GEOMETRY
CIRCLING THE BASES
HOUSTON ASTROS IN PARTNER WITH THE NBHOF
GEOMETRY
CIRCLING THE BASES
LEVEL 1: ROOKIE
THEMATIC UNIT OVERVIEW:
“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
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 OBJECTIVES: Students will:
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.
GEOMETRY
Circling the Bases
Level 1 - Page 1 of 2
GEOMETRY
CIRCLING THE BASES
HOUSTON ASTROS IN PARTNER WITH THE NBHOF
LEVEL 1:
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LESSON 1 (PRE-VISIT): WHAT’S YOUR ANGLE?
Description: Students are introduced to the elements of angles: points, line segments,
and vertices. Students also learn to measure angles using protractors and classify angles.
Activity: Students practice measuring angles using a baseball diamond.
LESSON 2 (PRE-VISIT): A DIAMOND FILLED WITH SHAPES
Description: During this lesson students discover the different types of polygons.
Students will differentiate between types as well as learn the specific names for polygons.
Activity: Students look for evidence of polygons on a baseball field, and practice
drawing and identifying polygons.
LESSON 3 (PRE-VISIT): PERIMETER & AREA
Description: In this lesson, students are guided through the process of determining the
perimeters and areas of various 2-dimensional objects.
Activity: Students practice calculating perimeter and area using examples of baseball
posters.
LESSON 4: ON-SITE VISIT - OR - VIDEOCONFERENCE
Description: Students will work with museum teachers to reinforce concepts and ideas
introduced in the classroom.
Activity: On-site lesson or videoconference
LESSON 5 (POST-VISIT): CIRCLING THE BASES
Description: Students review angles, polygons, and the formulas for perimeter and area.
Activity: Students put all that they have learned about baseball and geometry to use as
they work in groups to create baseball fields.
GEOMETRY
Circling the Bases
Level 1 - Page 2 of 2