Have you ever wondered how Khris Davis can launch a home run 400 feet? Or how Blake Treinen’s sinker gets its movement? The game of baseball is an art form, but the science behind the game is just as fascinating.

To get Bay Area youth engaged in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) subjects, while also encouraging a love for baseball, the A’s and Chevron have teamed up to provide a Science of Baseball program in the Bay Area. The program teaches students the science behind pitches, launch angles, and power hitting using baseball-themed activities.

Science of Baseball is designed for sixth through eighth-grade classes. Through the program, teachers receive a training course, a 15-lesson STEM curriculum, a full classroom set of materials to implement the baseball-themed STEM curriculum and an opportunity to attend a STEM Education Day as a class at the Coliseum.

“The game of baseball is a great vehicle to teach science and math skills in a fun and engaging way,” A’s vice president of community Catherine Aker said. “Our Science of Baseball program allows students to understand and apply the subjects in real-world situations, while also growing their passion for the sport.”

“If you continue building your skills in science, technology, engineering, and math, we would love to hire you when you are older,” said Rhonda Morris, vice president of human resources at Chevron. “It’s not just a project, and it’s not just about baseball. It’s about you getting a job working for us in the future.”

During the A’s annual FanFest in January, the club hosted a STEM Showcase featuring 14 students from four schools in the East Bay. Students who participate in the A’s Science of Baseball program, presented by Chevron, were able to showcase their science projects on topics learned from the program. A’s pitcher Ryan Buchter served as a guest judge, where he helped score projects on topics like data analysis, statistics, and pitching speed. The grand prize winner won an autographed baseball and four vouchers to a 2019 A’s home game. The winning teacher received a $3,000 DonorsChoose.org gift card to purchase classroom supplies, courtesy of Chevron.

A week later, the A’s hosted more than 40 Bay Area teachers for a Science of Baseball teacher training at its headquarters in Jack London Square. Teachers tested launch angles using a sling shot and stepped into the batting cage to measure their force -- demonstrations that they can then bring to students in their classrooms.

Later this season, the club will host teachers and students participating in the Science of Baseball program at the Coliseum to continue to grow their passion for baseball and STEM education.

To learn more about this exciting and engaging program, visit the Community section of athletics.com and click on Education.