UNIT TITLE: Take Me Out to the Ball Game

Author:  Deborah Chandler
E-Mail Address: dchandler@hotmail.com
School:Parker Junior High:  Flossmoor, Illinois
School Home Page URL: (optional)                                                                                                    glove

THEME :Baseball

BROAD CONCEPT:Sportsmanship, Motivation, Persistence, and Dedication

GRADES: 4 - 8
 INTEGRATED SUBJECTS:  Mathematics, Language Arts (Reading), Social Studies, and Technology

UNIT GOALS AND PURPOSE:  Within the baseball unit, I would like students to become familiar with terminology and vocabulary used throughout the playing of the game and develop an understanding of the concepts and rules which govern the game.  Students will research a famous player from the past and develop an appreciation for the hard work and dedication necessary to achieve the statis of a Hall of Famer.  Students will choose a personal favorite team and use technology skills to calculate and analize data and statistics to enhance their knowledge and understanding of the game.  Their research will enable them to discover numerous aspects of the game by participating in motivational activities throughout the unit and applying mathematical skills.  Technology will be incorporated to enhance instruction by locating, evaluating, and collecting data in the areas of language arts, mathematics, social studies, and reading.

Evaluation:  The unit will be evaluated on an ongoing basis by the teacher based on the performance of the students.  Lesson activities  will be specifically  outlined and expectations will be clearly stated.   Grading will be summative throughout the unit. 
  
TIME FRAME: Approximately 10 days of activities
 
 

OBJECTIVES:

In this lesson, students will:

      
MATERIALS: _X_Desktop Publishing: MS Publisher                                   _X_ Brainstorming: Inspiration

_X_Word Processing:  MS Word                                            _X_Spreadsheet: MS Excel

_X_CD-ROM Encyclopedia: Encarta                                _X__ Outline:  Inspiration
                                                                            
_X_ Multimedia:  Kid Pix Deluxe 3 & Power Point           _X_  Slide Show Presentation: Kid Pix Deluxe 3                           
 

 STATE STANDARDS ADDRESSED BY THIS UNIT:

English/ Language Arts

State Goal 1:  Read With Understanding and Fluency

1.A.3a  Apply knowledge of word origins and derivations to comprehend words used in specific content areas.

1.A.3b  Analize the meaning of words and phrases in their context.

1.B.3b  Identify text structure and create a visual representation (graphic organizer or outline).

1.B.3c  Continuously check and clarify for understanding , drawing comparisons from other readings.

1.B.3d  Read age-appropriate materials with fluency and accuracy.

1.C.3d  Summarize and make generalizations from content and relate them to the purpose of the material.

State Goal 2:  Read With Understanding Literature Representative of Various Societies, Eras, and Ideas.

2.B 3c  Analize how characters in literature deal with conflict, solve problems and relate to real-life situations.

State Goal 3:  Write to Communicate For a Variety of Purposes

3.B.3a  Produce documents that convey a clear understanding and interpretation of ideas and information and display focus, organization, elaboration and coherence.

3.C.3b  Using available technology , produce compositions and multimedia works for specified audiences.

State Goal 4:  Listen and Speak Effectively In aA Variety of Situations

4.B.3b  Design and produce reports and multi-media compositions that represent group projects.


Mathematics

State Goal 6:  Demonstrate And Apply a Knowledge And Sense Of Numbers, Including Numeration And Operations (Addition, Subtraction, Multiplication, Division), Patterns, Ratios And Proportions.

6.A.3 Represent fractions, decimals, percentages, exponents and scientific notation in equivalent forms.

6.C.3a  Select computational procedures and solve problems with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percents and proportions.

State Goal 8:  Use Algebraic And Analytical Methods To Identify And Describe Patterns And Relationships In Data, Solve Problems And Predict Results.

8.D.3b  Propose and solve problems using proportions, formulas and linear functions.

State Goal 10:  Collect, Organize and Analyze Data Using Statistical Methods; Predict Results; And Interpret Uncertainty Using Concepts Of Probability.

10.A.3a  Construct, read and interpret tables, graphs and charts to organize and represent data.

