Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Office of Engineering Outreach Programs
Building 1-123, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge 02139
617-253-8052 oeop@mit.edu
CURRICULUM
Academic Curriculum
The curriculum will be sub-divided into four modules, each organized around a fundamental baseball skill – running, hitting, fielding, and throwing. Each module will include lessons in math, science, history and social studies; hands-on experimental activities; baseball skills training; and an overall philosophical theme. Participating students will read, write, experiment, work on basic baseball skills, play baseball, and consider how these activities relate to each other and to the students’ lives. We will center each module with a basic skill connected to other modules and a number of intellectual strands. We hope to help students develop a habit of mind that looks for these connections in all aspects of their lives.
Participants will also study how baseball history relates to U.S history and in particular to the history and experiences of different cultural groups. Through readings and discussions, students will explore the history of the Negro Leagues; how culture influences the game in Japan; and the implications of the rising influence of Latino ballplayers in the Major Leagues. Participants will be required to write and peer-review short essays about these topics. Through this writing component of the program, all participants will be able to relate to legendary baseball examples and role-models from the past with similar cultural background and familial influences. These relevant connections are essential to learning and mastery.
Finally, students will collect, track, and analyze scrimmage results. Later in the program, they will learn to apply their knowledge of statistics to assign players, select line-ups, and formulate pitching strategy for the next day’s scrimmage. Homework to reinforce the day’s topics may include short readings, problem-solving exercises, and analyzing Major League game statistics.
