Math and hockey combine in Saskatoon
Some students in and around Saskatoon might not be sure if they'll get sent to the principal's office or the penalty box because of new math curriculum based around hockey.
"Hockey is definitely part of their everyday life. The interest level is there already and when they're engaged to begin with, then the academic part fits right in," said David Crowell, the principal at King George School in Saskatoon and a minor hockey coach.
The new curriculum, sponsored by Cameco, means students will deal with ratios, percentages and even geometry problems involving hockey.
"I think it's great because I really love hockey and math. I am excellent at math," said Jasper Schroell, a Grade 6 student at King George School.
The curriculum will be introduced to around 15,000 Grade 5-8 students in Saskatoon and some schools in the Prairie Spirit School Division. Each class that participates will receive free tickets to a University Cup hockey game in Saskatoon this March.
Schroell, who plays right wing on the King George School hockey team, has never been to a university hockey game and was very excited to go.
Crowell said if students respond well, the hockey-based curriculum will become a permanent part of the math program.
"I think it is here to stay and it's a great way to kick it off by having the CIS event, but it certainly doesn't need the (University Cup part of the curriculum) to continue," said Crowell.