Batting Cage Quest: Building Dreams and Performance

12th Grade

Project
5 weeks

Batting Cage Quest: Building Dreams and Performance

Jose Armando Magana

Purpose

The purpose of this project is to engage students in a hands-on, real-world learning experience by constructing a baseball batting cage for their school team. Through this project, students will develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills as they research and evaluate materials based on durability, cost, and environmental impact. They will also enhance their communication and collaboration abilities by presenting their findings and construction process to the school team and coach. This project aims to foster a deeper understanding of how thoughtful design and construction can positively impact athletic performance and team experience, while also encouraging students to reflect on their learning journey and its broader implications.

Learning goals

In this project, students will engage in a comprehensive learning experience that integrates practical skills with academic knowledge. They will develop research skills by evaluating different materials for constructing a batting cage, focusing on durability, cost, and environmental impact. Students will enhance their critical thinking and problem-solving abilities by justifying their material choices and considering the feasibility of their design. Communication skills will be honed through presentations to peers, the school team, and the coach, where they will articulate their research findings and the construction process. Collaboration is a key component, as students will work together and with community partners to bring the project to fruition. Additionally, students will gain insights into project management by planning and executing the construction of the batting cage within the given timeframe. This project also emphasizes reflection and self-assessment, encouraging students to consider both their academic growth and socio-emotional development throughout the process.

Standards

Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.W.7: Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation.
Common Core - CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4: Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
NGSS - HS-ETS1-2: Design a solution to a complex real-world problem by breaking it down into smaller, more manageable problems that can be solved through engineering.

Products

In this project, students will design and construct a fully functional baseball batting cage for the school team. They will research and evaluate various materials, considering factors such as durability, cost, and environmental impact, to make informed decisions on the best materials to use. The project will culminate in a presentation day where students showcase the completed batting cage to the school team and coach, explaining the research and construction process. Students will also develop an interactive presentation or video documentary that captures the entire journey, including insights from visiting a professional stadium, interviews with the team and coach, and reflections on the project's impact on the team's performance and experience. Additionally, students will create a visual reflection board to document their learning journey, highlighting both academic and socio-emotional growth throughout the project.

Launch

To effectively launch the project, organize a 'Field of Dreams' Day where students visit a professional baseball stadium or a local batting cage facility. This experience will allow students to observe the design and materials used in professional settings, providing a real-world context for their project. During the visit, students can interview staff about the benefits and challenges of maintaining a batting cage, gaining valuable insights that will inform their research and construction decisions. This immersive experience will engage students, sparking their curiosity and enthusiasm for the project while setting a strong foundation for their deeper learning journey.

Exhibition

To effectively exhibit the product at the end of this project, organize a 'Batting Cage Bash' event where the school team, coach, and community members are invited to experience the newly constructed batting cage firsthand. During the event, students will take on the role of guides, explaining the construction process, the research behind material selection, and how their work is expected to enhance the team's performance. They can set up interactive stations where visitors can view the interactive presentation or video documentary that chronicles the entire project journey. This exhibition will not only showcase the students' hard work and learning but also provide an opportunity for the school community to engage with and appreciate the project's impact. Additionally, students can gather feedback from the players and coach during the event to reflect on the project's success and areas for improvement.

Week 1	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Introduction to the Project - Discuss the project's purpose, learning goals, and standards. Explain the overall structure and timeline of the project.	Activity 2: 'Field of Dreams' Day - Visit a professional baseball stadium or local batting cage facility to observe the design and materials used. Conduct interviews with staff about the benefits and challenges of maintaining a batting cage.	Activity 3: Reflection and Discussion - After the field trip, have a class discussion to reflect on the observations and insights gained. Encourage students to share their thoughts and how these relate to the project.	Activity 4: Research Skills Workshop - Introduce students to research methodologies, focusing on evaluating materials for durability, cost, and environmental impact. Provide resources and tools for effective research.	Activity 5: Initial Research and Team Formation - Begin initial research on materials and form teams. Each team will start compiling a list of potential materials and justifications for their choices.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Field Trip Reflection - Students submit a written reflection or visual representation of their learning and insights from the 'Field of Dreams' Day. 2. Deliverable 2: Preliminary Material List - Each team submits a preliminary list of materials with initial justifications for their choices, based on their research.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Arrange logistics for 'Field of Dreams' Day, including transportation, permissions, and coordinating with the facility for interviews. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Prepare a presentation on the project overview, learning goals, and standards to introduce to the students. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Gather and provide resources for the Research Skills Workshop, including guides on evaluating materials and access to research tools. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Organize students into teams based on interests and strengths, considering how they will collaborate effectively throughout the project.

Week 2	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Advanced Research Techniques - Conduct a workshop on advanced research techniques, focusing on analyzing data and selecting the best materials for the batting cage based on durability, cost, and environmental impact.	Activity 2: Team Research Presentations - Each team presents their findings on potential materials to the class, highlighting their justifications and any challenges faced during research.	Activity 3: Design Brainstorming Session - Facilitate a brainstorming session where teams conceptualize their batting cage designs, considering the materials selected and the technical aspects of construction.	Activity 4: Guest Speaker Session - Invite an engineer or professional in sports facility design to speak with the students about best practices in construction and design.	Activity 5: Design Proposal Drafting - Teams begin drafting their design proposals, incorporating feedback from the guest speaker session and their research findings.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Team Research Presentation - Each team delivers a presentation on their material research and selection process. 2. Deliverable 2: Draft Design Proposal - Teams submit a draft of their batting cage design proposal, including sketches and material justifications.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Organize and schedule the guest speaker session, ensuring the speaker is briefed on the project and student expectations. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Develop materials and resources for the advanced research techniques workshop, including data analysis tools and case studies. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Provide guidelines and templates for the design proposal drafting to help students structure their ideas effectively. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Arrange for any necessary technology or equipment needed for team presentations and design brainstorming sessions.

