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 services include youth Summer Camps, Field Trip Days, STEM Showcases, After School Programs, Teacher Kits, STEM Activity Bags, Teacher Workshops, Educational App called STEMadium, and Virtual programming.
The SAN ANTONIO SPURS SCIENCE OF BASKETBALL PROGRAM provides a mechanism for students to improve their academic performance. Our goal is to translate the love of basketball 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 basketball, 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 Science of Basketball Program has the potential to improve academic achievement, provide a path to college, and elevate socioeconomic status.
Basketball is an effective subject to expose children to math and science. In this same spirit, this program allows students to learn and apply basic academic concepts through hands-on application on the basketball court. We strive to not only expose students to STEM fields, but to help them understand, visualize, and integrate the connection between basketball, 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.
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 Science of Basketball Program could include motivational “pep talks” by players who provide compelling stories to describe their experiences in overcoming adversity that provide real-world encouragement for students pursuing their dreams.
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. We also interview the students, their teachers, and their families to determine other intangible impacts resulting from their participation in the program.
To reinforce the lessons learned through the Science of Basketball Program and maximize the likelihood of 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.