10.A.3b  Compare the mean, median, mode and range, with and without the use of technology.

Social Science

State Goal 16:  Understand Events, Trends, Individuals And Movements Shaping the History Of Illinois, The United States And Other Nations.
 
16.A.2a  Read historical stories an determine events which influenced their writing.

16.A.3b  Make inferences about historical events and eras using historical maps and other historical sources.

Physical Development And Health

State Goal 19:  Acquire movement skills and understand concepts needed to engage in health-enhancing physical activity.

19.C.3a  Apply rules and safety procedures in physical activities.

State Goal 21:  Develop team-building skills by working with others through physical acitvity.

21.B.2  Work cooperatively with a partner or small group to reach a shared goal during physical activity.

21.B.3  Work cooperatively with other to accomplish a set goal in both competitive and non-competitive situations (baseball).


N.C.T.M. STANDARDS ADDRESSED BY THIS UNIT:

Numbers and Operations Standard

Work flexibly with fractions, decimals, and percents to solve problems.

Develop meaning for percents greater than 100 and less than 1.

Select appropriate methods and tools for computing with whole numbers from among mental computation, estimation, calculators , and paper and pencil according to the context and nature of the computation and use the selected method or tools.

Data Analysis and Probability Standard

Formulate questions, design studies, and collect data about a characteristic shared by two populations or different characteristics within one population.

Select, create, and use appropriate graphical representations of data.

Find, use, and interpret measures of center and spread, including mean and interquartile range.

Problem Solving Standard

Build new mathematical knowledge through problem solving.

Solve problems that arise in mathematics and in other contexts.

Communications Standard

Organize and consolidate their mathematical thinking through communication.

Communicate their mathematical thinking coherently and clearly to peers, teachers, and others.

Connections Standard

Recognize and apply mathematics in contexts outside of mathematics.

STUDENT ACTIVITIES WHICH WILL PROMOTE ENGAGED LEARNING:
Day 1

Lesson 1:  Students  will be introduced to the unit "Take Me Out to the Ballgame"  and shared discussion relevant to the game will determine prior knowledge and personal experiences to promote enthusiasm for the topic.  Students will be given a vocabulary list of baseball terms and will be assigned to work in groups of 2 or 3 to look up the words, define and record meanings, using CD Rom Encycopedia, Encarta.  An internet  search  on http://www.baseball-almanac.com  will also provide needed information to complete the list.  When the task is completed, groups will share the meanings and  additional information may be recorded to increase understanding.  The teacher will monitor the discussion and relate specific vocabulary words to mathematical numbers (triple refers to three).  This list will be used as a reference tool throughout the unit.

Day 2 and3

Lesson 2:  Students will be working in the computer lab using http://www.google.com, http://www.dogpile.com, or http://www.yahoo.com to locate three informational sites regarding the rules of the game, the objectives, and player positions of a baseball game.  A list will be culminated by the teacher and distributed to all groups. 

Students will use graphic organizers to develop and organize ideas gathered from their research on the rules and positions of baseball .  Brainstorming is encouraged and students will use Inspiration to complete this activity.  The visual representations will be printed and presented by each group in class.  Students must have knowledge of the number of players that constitute a team, the number of innings in a game, the number of outs in an inning, and the numbero strikes in an out.

Day 4

Lesson 3:  Students will be introduced to the book Stealing Home: The Story of Jackie Robinson, by Barry Denenberg.  The teacher will lead discussion regarding segregation in the United States in the year 1919 and the importance of cultural diversity.  Researching the internet for pertinent information will be encouraged.  The story will be assigned reading and students will journal their ideas and record important events using Microsoft Word, saving this on a disk to be later placed in an outline form using Inspiration as the tool. The students will be given a week to have completed the reading of the book.

Day 5, 6 and 7

Lesson 4:  Students will be working in the computer lab.  The teacher will provide a list of all major league baseball teams, including the national and american leagues.  Students will then research the internet to locate the city and the ballpark name for each team.  The teacher will provide two websites:  http://cybersleuth-kids.com/sleuth/Sports/Baseball and http://cbs.sportline.com/u/baseball/mlb/stats.htm, to assist students in their search.  Additional searching is encouraged.  All information must be gathered and placed in their exact location on a map of the United States.  Two maps will be provided designating the american  and national leagues and each member of the group will have a specific responsibility in this part of the unit.  The map must be colored and clearly labeled.  The students will present their information on a Power Point presentation.  The number of teams in each division must be represented.

