Science of Sport - Baseball Quest

Predictions & Tracking

Student Information

Name:

School:

Date:

Team vs Team:

Instructions

Before the Game: Complete Parts 1, 2, and 3 by making predictions using science and data.
During the Game: Complete Part 4 by tracking the events.
After the Game: Complete Parts 5, 6, and 7 on the back side.

Challenge 1: Game Predictions (Before the Game)

Use what you know about baseball, science, and statistics to make your predictions.

1. Predicted Final Score

Team 1:runs

Team 2:runs

2. Which team do you think will win?

Baseball Data Predictions

3. How many strikeouts do you predict will happen in the game?

4. What do you predict the fastest pitch in the game will be?mph

5. What do you predict the longest hit ball will travel?feet

Challenge 2: Science Predictions

Use science ideas to make predictions about the specific events in the game.

Launch Angle Prediction

What launch angle range do you think the longest hit ball will be closest to?

10-20° 20-30° 30-40° 40-50°

Pitch Type Prediction

Which pitch do you think the starting pitcher will throw the most?

Fastball Slider Curveball Changeup

Exit Velocity Prediction

What do you predict the hardest hit ball (exit velocity) will be?

Under 95 mph 95-105 mph Over 105 mph

Strike Percentage Prediction

What do you think the pitcher's strike percentage will be?

Under 50% 50-60% Over 60%

Explain Your Thinking

Why do you think your predictions are reasonable? Use data, past games, or science ideas to explain your reasoning.

Science Clue

Scientists make predictions by forming a hypothesis based on evidence. In baseball, scientists study things like launch angle, exit velocity, spin rate, reaction time, and energy transfer. These ideas help explain what happens during a game.

In-Game Tracking

Challenge 4: In-Game Tracking

Complete this section while watching the game. Focus on a small moment, like the first batter, or one inning.

Track the First 10 Pitches
Record the result of each pitch with a checkmark (✓).

Pitch #	Ball	Strike (Swing/Called)	Foul	Ball in Play
1	Pitch 1 ball	Pitch 1 strike	Pitch 1 foul	Pitch 1 ball in play
2	Pitch 2 ball	Pitch 2 strike	Pitch 2 foul	Pitch 2 ball in play
3	Pitch 3 ball	Pitch 3 strike	Pitch 3 foul	Pitch 3 ball in play
4	Pitch 4 ball	Pitch 4 strike	Pitch 4 foul	Pitch 4 ball in play
5	Pitch 5 ball	Pitch 5 strike	Pitch 5 foul	Pitch 5 ball in play
6	Pitch 6 ball	Pitch 6 strike	Pitch 6 foul	Pitch 6 ball in play
7	Pitch 7 ball	Pitch 7 strike	Pitch 7 foul	Pitch 7 ball in play
8	Pitch 8 ball	Pitch 8 strike	Pitch 8 foul	Pitch 8 ball in play
9	Pitch 9 ball	Pitch 9 strike	Pitch 9 foul	Pitch 9 ball in play
10	Pitch 10 ball	Pitch 10 strike	Pitch 10 foul	Pitch 10 ball in play

Challenge 4: In-Game - Calculations

Calculate the Strike Rate

Based on the 10 pitches. Fouls are included as strikes.

Total strikes (including fouls):

Strike Fraction:

Strike Decimal:

Strike Percentage:%

Track One Hit

Identify one hit during the game and record the data.

Player Name:

Exit Velocity:mph

Launch Angle:°

Distance of Hit:feet

Observation Notes

What did you notice during the game? Did a pitch curve or move? Why might that happen?

Analysis

Challenge 5: What Actually Happened?

Fill in the real results from the game.

Prediction Topic	Actual Result
Final Score
Fastest Pitch	mph
Longest Hit	feet
Most Common Pitch Type
Strike Percentage	%

Challenge 6: Compare Your Predictions

1.

Which prediction was the closest to the real result?

2.

Which prediction was the most different?

3.

Why do you think one of your predictions was different from what actually happened?

Challenge 7: Science of the Game

Answer the questions below based on your observations and what you have learned about baseball science.

a. What helped the ball travel the farthest?

Launch angle Exit velocity Spin All of the above

b. Why do some pitches curve or move?

Gravity only Spin and the Magnus Effect Bat speed Weather conditions

c. What type of energy helps send the ball flying after it is hit?

Potential Energy Kinetic Energy Electrical Energy

d. Explain one science idea you observed in the game today.

Use terms like launch angle, exit velocity, or Magnus effect.