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SPORTS & AMERICAN CULTURE

UNIT 1: HISTORY OF SPORT

The initial unit will lay the foundations for the course.  Students will begin by defining sport vs. play and examine the purpose/role of sports.  After defining sport, students will explore what led to the growth of sports in America through a historical narrative (i.e., the growth of industry and immigration).  In addition to learning about the growth of sports, students will also examine the factors and cultural changes that led to the evolution of sports in America. 

ESSENTIAL QUESTIONS

  • What is sport?

  • What led to the growth of American sports?

  • To what extent do sports reflect or change culture?

Essential Questions

VIDEOS

Videos
Why Do We Play Games?

  • Why do we play games?

  • What's the difference between sports and play?

  • Is life a game?

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Sports Can Start Meaningful Conversations

  • Why do sports matter?

eSports

  • Are eSports a sport or a game?​

Trevor Noah: Sports in America (start to 3:50)

  • Have statistics driven sports popularity in America?

A Brief History of Baseball

  • What were the origins of baseball in America?

  • How did baseball evolve into the sport it is today?

  • What impact has baseball had on culture?

"People Will Come, Ray."

  • Why is baseball America's pastime?

Inside the History of American Football

  • How did football move from an amateur game to a professional sport?

  • How did football become tamed?

  • How did the NFL evolve into the league known today?

Teddy Roosevelt & Football 

  • How did Teddy Roosevelt save football?

  • Why did Roosevelt like "rough" sports?

Social Media & Sports

  • How has social media changed sports?

UNIT SOURCES

Sources
Explore the Curriculum
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