This project aims to deepen students' understanding of mathematical expressions by applying them to real-world sports scenarios. Through the exploration of sports analytics, students will learn to use mathematical expressions to analyze and interpret performance data, uncover trends, and develop strategies. By engaging with university math departments, students will gain mentorship and insights into the practical application of math in sports. The project culminates in the creation of a digital portfolio and a sports analytics blog, where students will communicate their findings and reflections, enhancing their ability to articulate complex mathematical concepts to a broader audience. This hands-on experience not only meets the CCSS.Math.Content.7.EE.A.2 standard but also fosters critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills, empowering students to see the relevance of math in everyday life.

In this project, students will explore the intersection of mathematics and sports by applying mathematical expressions to analyze and improve sports performance. They will learn to rewrite expressions in various forms to gain insights into sports analytics, aligning with the CCSS.Math.Content.7.EE.A.2 standard. Through engaging with university math departments, students will deepen their understanding of mathematical concepts and develop skills in data analysis and critical thinking. They will create a digital portfolio, culminating in a sports analytics blog that communicates their findings and reflections to a broader audience. This project aims to enhance students' ability to apply math to real-world scenarios, fostering both academic growth and communication skills.

In this project, students will create a comprehensive digital portfolio that showcases their ability to apply mathematical expressions to sports analytics. This portfolio will include blog entries where students explore and discuss trends and strategies in various sports using math expressions. They will analyze data to understand sports performance and propose improvements, effectively communicating their findings to engage a wider audience. Additionally, students will have the opportunity to collaborate with university math departments, receiving mentorship to deepen their understanding of math applications in sports. The project will culminate in a group reflection discussion, where students will articulate how their grasp of mathematical expressions has evolved and how these insights can be applied to real-world sports scenarios. Through this project, students will meet the CCSS.Math.Content.7.EE.A.2 standard by demonstrating their understanding of rewriting expressions in different forms to illuminate problem contexts and relationships between quantities.

To kick off the project, organize a Sports Analytics Day where students participate in a series of interactive stations. Each station represents a different sport, such as basketball, soccer, or track and field, and presents a mini-challenge involving mathematical expressions related to that sport. For example, students might calculate shooting percentages, analyze speed and distance, or explore scoring averages. Invite a guest speaker from a local university's math department to discuss how math is used in sports analytics and share real-world examples. This engaging launch will spark curiosity and set the stage for students to explore the essential question throughout the project.

To exhibit the students' work at the end of the project, organize a "Sports Analytics Showcase" event. Invite community members, parents, and representatives from local sports teams and university mathematics departments. During the event, students can present their digital portfolios and sports analytics blogs. Set up interactive stations where students demonstrate how they used mathematical expressions to analyze and improve sports performance. Encourage students to engage visitors in discussions about their findings and the real-world applications of their work. This event not only celebrates their achievements but also provides an authentic audience for students to communicate their insights and receive feedback.