STCC welcomes Springfield middle-schoolers for ‘physics of basketball’

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – About 75 students from three Springfield middle schools recently had a chance to apply a physics lesson to the game of basketball. 

In a partnership between Springfield Technical Community College and Springfield Public Schools, students from Alfred G. Zanetti Montessori Magnet School, Forest Park Middle School and Van Sickle Academy on Jan. 16 participated in an event dubbed “the physics of basketball.”

The youngsters heard an engaging lecture from Professor Zahi Haddad, a calculus teacher and chair of the Engineering and Science Transfer program at STCC. After the class, they went to the college’s gymnasium and worked on drills with STCC basketball team members.

Lidya Rivera-Early, director of community engagement at STCC who organized the event, said STCC is proud to have partnered with the public schools and expose students to a college campus at an early age. The students might not have thought about a connection between an extra-curricular activity and academics, she said.

“The students were engaged in the classroom just as much as they were in the gym,” Rivera-Early said. “When they were playing, they were not just shooting at baskets. They were applying what they learned in the classroom.

“It was a great success. With Springfield being the birthplace of basketball, we thought, why not teach kids about the science that’s behind one of the most popular sports?” Rivera-Early said. “We thought this would be a great opportunity for the students to take part in a fun program that we will offer through ‘College for Kids’ this summer.”

The summer program College for Kids at STCC exposes participants between 11 and 17 to learning opportunities available in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) fields. Some of the programs focus on sports and arts.

When they were playing, they were not just shooting at baskets. They were applying what they learned in the classroom. Lidya Rivera-Early, Director of community engagement at STCC

In his classroom lecture, Haddad demonstrated how an understanding of physics can help sink a three-pointer from mid-court. Using a whiteboard, he drew illustrations of angles and curves. The professor showed students online videos of basketball stars making shots. Haddad noted some players might use different angles to make up for a lack of height.

“If you look at Stephen Curry, he jumps in the air, so his feet give him that extra momentum. Every time he takes a shot, his angle is about 55 degrees,” Haddad said. “If you watch Ray Allen, he’s taller. He shoots at a 48 degree angle. There’s science to what they are doing.”

Haddad said the lessons of physics can apply to a wide range of jobs, including ones related to professional sports. Haddad told students that starting at STCC after high school is a smart investment. As one of the most affordable institutions in the region, STCC offers programs that put students on the path to rewarding careers.

“Not everyone’s going to be a professional athlete,” he said. “But you can be the person designing the equipment. There’s an art and science to that. If you’re designing sneakers, you want to make sure there’s a cushion there, so not all the weight is going to the knees when they land.”

STCC basketball player Devon Pellerin, who went to Springfield Central High School, said he enjoyed practicing drills with the middle-school students.

“I was happy to do it,” he said. “One thing I like about STCC is we’re a family. We are all together.”

Dwayne Early, athletic director for the Springfield Public Schools, thanked STCC for hosting the event for the middle school students.

“I think it’s a really great event. It will give the kids a chance to get out and see the academics that are involved in sports,” he said. “They get both the academic and athletic said, and it’s really an enriching experience for young middle school students.”

Interested in applying to STCC? Visit stcc.edu/apply or call Admissions at (413) 755-3333.

About Springfield Technical Community College

Founded in 1967 and located on 35 acres of the Springfield Armory National Historic Site, STCC is a major resource for the economic vitality of Western Massachusetts. As the only technical community college in Massachusetts, STCC offers a variety of career programs unequalled in the state. STCC’s highly regarded transfer programs in business, advanced manufacturing, healthcare, liberal arts, and STEM fields continue to provide the most affordable options for students pursuing a four-year degree. With an annual enrollment of about 7,000 day, evening, weekend, and online students, STCC is a vibrant campus rich in diversity.

For more information about STCC, visit www.stcc.edu. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@S_T_C_C) and Instagram (@stccpics).

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, jdanko@stcc.edu, (413) 755-4812

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