Science of Hockey gives kids a chance for hands-on learning

The first third grader to get a chance to take a shot on the OhioHealth Ice Haus ice on Wednesday under the direction of a Blue Jackets staffer put the puck straight into the net, then broke into a big smile and put her arms in the air.
That's exactly the kind of reaction you could see all over the arena and its attached rink on the Science of Hockey Day, presented by AEP. Over the course of two such days this winter, the Blue Jackets welcomed more than 1,000 third through sixth graders downtown to show them a hands-on experience about how the science of hockey works -- and to have a little fun as well.
There was a lot to learn, and the kids did much of it with a stick in their hands, as the youngsters took shots into NHL nets, completed passes with Blue Jackets staffers and took faceoffs against one another. They also had the chance to check out authentic hockey gear like Elvis Merzlikins' goalie pads and a close-up look at how the Zamboni resurfaces the ice.

There is also a booklet that each child received with questions about the science behind each of those activities, a tour of Nationwide Arena, and at lunch, the kids learned about how members of the Blue Jackets' front office use science and technology in their daily lives.
"Part of the Blue Jackets' mission in the community is to provide no-cost education programs and remove barriers of exposure to our game," said Andee Boiman, director of fan development and community programs.
"By bringing kids here to Nationwide Arena on a field trip, not only are we providing an opportunity for most children to come into a sports arena where they may never have been before, but we're also helping to reinforce the learning that they are doing in school related to science, technology, engineering and math."
The day also brings together two causes near and dear to the Blue Jackets. The team's Future Goals -- Hockey Scholar™ online course is a unique tool that leverages the exciting game of hockey to teach science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) concepts to students in grades 4-8. This course, aligned to state science and math standards, also introduces students to STEM careers in hockey.
And one of the schools that participated in Wednesday's activities is Avondale Elementary, a partner of the Blue Jackets through their Adopt-A-School program. With visits, games, fundraisers and even a pen pal program, the Blue Jackets have formed a longstanding relationship with students in one of the city's most vulnerable neighborhoods.
With AEP covering the school's costs to take part in the event, Avondale participating in the Science of Hockey program allows the third graders at the school to build a deeper connection with the Blue Jackets.
"This gives them a hands-on understanding of how the puck moves, understanding how the Zamboni works," said Andy Nash, a third-grade teacher at Avondale. "It just piques all their interest, and it's a cool experience. A large portion of our kids haven't really experienced hockey in any other way besides maybe seeing it or hearing about it. To come down here and be able to see the arena and be able to see the practice ice and be able to actually do a slap shot, they love it."
That was clear from all the fun the kids were having as they moved from station to station and had a chance to see the intersection of science and hockey not just in a classroom but with a stick in their hands.
"I remember when I was a kid and if I could come out to a professional sports arena, pick up the equipment that professional athletes use and try to mimic what I see on the ice, it would be amazing," Boiman said. "To see these smiles on the kids' faces is priceless."