Education Curriculum
Welcome, Teachers!
Below you will find a listing of all of the programs currently available for a Hall of Fame On-Site Field Trip or Virtual Field Trip. Click on the modules below to find FREE Lesson Plans that you may print out for use in your own classroom. Each lesson comes with directions, activity suggestions, and reproducible handouts. The materials available here can enrich your on-site field trip or virtual field trip experience with the Baseball Hall of Fame. You may also use these materials independently to help you teach a variety of subjects using baseball as a catalyst. All of our lesson plans are aligned with the Common Core State Standards for Mathematics and English Language Arts. Additionally, many of our lessons support Mid-continent Research for Education and Learning (McREL) learning goals. If you have any questions about our curriculum, please contact us.
Virtual Field Trip Only
How the Hall of Fame Works
One of our newest video conferences is How The Hall of Fame Works. Geared to students in grades 4-12, this module features an in-depth virtual tour of the Museum, an examination of how artifacts are obtained and processed, and an explanation of the Hall of Fame’s rules for election. Students will learn about such themed exhibits on African-American, Latino, and women’s history, and the process by which World Series artifacts come to Cooperstown.
American History through Baseball Uniforms
One of our newest video conference offerings is American History Through Baseball Uniforms. Geared to students in grades 6-12, this module studies the history of baseball uniforms and how uniform changes often reflect key events in American history during the 20th and 21st centuries. Students will learn about the early use of wool uniforms, the addition of a “Health” patch during World War II, the influence of color television on the appearance of uniforms, and the adoption of polyester as the fabric of choice over wool and flannel.
Pop Culture through Baseball Cards
The 14th and newest video conference is Pop Culture Through Baseball Cards and Language. Geared to students in grades 6-12, this module offers insight into American popular culture through the study of the history of baseball cards and the application of baseball terminology to everyday conversation. Students will learn about the effects of the Civil War on the growth of baseball, the creation of tobacco and gum cards, the role of Topps executive Sy Berger in baseball cards' popularity, and the way that cards reflect changes in fashion and lifestyle. Students will also learn popular baseball terms and phrases and how they are used as part of language in everyday settings.
Library Media
Library Experience Program
This program allows K-12 students and teachers the opportunity to utilize the resources of the Giamatti Research Center during their visit to the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Program options include a meet and greet with a member of the Hall of Fame's research team, an introduction to archival and primary research and time for students to research a topic of the classroom teacher's choice.