectives

1
2
3
4

Increase Student Awareness of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Fields as a Future Education and Career Option

Soccer is the world’s game and 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 soccer field. We strive to not only expose students to STEM fields, but to help them understand, visualize, and integrate the connection between soccer, 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 academic objectives of the program, 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 Science of Soccer program could include motivational “pep talks” by players who provide their compelling stories to describe their experiences in overcoming adversity that provides 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 of the targeted students could be the first in their family 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 impact of the program of students’ academic performance and life choices. This goal is accomplished by assessing each student’s math and science comprehension levels at the beginning of the program, 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

In order to reinforce the lessons learned through the Science of Soccer program and maximize the likelihood for improved academic achievement, each participant is assigned a mentor. The mentor engages the student in dialog about academic and personal achievement facilitated through participation in reunion games, held every three months.

Lessons

Player Positions

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Formations

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Hydration

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Air Resistance

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Throw-In

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Nutrition

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Soccer Field Geometry

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Dribbling

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Trajectory of Ball Flight

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Coding Game

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Scoring Percentages

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Reaction Time

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Area of Soccer Goal & Penalty Box

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Heart Rate

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Major League Soccer Logos & Teams

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Design Your Own Soccer Team

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Soccer Equipment & Rules Word Bank

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Elasticity

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STEM Jobs in Sports

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Playing Surfaces

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Stretching and Injury Prevention

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Curve of Soccer Ball

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Build Your Own Starting Roster

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NWSL Teams

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Build Your Own Stadium

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Mindfulness

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Biomechanics (Newton’s Law)

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Growth Mindset

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Additional Resources

Educational Videos

For any questions regarding the program, please reach out to Mikaela Rodriguez at

mikaela@sciencesport.org

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Science of Sport is a 501(c)(3) organization, EIN 46-3843390

Copyright 2025