SAN JOSE, Calif. - The San Jose Earthquakes announced today the beginning of the first year of Earthquakes Sporting Geography, an educational curriculum created to allow students to closely follow the Earthquakes' travels during the season while learning about the other cities in MLS. The program, developed in partnership with Sporting Geography of Chesterfield, MO, was designed to develop and enhance student interest in U.S. geography.
Already, the Earthquakes have teamed with 75 Bay Area schools to launch the program in their classrooms. Over 3,000 students are signed up for the program. D.C. United first offered the program in 2004.
The Sporting Geography program includes curriculum packets that complement current social studies curriculums. Designed for students enrolled in grades four through eight, the program integrates subject areas through a common theme of geography and builds interests by linking school activities with professional sports. Through a series of 12 lesson plans (one for each MLS team), students learn about the geography and history of the various regions of the United States as they track the Earthquakes' travels to MLS cities.
Teachers interested in the San Jose Earthquakes Sporting Geography program may register by sending an email to register@sportinggeography.org. Lesson plans are available in both English and Spanish. More information on the program may be found by visiting www.sportinggeography.com or by calling San Jose Earthquakes Community Relations at 408-288-2614.
Sporting Geography was founded in 1988. In 1990, Geography Insights From Today's Sports, Inc., a non-profit organization, was founded to manage the not-for-profit program. Today, teams from across the United States participate in the program. Thousands of classrooms are reached each week through Sporting Geography materials and promotions.
