Primary school students across the Geelong region can watch their beloved Geelong Cats in action from their classroom, while learning valuable maths and science skills at the same time.
BioLAB and the Geelong Football Club have launched a new online resource for primary school students called BioCATS Stats Crunch with Patrick Dangerfield.
The maths challenge is aimed at Grade 5/6 students and is part of the popular BioCATS school program. It allows students to become sports statisticians for the day, using their maths skills to analyse the performance of Geelong Cat Patrick Dangerfield.
The new resource which will be distributed to all primary schools in the G21 region, is aimed at supporting primary school students to apply their mathematical skills to real life scenarios.
In the BioCATS Stats Crunch, students join the Cats’ Sport Science Team to analyse Dangerfield’s performance during a game. Students will collect Dangerfield’s marking, handballing and kicking data before using their maths skills to analyse and measure his performance.
Proudly sponsored by Bisinella Developments, BioCATS is an experiential learning program which gives students the opportunity to go into the inner sanctum of the Geelong Cats where they learn about the science, mathematics and health benefits of sport participation, including football.
BioCATS was designed in 2012 by BioLAB: The Victorian BioScience Education Centre in partnership with the Geelong Football Club.
Since then, more than 10,000 Grade Five and Six school students from Geelong and beyond have taken part in the program.
The one-day BioCATS program is usually run by BioLAB as a hands-on educational excursion at the Deakin Cats Community Centre located at the GMHBA Stadium. In response to the COVID-19 restrictions it has been tailored for remote and classroom-based learning so Victorian students can continue to experience the program.
The fun, interactive program introduces thousands of primary school students across the state to the science and maths of football.
It also offers students the opportunity to participate in dynamic educational challenges, using problem solving, statistical analysis and observation skills to learn about the science and maths of football and career pathways in sport.
The unique program also teaches students about the benefits of sport and leading a healthy lifestyle.
Bisinella’s Development Manager Richard Bisinella said it was fantastic news BioCATS had been adapted for remote learning.
“With the start of the new season just around the corner, this is an exciting opportunity for young fans to re live some memorable footy moments, while learning valuable skills at the same time.”
“BioCATS provides students with a unique insight into the science and maths that goes on behind the scenes at the Geelong Football Club. It also allows students the opportunity to learn important skills in a fun and interactive way.”
Sarah Albon, Geelong Cats’ General Manager of Community said “the club is always looking to make a positive difference in the lives of young people, and joining with BioLAB and Bisniella further enhances the work we do”.
“This will see schools within our region embed our programs and practices and inspire kids to take positive action to enhance their health and wellbeing.”
BioLAB Director Yvonne Van Der Ploeg said “Stats Crunch is the first of four online BioCATS resources that will be released to schools in 2020”.
We look forward to releasing more online BioCATS resources to Victorian schools throughout Term Three.”
For more information about BioCATS or the Stats Crunch with Patrick Dangerfield visit: https://www.biolab.vic.edu.au/biocats-stats-crunch-with-pat-dangerfield/