Innovation: Tools of the Trade

Unit Overview

"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?"

- Yogi Berra

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 made 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.

About The Curriculum

All of the lessons and activities that you will find below have been prepared to accompany Innovation: Tools of the Trade." You will find that the curriculum is organized into three levels: Level 1 for elementary school students, Level 2 for middle school students, and Level 3 for high school students. Feel free to pick and choose lessons from multiple levels if you feel that your students are ready for a challenge or would benefit from a review.

Within each level you will find both pre-visit lessons and post-visit lessons. We strongly encourage you to use these materials before your visit or videoconference. We've found that students understand and learn so much more if they are prepared before their Hall of Fame experience.

Click on the links to view Adobe Acrobat documents, which you can easily print or save for later use.

Level 1 - Rookie
Elementary Level Overview & Table of Contents
Lesson 1 (Pre-Visit) Right Off the Bat: Getting to Know Baseball
Lesson 2 (Pre-Visit) Simple Machines at the Ballgame
Lesson 3 (Pre-Visit) Playing in Style: Uniforms
Lesson 4 On-Site Visit - or - Videoconference
Lesson 5 (Post-Visit) Equipment Design Triple Play

Level 2 - Intermediate
Intermediate Level Overview & Table of Contents
Lesson 1 (Pre-Visit) Simple Machines at the Ballgame
Lesson 2 (Pre-Visit) Build a Better Baseball
Lesson 3 (Pre-Visit) Beanball: The Value of Helmets
Lesson 4 On-Site Visit - or - Videoconference
Lesson 5 (Post-Visit) The Tools of Sports Safety

Level 3 - Advanced
Advanced Level Overview & Table of Contents
Lesson 1 (Pre-Visit) Design & Innovation: Green Ballparks
Lesson 2 (Pre-Visit) Build a Better Baseball
Lesson 3 On-Site Visit - or - Videoconference
Lesson 4 (Post-Visit) The Tools of Sports Safety 

Recommended Reading

On the Recommended Reading list below, you'll find resources that were compiled to aid parents, teachers, and students in learning more about baseball and Innovation.

Recommended Reading for Innovation 

Let's Hear from You!

Have you used these lessons in your classroom? Tell us about it! We love to hear feedback from teachers. Send us an e-mail at education [at] baseballhall [dot] org.