Fort Huachuca, Arizona - The Arizona Diamondbacks proved learning can be fun Nov. 2 when they brought their travelling roadshow to Fort Huachuca's General Myer Elementary School showcasing mini lessons in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) as concepts applied to the sport of baseball.
The students laughed, cheered and vied for a chance to help teach their schoolmates lessons in science, reaction time, technology, engineering, baseball statistics, mathematics, nutrition and physical fitness -- making STEM entertaining through application of baseball principles.
"This is fun!" shouted one classmate who seemed to be caught up in the enthusiasm and energy of Diamondback's Bobby Freeman and D. Baxter the Bobcat during the afternoon school program.
Freeman, takes Diamondbacks' mascot D. Baxter the Bobcat into the community for special programs after baseball season ends. Baxter has been the team mascot since 2000.
According to the official Arizona Diamondbacks' website, www.dbacks.com, one of the team's goals is to give back to the community. The school program, known as the Baxter and Bobby Show, is part of the community relations effort.
The program made an impression on the Myer School students and educators alike, when Baxter didn't just walk onto the school stage, but instead teased the audience with just a tail or paw before making a complete appearance. Then he danced his way into the audience and interacted with students before the high-energy lessons began.
Myer School Principal, Val Quarto, explained that the Diamondbacks contacted the school and offered to bring the Baxter and Bobby Show to the students.
"We had about a week's notice, so it was a short turnaround, but it seemed like too good an opportunity to pass up," she said. "It sounded like such a good program; I just had to fit it in."
Quarto explained the travelling show was a pre-designed program the team had brought to other military installations in Arizona such as Luke Air Force Base, Phoenix; Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson; and Yuma Proving Ground, Yuma.
"[The program] shows the relationship between baseball and science; how there is a real-world connection between math and science. The [performers] engage the kids; they sing songs to the kids such as 'Take Me out to the Ball Game' … and show them that 'math' is not an ugly word. It's a fun thing," Quarto said with a laugh.
"Everybody loved it… and it seemed like the kids were totally engaged," she said. "It was evident due to the activity being so very high energy. As soon as the presenters called the kids back to 'quiet' attention, the kids were right there. They were at the edge of their seats; they were excited about the next thing that was going to happen.
"Even the teachers…were all having fun," the principal added. "It was educational, and just fun. We hope [the Baxter and Bobby Show] will visit us again."
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