Objective: By the end of the lesson, students should understand the roots of baseball in America, the development of the game through time, and the critical elements of the modern game, including the roles of the players and the rules of the game.

Materials: - Textbook or articles on the history of baseball - American Historical Society’s Great American Baseball Stats Book - Chalk/Whiteboard/Projector

Warm-up Question (10 min): Have the students brainstorm answers to the following question, discussing the responses together as a class: What do you believe to be the origin of baseball in America?

Lecture (25 min): Provide an overview of the history of the game in America, beginning with its roots in England and the influence of both children’s and adult games on the modern version of the game. After discussing the Initial Rules of the Game, introduced by Alexander Cartwright in 1845, discuss the changes and adaptations that occurred during the nineteenth century.

Discussion (15 min): Break the class into small groups to discuss the changes they think have permitted baseball to remain such a popular game. Ask them to identify elements that have enabled the game to remain popular.

Video (20 min): Show a baseball game (MLB or minor league) using the projector. After watching the game, ask the students to discuss the roles of the players, the important critics, and the rules of the game.

Closing (5 min): Discuss the importance of baseball in American culture and society throughout history.

Assessment: Have students write a short essay discussing the history of baseball in America and how it has impacted current players, coaches, and fans.