Ravens' John Urschel, Texas Instruments launch STEM program

The first program, “Field Goal for the Win!” is a free activity for students using TI-84 Plus and related calculators.

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John Urschel is continuing to inspire not only on the field, but also in the classroom. The Baltimore Ravens offensive lineman is teaming up with Texas Instruments, the creator of all the graphing calculators you used in school. Together, they plan to introduce new sports related activities for the TI-84 Plus family of graphing calculators with the hope to inspire students to explore the STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) in sports, with their program, STEM Behind Sports.

Excited to team up with @TICalculators to explore the STEM behind sports! https://t.co/DWYXpFoGSz #MathFTW #ad pic.twitter.com/gOHoziK9VI

— John Urschel (@JohnCUrschel) July 11, 2016

The first program, “Field Goal for the Win!” is a free activity for students using TI-84 Plus and related calculators. The game makes students look at the math and science behind scoring a perfect field goal. In the game students look at the relationship of time, distance and elevation, while building reasoning skills and discussing why a kick fell short or was good.

"Math isn't just about solving problems in class, it's training to solve the problems we face in life" - @JohnCUrschel #MondayMotivation

— Texas Instruments Education (@TICalculators) July 11, 2016

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Urschel is excited to be involved and help kids fall in love with math like he has. “Math isn’t just about solving problems in the classroom,” he said in a statement. “The connection between STEM and sports is a powerful one and understand this connection will help students succeed on the filed and off of it.” The linebacker knows a thing or two about succeeding off the field, as he is currently getting his Ph.D. in mathematics at MIT and is already a published mathematician.

This also isn’t Urschel’s first adventure into encouraging math in everyday life. In June, Urschel joined forces with Persado to show how math can be applicable to modern marketing.

There will be more programs being developed for the TI-84 Plus graphing calculator over the coming months, including ones based on running and swimming.