Take Me Out to the Ball Game - Baseball Wonders

With spring training in full swing and Opening Day a couple of weeks away, I've compiled some Wonders and ideas for using the Wonders in your classroom.  If you use any of the Wonders in your classroom, be sure to videotape some of the learning and share it at the Wonderopolis SchoolTube Channel.

#25 Which Bat Is Best?
This Wonder compares metal and wood bats.  You could have students write a persuasive writing piece on why or why not Major League Baseball should allow metal bats.  You could also make a list of pros and cons of using metal bats using the information given in the Wonder.  I was fortunate to visit the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory in 2011.  Below is a Youtube video of the factory and how they make their famous bats.  I'm sure students of any age would enjoy watching and seeing how Louisville Slugger bats are made.


#155 What Is Spring Training
You could use this Wonder as a spring board for more wondering.  While reading over the Wonder, have students generate questions they have.  For example, 'why are they called the Cactus League and Grapefruit League?' and research their newly generated wonders.

#289 How Fast Is a Fastball?
Try comparing and contrasting the different kinds of pitches a pitcher throws when reading over this Wonder.  Also be sure to bring in a baseball so kids can visually see where and how you grip the ball with the different pitches.

#549 Who Was the Great Bambino?

This Wonder would go perfectly paired with one of many picture books about Babe Ruth.  A favorite of mine is, Home Run by Robert Burleigh.  After reading the book, compare and contrast the Wonder to the book.  Create a list of other famous baseball players and have students research and write their own picture books.  

#561 Who Invented the High Five?

The 'Try it out' section encourages students to create their own way to celebrate.  Have your students work in pairs, create a new form of celebration, videotape them and share your video on the Wonderopolis SchoolTube Channel.

#751 Where's Your Favorite Ballpark?

I found two great resources Ball Park Reviews and List of Major League Baseball Stadiums to go along with this Wonder.  Both websites list and compare different ballparks around the country.  After looking at different ballparks, create a graph of the class' favorite Major League Baseball team or stadium.