National Humanities Center — Humanities Education Programs

Sports in the Classroom

Sports have long reflected the social, political, economic, and cultural forces that shape human history. From the ancient Olympic Games to contemporary debates surrounding race, gender, labor, nationalism, and globalization, athletics provide meaningful opportunities for students to examine historical change and civic life through topics that are familiar and engaging.

Details

Dates
Thursday, October 15, 2026
Format
Location
North Andover, MA
Event type

This event is from National Humanities Center — confirm details there before registering.

Who it's for

Subjects

Topics

Webinar Details

Sports have long reflected the social, political, economic, and cultural forces that shape human history. From the ancient Olympic Games to contemporary debates surrounding race, gender, labor, nationalism, and globalization, athletics provide meaningful opportunities for students to examine historical change and civic life through topics that are familiar and engaging.

This webinar explores how sports can serve as a powerful lens for teaching humanities and social studies across K–16 classrooms. Participants will examine examples from history, literature, civics, economics, and cultural studies while exploring strategies that promote historical inquiry, critical thinking, and student engagement. Educators will leave with classroom-ready lessons, primary source activities, object-based learning approaches, and interdisciplinary projects that help students connect sports to larger historical and contemporary issues without sacrificing disciplinary rigor or standards-based instruction.

Descriptions on this page were excerpted from National Humanities Center's own published materials.