Here at Renzulli World Headquarters, located not far from the University of Connecticut, we are in a kind of “no-man’s land” between Red Sox and Yankees territories – and our main office is pretty evenly split between fans from both camps – so this year’s postseason baseball has been a hot topic of conversation!
Here’s some ideas for projects and resources you can use to bring a little baseball fever into your classroom:
World Series 2009: New York Yankees vs. Philadelphia Phillies
A Class World Series Almanac
(Material: Renzulli and a Farmer’s Almanac)
Using Renzulli Learning, have your students research through My Enrichment Activities these key words:
- Baseball
- World Series
Or provide the websites below thorough Share with Students/Teacher
Or Create 2 Curriculum Connections
1-using the keyword baseball
2-using the keyword World Series
Show the student’s the Farmer’s Almanac and provide the class with a definition of an almanac: “a usually annual reference book, composed of various lists, tables, and often brief articles relating to a particular field or many general fields.” Have a class discussion and ask students what statistics about the World Series they think should be featured in their almanac. Students will use Renzulli Learning to research these facts.
Divide students into five groups. Each group will research Renzulli Learning to find facts about the World Series. In addition students will record their information and can use their Renzulli Journal. The 5 groups will be responsible for the following years:
* 1903-1925
* 1926-1945
* 1946-1965
* 1966-1985
* 1986-2005
Following the research, students will then be grouped by Expressions Styles. Each group will have a specific task in preparing the Class World Series Almanac.
- Artist: Cover and Illustrations for the World Series Almanac
- Written: Compiling the information received from their classmates
- Technology: Typing the information
- Audio/Visual: Produce a commercial ad to promote the Almanac
- Musical: Write a song about the World Series using some of the facts collected during research. (Add song to the Introduction of the World Series Almanac)
- Oral: Visit classes to display and explain the making of the Class Almanac
History of the Game
The Sporting News: Baseball Archives
If you want to learn about the history of baseball, it’s most exciting moments, and some famous baseball players, you should check out this website! Here you’ll find information on the top 100 baseball players, the history of the World Series, photographs, biographies and news about various teams and players. Have a ball!
The Chicago Black Sox Trial
The World Series of 1919 found the Chicago Black Sox pitted against the Cincinnati Reds. The Sox was the strongest team in baseball at the time and perhaps one of the strongest teams in the history of the sport. However, the players were unsettled, due to low pay by their owner, Charles Comiskey. Several of the players decided to fix the World Series and lose, selling the idea to some of the biggest names in gambling. Find out what happened in this wild, true-life story of sports, fame, and money.
View Activity
Legends of Baseball
Joe Dimaggio: The Hero’s Life
From humble beginnings in a poor community in San Francisco, Joe Dimaggio rose to become the golden boy of the New York Yankees and Major League Baseball. Learn about the events of Dimaggio’s life, including his marriage and divorce from Marilyn Monroe. Then read what the experts have to say about what made Joe the superior athlete he was, and explore the dark side of his perfectionism. Play “Beat the Streak” and see if you can out bat Dimaggio!
View Activity
Yogi Berra Biography
What’s your favorite baseball position? Yogi Berra was known for his hitting. In one of his seasons, he batted 597 times and only struck out 12 times. However, Berra discovered an new talent in his sport! While playing for the Yankees, Berra realized he was a phenomenal catcher. Between his catching and hitting abilities, Berra was a NBL superstar. Discover the numerous records Berra set throughout his career. Read his biography, listen to his interview, and view his photos.
Yogi Berra Biography
Jackie Robinson: Strong Inside and Out
Jackie Robinson was the first African American to play major league baseball. What team did he play for? What kind of struggles did he face? Visit this website to find kid-friendly information about this great athlete, a quiz, and an interview with Jackie’s daughter. This is a great website for sports fans and history buffs alike!
Jackie Robinson: Strong Inside and Out
Baseball Fun – Activities
Language Arts
Casey at the Bat
Can mighty Casey save the game for the Mudville nine? With two outs, they are down by two, and they are looking to Casey to help them win. Check out this site to read the famous poem, “Casey at the Bat.”
The Big Hit: Short-I-Sound
Take me out to the ballgame! Click on this site to read The Big Hit. Join some friends in a baseball game while practicing short “i” sounds.
Jackie Robinson-Reading Comprehension
Read about Jackie Robinson’s life story. Then answer questions about this famous American athlete. You will have 30 minutes to complete this exercise.
Jackie Robinson – Reading Comprehension
Math
Subtraction Baseball
Batter up! Let’s play a game of baseball! Find the answer to a subtraction problem correctly to get a man on base. Answer incorrectly and that’s an out! Get ready for the pitch!
Funbrain Presents: Math Baseball
This is a great activity for math students who like baseball. To begin, choose the number of players (one or two), and then select which game and level you wish to play at. Answer a question correctly to hit the ball.
FunBrain Presents: Math Baseball
Take Me Out to the Ball Game
Who do you think is the greatest hitter of all time? Babe Ruth? Barry Bonds? Mark McGuire? Try out this webquest to put together your knowledge of sports and math to find out! Work together as a group on an area, such as batting average or runs batted in, to collect data on some of the great players. Then use math to find how who has the best numbers. Present your solution to the class.
Science
Science of Baseball
Batter up and play ball! Change the type of pitch, the angle of the ball, and more to see how each effects where the ball goes once it’s hit. Read all about it below the simulation and learn how to make your batting average rise.
