Geometry: Circling the Bases

One of the great features of baseball stadiums and fields is that no two are alike. Outfielders need to know the dimensions and special characteristics of the fields in which they play to help them decide how to field the ball - do they play the fly ball off the wall or try to jump and catch it for an out? Spend time in a dugout full of shapes, area, perimeter, diameter, and other aspects of geometry while learning about some of the "angles" of playing baseball.

Thematic Unit Objective

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Examine how everyday geometric concepts, such as circumference, area, perimeter, diameter, etc., apply to baseball and the real world.

Analyze characteristics of the baseball playing field and interpret data in terms of fundamental geometric operations.

Understand the characteristics of shapes in baseball and how they can be applied using basic geometric principles.

The shallow left field fence, the deep right field, the deep center field, the short porch in left. Did I think about those things when I was on the mound? Every minute.

Bill Lee, Major League Pitcher 1969-1982

Rookie (Grades 2-5)

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Lesson 1 (Pre-Visit): What’s Your Angle?

Students are introduced to the elements of angles: points, line segments, and vertices. Students also learn to measure angles using protractors and classify angles.

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Lesson 2 (Pre-Visit): A Diamond Filled with Shapes

During this lesson students discover the different types of polygons. Students will differentiate between types as well as learn the specific names for polygons.

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Lesson 3 (Pre-Visit): Perimeter & Area

In this lesson, students are guided through the process of determining the perimeters and areas of various 2-dimensional objects.

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Lesson 4: On-Site Visit or Virtual Field Trip

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

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Lesson 5 (Post-Visit): Circling the Bases

Students review angles, polygons, and the formulas for perimeter and area.

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Intermediate (Grades 6-8)

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Lesson 1 (Pre-Visit): Ballpark Figures – Part 1

Students review how to measure and calculate the perimeter and area of rectangles.

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Lesson 2 (Pre-Visit): Ballpark Figures – Part 2

During this lesson students review formulas for the calculation of circumference and area.

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Lesson 3 (Pre-Visit): Ballpark Figures – Part 3

In this lesson, students are guided through the process of using the Pythagorean Theorem.

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Lesson 4: On-Site Visit or Virtual Field Trip

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

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Common Core Standards

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CCSS MATH CONTENT: 3.G.A.1, 3.MD.C.5/6/7, 3.MD.D.8, 4.G.A.1/2, 4.MD.A.3, 4.MD.C.5/6, 5.G.B.3