D-backs to host Science of Baseball and Stem Showcase this Friday, presented by Chase & Insight

PHOENIX -- The Arizona Diamondbacks (@Dbacks) will welcome more than 4,000 Arizona students and their families this Friday, Oct. 2 for the game against the Houston Astros as part of the second annual D-backs Science of Baseball STEM Showcase, presented by Chase and Insight. The entire main concourse and upper level at Chase Field will be filled with Arizona youth who are learning more about Science, Technology, Engineering and Math through a unique program that will be highlighted throughout the ballpark.

More than 22 schools have taken part in the program with 2,000 students and teachers participating in a pregame STEM parade on the field. Each of the pregame parade participants will receive a free D-backs Science of Baseball t-shirt, compliments of Chase. Before the game, Chase volunteers will be on site to hand out t-shirts while Chase and the Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation will present 10 STEM clubs and teachers with a $2,500 grant to support their projects, totaling $25,000. The list of recipients can be found below.

Throughout the ballpark this Friday, fans will be able to visit interactive exhibits and meet with experts in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. Several of the exhibits will be operated by STEM club students, teachers and families who will receive complimentary tickets from Chase. Volunteers from Chase and Insight will be distributing STEM Showcase maps at the gates and a robot created by students will be used for the Pepsi T-shirt Toss.

"We are excited to once again feature the amazing STEM projects that youth across the state have created through the Science of Baseball Program," said D-backs President & CEO Derrick Hall. "Last year's projects and displays were very impressive and we look forward to seeing even more innovation and creativity on display. The future of Arizona depends on our youth and the Science of Baseball program and STEM showcase and we are thrilled to work with our corporate partners Chase and Insight to invest in an area that will have a major impact for generations to come."

Students at the game will receive a workbook that allows them to learn STEM concepts in a fun and engaging way, including the science behind scoring, baseball statistics, geometry of the field, trajectory of a ball flight, engineering of the Chase Field retractable roof and the time it takes to cool the ballpark to its game time temperature of 78 degrees.

"STEM education is a powerful tool that is necessary to prepare young minds for the future," said Chase Middle Market Manager Curtis Reed. "We are proud to partner with the D-backs and Insight to help our youth show up to the workforce ready to succeed in the competitive jobs that will strengthen our economy."

"Insight is very proud to team up with the Arizona Diamondbacks and once again sponsor the STEM program," said Ken Lamneck, president and CEO of Insight Enterprises. "One of Insight's core values is supporting the communities we live in. Through this program, we are able to connect teachers with intelligent technology to help classrooms run smarter and inspire students to engage with cutting edge technology to enhance their daily learning experience."

Launched in 2013, the objective of the program is to promote STEM through classroom theory and practical applications of the sport of baseball. A university research-based curriculum was created that includes fifteen lesson plans that get kids engaged through interactive principles of the game of baseball. Taught by Science of Baseball Founder, University of Arizona Professor Ricardo Valerdi and engineering students, the curriculum will include classroom activities (demonstrations, films and clinics), athletic activities (drills, scrimmages and coaching) and take-home activities at the appropriate level for the targeted age groups.

This season, the D-backs Science of Baseball team has hosted STEM camps for teachers and students, with more scheduled before the end of the year. For more information, visit dbacks.com/scienceofbaseball.

Arizona Diamondbacks Foundation and Chase STEM Grant Recipients

Name of School                                  Town                           Program/Project

Alhambra Elementary School District     Phoenix   STEM Saturdays

Bogle Junior High                                  Chandler                       Print Your Creation

Billy Lane Lauffer Middle School Tucson                         Feeding the Future City

Bret R. Tarver Elementary School           Phoenix   Computer Lab

East Valley Institute of Technology         Mesa                           Robotic Engineering

Fourth Avenue Junior High School         Yuma                           Butterfly Garden

St. John Bosco Catholic School              Phoenix   Math Centers

Sweetwater Community School               Phoenix   Solar and Wind Power and Sustainable Homes           

Western Valley Middle School                Phoenix   Robotics

Westwood High School                         Mesa                           Western Robotics