While each program has suggested grade levels, the program topics and supplemental materials can be adapted to meet those grade levels not included. Each program will touch on the Pro Football Hall of Fame's mission and values. Please contact us at [email protected] to learn how this can be arranged.
**Materials are updated for the 2023-24 school year**
1. The Story of Pro Football - This program examines the "museum concept" brought to life through the use of priceless artifacts and historical documents, which illustrates the museum approach of conveying the history of pro football through artifacts/documents. The program includes a discussion on Northeast Ohio's historic ties to Pro Football and why the Hall of Fame is in Canton, Ohio. The 50-minute program which is designed to be highly interactive, is supplemented by a lesson aligned with Common Core/National Standards of Education and is recommended for grades K-12.
Supplemental Materials:
• Supplemental video
2. Careers in the NFL – This program examines the importance of education and the hundreds of careers available in and around the National Football League. A career video, which examines a wide variety of careers with the San Francisco 49ers organization, is shown during this session. The 50-minute program, which is designed to be highly interactive, is supplemented by a lesson aligned with Common Core/National Standards of Education and is recommended for grades 5-12.
Supplemental Materials:
• Classroom activity
• Supplemental Video
3. African American Trailblazers – This program examines the contributions of African American pioneers in pro football, beginning in 1904 with the signing of Charles Follis to modern day players and coaches. The 50-minute program, which is designed to be highly interactive, is supplemented by a lesson aligned with Common Core/National Standards of Education and is recommended for grades 5-12.
Supplemental Materials:
• Classroom activity
• Supplemental Video
4. The Kansas Comet’s Roommate – This program examines the relationship between Hall of Famer GALE SAYERS and his teammate Brian Piccolo. Not only will students examine the historical implications of being one of the first black/white roommates in the NFL, but also the character traits each of these players displayed in order to overcome adversity both on and off the field. A segment from the TV movie Brian's Song will be shown to reinforce the topic. The 50-minute program, which is designed to be highly interactive, is supplemented by a lesson aligned with Common Core/National Standards of Education and is recommended for grades 5-12.
Supplemental Materials:
• Classroom activity
• Supplemental Video
5. What’s with NFL Team Nicknames? – This program examines NFL team histories and how team nicknames were selected and the meaning behind those. Students will learn that not all teams are named from fan polls. Some team nicknames are deeply woven into the history of the communities or the geographic region in which they reside. The 50-minute program, which is designed to be highly interactive, is supplemented by a lesson aligned with Common Core/National Standards of Education and is recommended for grades 4-12.
Supplemental Materials:
• Classroom activity
• Supplemental Video
6. Visual Art and the Hall of Fame Experience – This program examines the architectural features of the museum in addition to sculptures, paintings, prints, photographs, videography and commercial/graphic art. Students will learn ways these works of art help visitors understand and appreciate various aspects of historical and social contexts related to museum displays. The 50-minute program, which is designed to be highly interactive, is supplemented by a lesson aligned with Common Core/National Standards of Education and is recommended for grades 6-12.
Supplemental Materials:
• Classroom activity
• Supplemental Video
7. Media and the NFL – This program examines the role of television in the history of the NFL and its impact on viewers. Students will receive an overview of the history of television in the NFL and gain knowledge about the growth of the NFL through television. The topic will also examine the growth of Super Bowl advertising and TV ratings. The 50-minute program, which is designed to be highly interactive, is supplemented by a lesson aligned with Common Core/National Standards of Education and is recommended for grades 7-12.
Supplemental Materials:
• Classroom activity
• Supplemental Video
8. Movement & Motion – This program examines the relationship of science and the game of professional football. Straight line movement, zig-zags, circular motion, back & forth, pushing & pulling - all movements that influence the sport. This 50-minute program, which is designed to be highly interactive, is supplemented by a lesson aligned with Common Core/National Standards of Education and is recommended for grades 1-5.
Supplemental Materials:
9. Rule Changes – This program examines the storied history of the NFL and the rule changes. From the scoring system to the forward pass to the "Grid Iron", the game of football has changed in many ways since it has begun. Students will problem solve and see how these changes have affected America's most popular sport. This 50-minute program, which is designed to be highly interactive, is supplemented by a lesson aligned with Common Core/National Standards of Education and is recommended for grades 5-12.
