[SOURCE: NHL.com/ducks]

For the fourth consecutive year, Hope International University participated in the Anaheim Ducks' First Flight Field Trip. The annual event provides approximately 16,000 local school children the opportunity to think about math and science in fun new ways by turning the Honda Center into the largest classroom in Southern California. 49 HIU volunteers – 43 students and 6 faculty – hosted a hands-on exhibit for the students this year.

The First Flight Field Trip encourages students to engage and explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) through a variety of activities and demonstrations. This year, "Build a Better Puck" was geared to help students think about the engineering process by taking a closer look at an ice hockey puck. The First Flight Field Trip discussed all aspects of the puck including its weight, shape, material, and size. Students explored this information along with their knowledge of math and science to try to engineer an improved puck for hockey players, like the Ducks, using cutting-edge technology. STEAM education is a fundamental part of the Anaheim Ducks S.C.O.R.E. program and is utilized to ignite students' interest and passion in these fields.

Recognized as an educational event for all ages by the California State Assembly and as a contributor to informal education by the National Science Teachers' Association, the First Flight Field Trip is completely free to participating schools and students, and the curriculum has been designed to meet the state's educational content standards for grades 3-6. The S.C.O.R.E. program is the primary beneficiary of the Anaheim Ducks Foundation. It was developed in 2005 with the goal of promoting and cultivating healthy living and academic excellence to all students in Southern California.

HIU alum Jason Cooper (MA ‘09) serves as the Anaheim Ducks Fan Development Coordinator and coordinates this event as well as other educational outreach events put on by the Anaheim Ducks. The entire Anaheim Ducks staff, including players and coaching staff, conduct interactive activities that teach engaging science lessons at the one-of-a-kind event.

For more on this year’s First Flight event, click here.