INNOVATION: TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Baseball has been part of United States history for more than 150 years. Technological factors, economic resources, concern for safety and protection, and growing expectations have resulted in changes to equipment and the game. In this unit, students explore how equipment has changed the game and mirrored important developments in history and industry. They will exercise their observation and reasoning skills, and put their creativity to the test as they design the next generation of baseball's tools of the trade.

THEMATIC UNIT OBJECTIVE

  • Examine historical artifacts and modern-day baseball equipment.
  • Analyze, through dialogue and discussion, the physical characteristics of equipment.
  • Compare and contrast similarities and differences between equipment from different time periods.
  • Understand how factors of change that operate in society at large have led to advances in baseball equipment and the evolving nature of the game itself.

I never blame myself when I'm not hitting. I just blame the bat, and if it keeps up, I change bats. After all, if I know it isn't my fault that I'm not hitting, how can I get mad at myself?

Hall of Famer Yogi Berra

ROOKIE (GRADES 3-5)

LESSON 1 (PRE-VISIT): RIGHT OFF THE BAT: GETTING TO KNOW BASEBALL

Based on their prior knowledge, students will either review or be introduced to the game of baseball. 

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LESSON 2 (PRE-VISIT): SIMPLE MACHINES AT THE BALLGAME

Students review the six different simple machines, and explain how they make work easier. 

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LESSON 3 (PRE-VISIT): PLAYING IN STYLE: UNIFORMS

Students analyze the messages and symbolism of different elements of a baseball jersey. 

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LESSON 4: ON-SITE VISIT OR VIDEO CONFERENCE

Students will work with museum teachers to reinforce concepts and ideas introduced in the classroom. 

Book your:

 Field Trip 

or Video Conference

 

LESSON 5 (POST-VISIT): EQUIPMENT DESIGN TRIPLE PLAY

Students will review what they learned about equipment during their experience with the Baseball Hall of Fame. 

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INTERMEDIATE (GRADES 6-8)

LESSON 1 (PRE-VISIT): SIMPLE MACHINES AT THE BALLGAME

Students identify the six different simple machines, and explain how they make work easier. 

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LESSON 2 (PRE-VISIT): BUILD A BETTER BASEBALL

Students experiment to learn how design impacts performance. 

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LESSON 3: (PRE-VISIT): BEANBALL: THE VALUE OF HELMETS

Students examine the design of a batting helmet and the principles of physics governing the helmet's ability to protect a player. 

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LESSON 4: ON-SITE VISIT OR VIDEO CONFERENCE

Students will work with museum teachers to reinforce concepts and ideas introduced in the classroom. 

Book your: 

Field Trip 

or Video Conference

 

LESSON 5: (POST-VISIT): THE TOOLS OF SPORTS SAFETY

Students will research safety equipment used by a variety of different sports. 

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ADVANCED (GRADES 9-12)

LESSON 1 (PRE-VISIT): DESIGN & INNOVATION: GREEN BALLPARKS

Ballparks are a fundamental tool for the game of baseball. Students learn about aspects of sustainable architecture as they examine case studies of two "green" stadiums. 

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LESSON 2 (PRE-VISIT): BUILD A BETTER BASEBALL

Students experiment to learn how design impacts performance. 

Download Full Lesson Plan

 

 

LESSON 3: ON-SITE VISIT OR VIDEO CONFERENCE

Students will work with museum teachers to reinforce concepts and ideas introduced in the classroom. As students tour the Museum they will learn about members of the Baseball Hall of Fame who faced difficult decisions during their careers, and overcame adversity on their way to achieving the highest honor in sports.

Book your: 

Field Trip 

or Video Conference

 

LESSON 4: (POST-VISIT): THE TOOLS OF SPORTS SAFETY

Students will research safety equipment used by a variety of different sports. 

Download Full Lesson Plan

 

 

COMMON CORE STANDARDS

CCSS ELA CONTENT: W.3.8/4.8/5.8, SL.3.1/4.1/5.1
MCREL STANDARDS: Technology.Level 2.Standards 3,4,6

EXPLORE OUR CURRICULUM

The Museum currently offers 15 baseball-themed curriculum components that provide interactive and meaningful learning engagement.

PLAN A VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP

The next best thing to visiting the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum is participating in a Virtual Field Trip. The Museum's award winning programs bring the wonders of Cooperstown to the classroom.

PLAN A FIELD TRIP

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum proudly presents fun-filled, content rich experiences for students from grades 3 to 12. Our field trips are all aligned with National Learning Standards. 

EXPLORE OUR CURRICULUM

The Museum currently offers 15 baseball-themed curriculum components that provide interactive and meaningful learning engagement.

PLAN A VIRTUAL FIELD TRIP

The next best thing to visiting the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum is participating in a Virtual Field Trip. The Museum's award winning programs bring the wonders of Cooperstown to the classroom.

PLAN A FIELD TRIP

The National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum proudly presents fun-filled, content rich experiences for students from grades 3 to 12. Our field trips are all aligned with National Learning Standards.