What was I thinking?!? I booked flights right in the middle of the SEC men’s basketball championship game. I boarded, stowed luggage, and streamed as much action as possible before the flight attendant closed the doors and made everyone turn their cell phones off. Those who know me know I’m a huge Kentucky Wildcats fan. So, naturally, the first thing I did after landing was check on the score…Kentucky over Arkansas. In the words of Dick Vitale, basketball sportscaster, “Yeah, baby!”

As, I think back through Kentucky’s season and get ready to join the nation in “March Madness” and “Bracket “Fever,” I’m drawn to so many potential ways educators can use the tournament to teach lessons in new and more interesting ways. Let’s take a look at my top six.

1. Selflessness and Team-Building

Sports analysts often tout Kentucky, a basketball powerhouse, even before they play their first pre-season game. Sometimes, however, the players never gel as a team. This year they did. I’ve seen countless times where players adeptly passed the ball among themselves, took time to set up the play, and gave up personal glory for the benefit of the team. As we watch teams play, have students identify which team played most like a team. Ask them to cite specific examples to justify and defend their position.

2. Geography and Travel Awareness

There are always four regions in the NCAA. The final four teams are the winners from each region. Divide students up into regions and have them work together to figure out which team would have to travel the furthest in order to reach the final four in Indianapolis, IN. What would their trip cost them and how did they arrive at that figure? Then have them report their results. Next, task them with seeing who can come up with the most economical way to get from your school to the final four.

3. History and Sports Records

Taking a look at the top seeds, Kentucky, Villanova, Duke, and Wisconsin, ask the students to research the historical records set by each team. Encourage them to look beyond the number of conference or national championships. What can they dig up about things like the number of Naismith winners or the best fan bases?

4. Offense, Defense, Platoons, and Deep Benches

Students learn about offense and defense in physical education. Many times, they don’t connect PE learning to real-life scenarios. Have students research different types of offense/defense, platoon structures, and what it means for teams to have a “deep bench.” Then, apply that knowledge as they set up their own imaginary company that sells basketball shoes. How will they sell their shoes in an already saturated market (offense)? How will they defend against competitors? How will they ensure they have enough product to make a profit (deep benches)?

5. Bracket-ology

NCAA championship brackets lend themselves to great lessons about predictability, probability, outcomes, odds and wagers, etc. But, when we look deeper, we find a perfect platform for getting students interested in university life. For example, if they were going to attend one of the 64 colleges and universities that made it to the “big dance,” which one would they chose and why? Or, if they put all of the coaches on the brackets instead of the teams, why would they want to play for one coach over any of the others?

6. Mascots and Music

Research tells us that many at-risk students have an artisan temperament. Help these students to engage by giving them alternative lessons such as writing a new fight song for one of the schools or drawing a new mascot. Remember, they need to justify their words, style of music, color, and graphical choices with information directly related to their chosen school. I’m sure there are probably dozens more ways to use “March Madness” and “Bracket Fever” with your students. Hopefully, this list gets you started and pumped up about the potential. For me, I’m off to watch the selection show, fill out my bracket predictions, and be thankful that my return trip happens before tip-off of the first game.