Pro football player John Urschel helps students score in maths & science

Field Goal for the Win! encourages students to explore the maths and science behind a well-executed field goal to make the game-winning play. Students can build reasoning skills by visualising the flight of a field goal, observing relationships of time, distance and elevation and discussing why the kick was good or fell short.

Urschel, a 6ft 3", 305lb offensive lineman, is uniquely suited to help students make these calculations. He is getting his Ph.D. in mathematics at MIT when he's not dominating the gridiron. Urschel is all the proof students need to see they can be good at athletics and academics.

"Math isn't just about solving problems in the classroom, it's an exercise in training to help students solve the problems we face in life," said Urschel. "The connection between STEM and sports is a powerful one and understanding this connection will help students succeed on the field and off of it."

STEM Behind Sports is sure to score with students, parents and teachers, helping them see how maths and science can span from the classroom, to the football field and beyond. Other activities in the series will explore the STEM behind running, cycling and swimming.

"Texas Instruments is honoured to partner with John Urschel, a brilliant mathematician and gifted athlete who can help us reach students in new ways," said Peter Balyta, Ph.D., President of TI Education Technology. "He gives us the muscle to broaden the appeal of STEM subjects and equip young people with the critical thinking and problem solving skills they need for a changing world."

Get in the game at STEMBehindSports.com.