Numbers in the Game: Sports Statistics as a Tool for STEM Learning

The scientific method is a key part of early education. Sports statistics lessons are an effective way to help students grasp and apply the scientific method. One way to ensure students are getting this benefit during their lesson is to highlight the points in the list below and call out these observations to students as needed. 

1. Real-life Application: Sports statistics provide real-world context for students to apply scientific principles and methods. By analyzing data from sports, students can see how the scientific method is not limited to the classroom and has connections to everyday life.
2. Data Collection: Applying the scientific method starts with data collection. Sports statistics offer real-world data that is easily accessible and can be used for further analysis. Students can easily find and utilize data on players, teams, and leagues.
3. Observation and Formulation of Questions: In the scientific method, the first step is to observe an event and ask relevant questions relating to the event. Sports statistics allow students to observe trends and patterns, which can prompt them to ask questions about player performance, team dynamics, or game strategies.
4. Hypothesis Formulation: A hypothesis is an educated guess about the relationship between variables. With sports statistics, students can formulate hypotheses about factors that might influence the outcome of a game, such as the impact of weather conditions or the effect of player injuries on team performance.
5. Experimentation and Analysis: Students can conduct statistical tests to validate or refute their hypotheses. For example, they can use regression analysis to determine the relationship between a player’s performance and the team’s success.
6. Critical Thinking: Interpreting sports statistics requires critical thinking skills. By using real world sports statistics to improve STEM literacy, students are exercising this key 21st century skill.
7. Drawing Conclusions: Sports statistics help students analyze the data, interpret the results, and draw conclusions about the factors that contribute to success or failure. This skill is easily translatable to other areas of STEM and future careers.