Teaching Students About the 2015 Super Bowl
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The 2015 Super Bowl, also known as Super Bowl XLIX, was an exciting and dramatic event that captured the attention of football fans around the world. Widely considered one of the most unforgettable games in NFL history, it offers multiple learning opportunities for students. In this article, we will explore how teachers can use the 2015 Super Bowl as a springboard to teach students about history, sportsmanship, and culture.
Background: The Teams and the Game
In the 2015 Super Bowl, the New England Patriots faced off against the Seattle Seahawks. The Patriots were led by legendary quarterback Tom Brady, while the Seahawks were the defending champions, having won Super Bowl XLVIII the previous year. The game itself was a thrilling back-and-forth affair that culminated in a last-minute interception by Patriots rookie Malcolm Butler to clinch a 28-24 victory.
Teaching History: The Significance of 2015 Super Bowl
Discussing this historical game can be used as an opportunity to teach students about important aspects of American sports history. For example:
1. Tom Brady’s Legacy: With his fourth Super Bowl win and third Super Bowl MVP award in 2015, Brady solidified his reputation as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. Teachers can discuss how individual athletes can shape team success and how their personal careers impact sports history.
2. The NFL’s Growth: The 2015 Super Bowl set several viewership records at the time, with an estimated 114.4 million viewers tuning in live. This fact can start a conversation on how football has become one of America’s most popular pastimes and why many consider it to be a part of American culture.
Teaching Sportsmanship: Lessons from Players and Coaches
The way players and coaches carried themselves during the game can offer valuable lessons in sportsmanship and leadership. The following actions are examples that teachers can share with students:
1. Seattle’s Doug Baldwin: During the game, Baldwin was penalized for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty after his touchdown celebration. Teachers can discuss the importance of celebrating successes without demeaning or disrespecting opponents.
2. New England’s Bill Belichick: Belichick, the Patriots’ head coach, is known for his stoic demeanor and relentless drive to win. Discussing his coaching style can lead to a conversation about staying focused on goals and working hard to achieve them, as well as the role of emotions in competitive environments.
Teaching Culture: The Role of Media and Advertising
The Super Bowl is known not just for the game but also for its commercials which have become a cultural phenomenon in the United States. Teachers can use this aspect to explore how advertising shape’s public opinion and consumer behavior:
1. Analyzing Commercials: Show popular commercials from the 2015 Super Bowl broadcast and discuss their storylines, messages, and intended target audiences.
2. Addressing Controversy: Some commercials sparked debate about messages that support or challenge social norms, such as those touching on gender roles or race representations. Use these commercials as a jumping-off point for classroom discussions on these topics.
Conclusion
The 2015 Super Bowl offers an engaging way to explore American history, sportsmanship, and culture with students of all ages. By discussing the various aspects of this unforgettable event, teachers can create memorable lessons that are sure to leave a lasting impact on their students’ understanding and appreciation of football as more than just a sport but as a part of our collective cultural identity.