Week 3	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Design Proposal Feedback Session - Facilitate a session where each team presents their draft design proposal to peers and receives constructive feedback. Encourage teams to incorporate this feedback into their proposals.	Activity 2: Construction Planning Workshop - Introduce students to project management concepts, focusing on planning and scheduling the construction phase. Teach students how to create a detailed construction timeline.	Activity 3: Material Procurement Planning - Guide students in identifying sources for their selected materials, considering budget constraints and availability. Discuss the logistics of material procurement and storage.	Activity 4: Safety and Risk Management Session - Conduct a session on safety protocols and risk management strategies during construction. Emphasize the importance of adhering to safety guidelines.	Activity 5: Revised Design Proposal Submission - Teams finalize and submit their revised batting cage design proposals, incorporating feedback and planning considerations from the week's activities.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Revised Design Proposal - Each team submits a finalized design proposal, including a detailed construction timeline and material procurement plan.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Develop a feedback rubric for the design proposal feedback session to guide peer evaluations. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Create materials and resources for the Construction Planning Workshop, including templates for construction timelines. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Research and compile information on local suppliers and vendors for the materials chosen by students, providing guidance on procurement logistics. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Prepare a presentation on safety protocols and risk management strategies specific to construction projects. 5. Teacher Preparation Task 5: Organize a system for collecting and reviewing the revised design proposals, ensuring timely feedback for students.

Week 4	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Construction Phase Kick-Off - Begin the construction of the batting cage. Each team will start implementing their design under supervision, ensuring safety protocols are followed.	Activity 2: Construction Progress Monitoring - Teams will regularly update the class on their progress, discussing any challenges encountered and how they are addressing them.	Activity 3: Problem-Solving Workshop - Facilitate a workshop where students can bring construction challenges to the group for brainstorming solutions.	Activity 4: Mid-Construction Check-In with Coach - Arrange a session for teams to present their progress to the school coach, receiving feedback and adjusting plans as necessary.	Activity 5: Continuous Reflection and Documentation - Encourage students to maintain a journal or digital log of their construction experiences, reflecting on daily progress, challenges, and learning.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Weekly Progress Report - Each team submits a report detailing their construction progress, challenges faced, solutions implemented, and next steps. 2. Deliverable 2: Mid-Construction Feedback Summary - A brief summary of the feedback received from the coach and how it will be integrated into the ongoing construction process.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Ensure all required construction tools and materials are available and safely stored, coordinating with facilities management as needed. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Develop a schedule for construction site supervision, ensuring each team has access to guidance and support. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Prepare materials for the Problem-Solving Workshop, including case studies or examples of common construction challenges. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Coordinate with the school coach to schedule the Mid-Construction Check-In session, providing guidance on the feedback process. 5. Teacher Preparation Task 5: Set up a system for students to submit their weekly progress reports and feedback summaries, ensuring timely review and feedback.

Week 5	Day 1	Day 2	Day 3	Day 4	Day 5
Activities	Activity 1: Final Construction and Touch-Ups - Complete the construction of the batting cage, focusing on fine-tuning and ensuring all components are securely assembled and functional.	Activity 2: Quality Assurance and Testing - Conduct quality checks and test the batting cage for safety and functionality. Make any necessary adjustments based on testing outcomes.	Activity 3: Interactive Presentation Preparation - Students work on developing their interactive presentations or video documentaries, incorporating footage and insights from the entire project journey.	Activity 4: 'Batting Cage Bash' Event Preparation - Plan and organize the exhibition event, including setting up interactive stations and preparing talking points for guiding visitors.	Activity 5: Final Reflection and Self-Assessment - Facilitate a reflection session where students assess their academic and socio-emotional growth, documenting their learning journey and project impact.
Deliverables	1. Deliverable 1: Completed Batting Cage - The fully constructed and functional batting cage ready for the 'Batting Cage Bash' event. 2. Deliverable 2: Interactive Presentation or Video Documentary - A comprehensive presentation or documentary capturing the project's journey, insights, and expected impact on the team's performance. 3. Deliverable 3: Final Reflection Report - A written or visual report reflecting on the students' learning experiences, challenges faced, and personal growth throughout the project.
Preparation	1. Teacher Preparation Task 1: Coordinate with facilities management for the final inspection of the batting cage, ensuring all safety standards are met. 2. Teacher Preparation Task 2: Provide technical support and resources for creating interactive presentations or video documentaries, including editing tools and equipment. 3. Teacher Preparation Task 3: Organize logistics for the 'Batting Cage Bash' event, including invitations, setup, and coordination with the school team and coach. 4. Teacher Preparation Task 4: Develop a reflection and self-assessment framework to guide students in evaluating their learning journey and project outcomes. 5. Teacher Preparation Task 5: Set up a system for collecting and reviewing final deliverables, providing feedback, and assessing student performance and growth.