Supplemental Materials:
• Classroom Activity
• Supplemental Video
10. Women in Football –
This program examines the influence women have had on the NFL – America’s favorite game. From CEO’s to coaches to players, your students will learn about a multitude of women who have had a significant impact on and off the football field. This 50-minute program, which is designed to be highly interactive, is supplemented by a lesson aligned with Common Core/National Standards of Education and is recommended for grades 5-12.
Supplemental Materials:
• Classroom Activity
• Supplemental Video
11. Dual Sport Stars –
This program examines current and former football players who not only excelled on the gridiron – but the court, diamond, pitch, ring and track as well. Students will learn that it’s possible to succeed at the highest level in multiple sports. This 50-minute program, which is designed to be highly interactive, is supplemented by a lesson aligned with Common Core/National Standards of Education and is recommended for grades 5-12.
Supplemental Materials:
• Classroom Activity
• Supplemental Video
12. Walter Payton Man of the Year – This program examines the importance of character education and giving back to one’s community. The Walter Payton Man of the Year is an annual award given out to one current NFL Player who goes above and beyond off the field – helping their community. This program takes this award and looks at specific winners and what they did for their community, showing how even as students, everyone can make a difference. The 50-minute program, which is designed to be highly interactive, is supplemented by a lesson aligned with Common Core/National Standards of Education and is recommended for grades 5-12.
Supplemental Materials:
• Classroom Activity
• Supplemental Video
13. The History of the Black College Football Hall of Fame and Historically Black Colleges and Universities – This program will overview the historical significance of the Black College Football Hall of Fame (BCFHOF) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) on and off the field. Students will learn about the history of the BCFHOF and its founders James “Shack” Harris and Doug Williams. Students will also learn about the history of HBCU’s and members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame who attended these universities. The 50-minute program, which is designed to be highly interactive, is supplemented by a lesson aligned with Common Core/National Standards of Education and is recommended for grades 5-12.
Supplemental Materials:
• Classroom Activity
• Supplemental Video
14. NFL Team History – This program gives all students the chance to learn about their favorite team! You will learn about how the team got to where they are today while looking at the history of their team, their stadium, famous moments, top players from their organization and the impact the team has had on their community. Each presentation will also look at specific Hall of Famers who made an impact for that organization as well as the game as a whole. The 30-minute program, which is designed to be highly interactive, is supplemented by a lesson aligned with Common Core/National Standards of Education and is recommended for grades 3-8.
Supplemental Materials:
• Classroom Activity
• Supplemental Video
15. Hall of Fame History and Selection Process – This program is going to dive into the history of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and how the building that houses the bronze busts of the greatest to ever be involved in professional football came to be. It will discuss the connection to the city of Canton, Ohio and all of the changes the building has gone through. This program will also answer one of the most asked questions the Hall of Fame gets – how do you become a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame? Our excellent museum staff will answer this question for you! The 50-minute program, which is designed to be highly interactive, is supplemented by a lesson aligned with Common Core/National Standards of Education and is recommended for grades 5-12.
Supplemental Materials:
• Classroom Activity
• Supplemental Video
Pre-Recorded Resource:
16. Pro Football Hall of Fame Virtual Scavenger Hunt – This program is designed to take your students inside the Pro Football Hall of Fame museum – as if they were actually visiting! Our Youth, Education & Leadership staff will take your students on a “virtual” scavenger hunt, where the students will learn about the history of professional football. Students will be able to answer questions as they pop up during the video and can fill out their own answer sheet (The Hall of Fame will provide the link for both the video and answer sheet upon registration). The program, is supplemented by a lesson aligned with Common Core/National Standards of Education and is recommended for grades K-6 and 6-12. To receive the link to this free resource, please email us at [email protected].
Supplemental Materials:
• Classroom Activity
• Supplemental Video
For more supplemental classroom activities and/or ideas for custom made programs, please view our Teacher Activity Guide
For more information contact our Youth, Education & Leadership team at [email protected]