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.

Mathematics

Statistics: Batter Up!

Examine how everyday mathematical concepts apply to baseball and the real world.

Geometry: Circling the Bases

Examine how everyday geometric concepts apply to baseball and the real world.

Economics: Business of Baseball

Goods and services, supply and demand, business competition.

Mathematics

Statistics: Batter Up!

Examine how everyday mathematical concepts apply to baseball and the real world.

Geometry: Circling the Bases

Examine how everyday geometric concepts apply to baseball and the real world.

Economics: Business of Baseball

Goods and services, supply and demand, business competition.

Social Studies

Women's History: Dirt on Their Skirts

Discuss how female baseball players have challenged gender stereotypes.

Civil Rights: Before You Could Say "Jackie Robinson"

Introduction to racial segregation and its impact on baseball and American society.

Cultural Diversity: Diversity in the Dugout

Recognize that the diversity of baseball makes the game stronger.

Popular Culture: Take Me Out to the Ballgame

Recognize that the experience of a baseball game involves many aspects of popular culture.

Geography: Baseball Coast to Coast

Appreciate and understand the role of geography in professional baseball.

Labor History: Hardballs and Handshakes

Behind the big salaries are complex negotiations between labor and management.

SCIENCE

Physical Science: Science on the Sandlot

Examine historical aspects and physical forces involved in playing baseball.

Health Science: Be A Superior Example (BASE)

Gain an overall awareness of how the decisions they make affect their physical, mental and social well-being.

Innovation: Tools of the Trade

Examine historical artifacts and modern-day baseball equipment.

SCIENCE

Physical Science: Science on the Sandlot

Examine historical aspects and physical forces involved in playing baseball.

Health Science: Be A Superior Example (BASE)

Gain an overall awareness of how the decisions they make affect their physical, mental and social well-being.

Innovation: Tools of the Trade

Examine historical artifacts and modern-day baseball equipment.

Arts & Character Education

Character Education: The Iron Horse

Character attributes such as perseverance, courage, humility, respect, leadership and citizenship are highlighted.

Leadership: Leading Off

Win or lose, leaders in baseball and other arenas display a consistent set of ethics and values that influence the real measure of their lives.

Communication Arts: Going! Going! Gone!

Students explore changes in sports journalism and the media over the last two centuries.

Arts & Character Education

Character Education: The Iron Horse

Character attributes such as perseverance, courage, humility, respect, leadership and citizenship are highlighted.

Leadership: Leading Off

Win or lose, leaders in baseball and other arenas display a consistent set of ethics and values that influence the real measure of their lives.

Communication Arts: Going! Going! Gone!

Students explore changes in sports journalism and the media over the last two centuries.

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.