Day 8 and 9

Lesson 5:  Students will be instructed on the formula for calculating batting averages.  The teacher will provide a list of fictitious baseball players and their statistics on batting.  Using a calculator, students will record the averages to the third decimal place.  Upon completion of the worksheet, the teacher will monitor shared responses and review calculations and difficulties.  Students will also determine the mean, median, and mode of the statistics provided. 

Students will create a spreadsheet incorporating Microsoft Excel.  Instruction will be provided throughout the lesson to reinforce the skills on the calculation of batting averages.  The teacher will provide a variety of team statistics located at http://www.haseball-almanac.com/stats.shtml, and groups may choose the team they wish to record.  Spreadsheets  should be designed and colored for presentation. 

Day 10

Lesson 6:  Upon completion of the assigned reading of the story of Jackie Robinson, students will use their disks with information saved throughout the assigned reading and create an outline using Inspiration or a timeline, which must include a chronological order of events using Microsoft Publisher.  The teacher will provide guidelines relevant to the topic.  Students must include personal information from his youth to adulthood, Jackie's career as a baseball player, achievements, his influence on society, his greatest challenge, and his life after baseball.  

Day 11

Lesson 7:  Students will design and create a banner, baseball card, or poster for a team of their choice using Microsoft Publisher.  The number of their favorite player, team colors, and the location of the city must be displayed.  Students work will be displayed throughout the hallways of the school.  Creativity is encouraged.  Pictures will be taken by the teacher using a digital camera for presentation for parent night.



SHARE YOUR IDEAS:  Hall of Fame

This project will introduce student to a Hall of Famer.  Students will use the accumulation of information about baseballl to produce a multimedia presentation using Kid Pix Deluxe.  In their presentation, students will describe a famous baseball player and use information found on the World Wide Web at sites such as http://www.baseballhalloffame.org  to obtain pertinent information.  Baseball statistics and data must be a part of the required information.  Each group will be given a timeline for the project, the number of slides to be presented, and the assessment tool to be used.  

Directions: 

1.  Choose a name from the list players in the Hall of Fame                                                          

2.  Go to http://www.baseballhalloffame.org                                                                                                     

3.  Locate a player to research and gather information for the slide show                                                  

4.  Design a show containing 10 slides to be completed in two weeks

5.  The following information must be contained within your presentation:  Seven pictures relevant to baseball, Birth date, Place of birth, Schooling, Hobbies, Baseball statistics for hitting, fielding, or pitching, Special achievements, Greatest Challenge.

6.  Slides must be colored and designed using Kid Pix tools.  Pictures may be transported through the internet sites.

7.  Presentation to class on assigned date

Rubric:   Hall of Fame

10 slides completed (10)   ____________________

Pictures (10)                     ____________________

Relevant information(35) ____________________

Design and Color (20)       ____________________

Presentation (15)              ____________________


Total Points                                  /90

Grade                                ____________________


__________

STUDENT AND TEACHER ROLES:

Student Role:  Students will be researchers, explorers and creators of obtained knowledge.  They will use mathematical skills, technology skills, and language arts skills to design, create, and master the activities within the unit on baseball.  Students will work cooperatively throughout the unit and experience the sharing of information and ideas, culminating  information into finished products.

Teacher Role:  The teacher will act as a facilitator, providing students with guidelines and needed information to guarantee success.  The teacher will provide resources and materials needed to complete the activites, using summative assessments throughout the unit.  The teacher will motivate the students and encourage group activity and participation, providing assistance when needed.  The teacher will continually monitor group interaction to ensure students remain on task while completing the unit.

