The Green Bay Packers are not only a beloved NFL team but also hold the key to educating students about their home state, Wisconsin. By incorporating lessons on Wisconsin’s rich history, diverse culture, and breathtaking nature into your curriculum, you can make learning more engaging for your students. In this article, we’ll outline ways to teach children about the state through the lens of its famous football team.
1. Geography and Climate of Wisconsin:
Begin by discussing Wisconsin’s location in the Midwestern United States and its position between two Great Lakes: Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. Share how this location gives Wisconsin the advantage of having diverse landscapes such as rolling hills, sprawling forests, and more than 15,000 lakes. You can introduce climate and discuss how it affects both sports played in their outdoors.
2. The History and Civil Rights Movement in Wisconsin:
Next, explore the impact the state had during the Civil Rights Movement. For instance, Wisconsin had a leading role in pushing back against segregation with key figures such as Vel Phillips, who became the first African American woman to graduate from the University of Wisconsin Law School.
3. The Origins of Green Bay Packers:
Introduce your students to Green Bay Packers franchise’s storied history that dates back to 1919. Here you can discuss how Earl “Curly” Lambeau and George Calhoun founded it as a company team for Acme Packing Company. Explain how community ownership model makes them unique in professional sports arena.
4. Green Bay Packers’ Fan Culture
Discuss with your students how Packers fans are among some of the most passionate and loyal in professional sports world – giving them nicknames like “Cheeseheads.” Make connections between fans’ passion for their team and importance of support networks within larger context on community building.
5.Persistent Values:
Teach about Vince Lombardi’s leadership and its significance to the team’s success. This can link to a lesson on perseverance, teamwork, and goal-setting.
6. Teaching Environmental Awareness Through Lambeau Field:
Lambeau Field is more than just a stadium; it’s also an excellent teaching tool to illustrate sustainability in action. Point out the “Green Team” recycling program, usage of renewable energy sources, and their efficient waste management practices.
Conclusion:
The Green Bay Packers provide an engaging lens through which students can learn about their home state, Wisconsin. By intertwining sports history with social studies concepts such as geography or civil rights movement, teachers can create a captivating curriculum that encourages students to make meaningful connections with their environment and teaches them important life skills and values.
