[SOURCE: NHL.com/ducks]

In what is becoming an annual outreach, 29 HIU volunteers from both the undergraduate and graduate Education programs participated in the Anaheim Ducks' First Flight Field Trip. For the past 17 years, the First Flight Field Trip has provided approximately 15,000 local school children the opportunity to think about math and science in fun new ways by turning the ice hockey arena at the Honda Center into the largest classroom in Southern California.

This year's theme — "Cool Like Ice" — introduced school kids to the science behind the design and construction of an ice hockey rink and the important role ice engineers play in making sure the ice surface is prepared properly. Over 200 volunteers from local colleges, community and corporate organizations help to make the event a success. 

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.

This free annual event presents a new and engaging theme for participants each year. The curriculum used is part of the team’s Scholastic Curriculum of Recreation and Education (S.C.O.R.E) program. Educational concepts are taught by Ducks’ hockey players and coaches. First Flight Field Trip has been 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 event’s coverage of academic principles is designed to meet the state’s educational content standards for grades 3-6 but is appropriate for students and adults of all ages.

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