LA Kings Science of Hockey Presented by Moderna is a hands-on learning tool for educators to utilize in their classrooms. By contextualizing STEM principles through practical applications drawn from the sport of Ice Hockey, students are motivated to explore the tangible ramifications of these concepts.
The LA Kings and Moderna firmly believe in the importance of education and hope that students develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of STEM through the Science of Hockey.
To continue to explore the Science of Hockey, visit Discovery Cube Los Angeles (www.discoverycube.org) in Sylmar. The LA Kings exhibit brings STEM to life through over a dozen hockey-themed activations.
The LA Kings enjoy a rich history of excitement, passion, and championship glory in Southern California while demonstrating the utmost commitment to their fans, partners, and community. Owned and operated by AEG, the Los Angeles Kings began play in 1967 and play at world-famous Crypto.com Arena in Downtown Los Angeles. Since inception the organization has strived to be the ultimate leader as it relates to employing many of the greatest players in National Hockey League history, and hosting and participating in incredible events highlighted by two Stanley Cup Championships.
Increase Student Awareness of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) Fields as a Future Education and Career Option
Hockey 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 Hockey Rink. We strive to not only expose students to STEM fields, but to help them understand, visualize, and integrate the connection between hockey , 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 Hockey 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 Hockey 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.