  

ADDITIONAL REFERENCE PRINT RESOURCES STUDENTS MAY USE :

World Book Encyclopedia   Non-fiction Library Books   Sports Magazines
 
 

THE FOLLOWING BOOKS CONTAIN INFORMATION ABOUT THIS TOPIC:        

Baseball Saved Us by Ken Mochizuki 
Fairball!:14 great stars from baseball's Negro leagues by Jonah Winter
 The Young Baseball Player by Ian Smith
 

FOR ADDITIONAL ONLINE INFORMATION AND MEDIA PERTAINING TO THIS UNIT, TEACHERS MAY WANT TO USE THE FOLLOWING INTERNET ARTICLES: 

Title1:  Take Me Out to the Ball Game

URL1:  http://www.iloveteaching.com/Internetclass/lessons/basebal.htm

Description1: This is a lesson plan developed by a teacher on baseball.  Internet sites are provided to obtain information about the sport. 
 
 

Title2:  Ballparks:  Fields of Dreams

URL2:  http://baseball-almanac.com/stadium.shtml

Description2: This site provides the teacher with information relevant to ballparks and their locations.  This site contains games, statistics, charts, and a vast amount of information that can be downloaded for this unit.

 

Title3:  Major League Baseball

URL3:  http://cbs.sportsline.com/u/baseball/mlb/stats.htm

Description3: The site will provide the teacher with updated as well as historical statistics listed by teams and players.  League leaders can be located by categories producing an unlimited amount of information in which to provide students.
 
 
 

Title4:  Lesson Plan Page

URL4:  http://www.lessonplanpage.com/LAVocabularySymbols-TermsBaseballGame25.htm

Description4: The website provides teachers with lesson plans for all subject areas.  This particular one on baseball provides a game played with flash cards and symbols to develop an understanding on the terms and vocabulary used in the game of baseball.
 
 
 

Title5:  Mathematics - Lesson Plan Webquests

URL5:  http://www.edhelper.com/cat197.htm

Description5: This site provides teacher with mathematics webquest, worksheets, lessons, and additional teacher sites based on grade level and/or subject area.  Teachers can also create their own worksheets using a template.
 

Title6:  America Grows Inning By Inning

URL6:  http://www.baseballhalloffame.org/education/america_grows.htm

Description6: This site provides teachers with a listing of learning modules on history, technology, geography, economics, mathematics, and character education.  All of these subjects are relevant to the game of baseball.
 
 
 

 RELEVANT INFORMATION, STUDENTS WILL VISIT THE FOLLOWING WEB SITES: (minimum 6 sites) Title1:  Game Chatter

URL1:  http://www.baseballprimer.com/chatter/

Purpose of Use1: Students can communicate with other students about the game of baseball.

Description1: Provides factual information that students can share about the game.
 
 

Title2:  Baseball: The Game and Beyond

URL2:  http://library.thinkquest.org/11902

Purpose of Use2:  Students can participate in the game of Trivia Ticker or vote for their favorite team or players.

Description2: This interactive site provides students with interesting baseball facts and important dates in baseball.
 
 

Title3:  Math Baseball

URL3:  http://www.funbrain.com/math/

Purpose of Use3:  Students are actively involved in playing baseball by answering math problems.  A correct answer records a hit and a wrong answer is an out.  Students may choose the level as well and the type of math problems.

Description3: This game involves students in mathematical operations necessary to play the game of baseball.  It reinforces an understanding of the game while providing practice in mathematical computation.
 
 
 

Title4:  CyberSleuth Kids

URL4:  http://cybersleuth-kids.com/sleuth/Sports/Baseball/

Purpose of Use4:  Provides students with a listing of internet sites geared for kids, from interactive games to comprehensive material relevant to the game of baseball

Description4: The website will provide students with a vast assortment of information and topics on the game of baseball.
 
 
 

Title5:  History of Black Baseball

URL5:  http://blackbaseball.com/history.html

Purpose of Use5:  Provide students with a listing of ballplayers who were denied the opportunity to play the game because of factors other than their ability.

Description5: Provides students with an understanding of cultural diversity.
 
 
 

Title6:  Batter's Up Baseball

URL6:  http://prongo.com/math/

Purpose of Use6:  Provides students with math games that develop and understanding of the game of baseball.

Description6: This interactive site will promote mathematical skills in numerous games and further develop and understanding of the game.