The National Basketball Association (NBA) and Discovery Education — the global edtech leader whose digital resources spark student curiosity — invite students and teachers across the country to join Game Plan for the Future: A Virtual Field Trip with the NBA. Premiering Thursday, April 18, 2024 at 1:00 PM ET, this free virtual field trip for grades 3–8 explores how STEM concepts are being applied to design more sustainable arenas and workplaces, and how students can channel their interest in sustainability to improve the communities where they live.
This interactive virtual field trip takes participating students behind the scenes of LEED Gold–certified facilities operated by the Golden State Warriors and the Orlando Magic. Students will discover how energy-efficient systems, sustainable building materials, waste reduction measures, and innovative technologies make these arenas more environmentally friendly and improve quality of life for nearby residents in San Francisco and downtown Orlando. The experience continues at the NBA headquarters in New York City, where League staff share how the NBA supports arena sustainability efforts across the organization. Students will also hear from Orlando Magic forward Franz Wagner, who discusses his personal commitment to protecting the environment for future generations.
Educators can register for this complimentary event through the Game Plan for the Future registration page. A set of educator resources aligned to the event — designed for use before, during, and after the virtual field trip — helps teachers integrate the experience into classroom instruction and strengthen learning connections to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM).
“The NBA is excited to show students how STEM skills are shaping the Earth-friendly arenas of tomorrow,” said NBA Vice President of Social Responsibility Barbara Bush. “This behind-the-scenes look at NBA facilities is designed to inspire students to connect classroom STEM lessons to real-world careers that help build brighter futures for our communities and our planet.”
After its premiere on April 18, 2024, Game Plan for the Future: A Virtual Field Trip with the NBA will remain available on the NBA Channel inside the Discovery Education Experience platform. Hosting the program on Discovery Education’s award-winning learning platform ensures teachers and students can access the field trip alongside other classroom-ready STEM and sustainability resources.
Game Plan for the Future is the latest offering from the NBA’s multi-year collaboration with Discovery Education. That partnership has produced a library of dynamic resources — immersive virtual field trips, interactive classroom tools, interviews with professionals, and career-focused videos — all intended to connect students’ curiosity about basketball to classroom subjects and future-ready skills. The collaboration supplies educators with content that supports engagement, deepens understanding, and encourages students to explore STEM and sustainability careers.
“Discovery Education is proud to partner with the NBA to bring this free, unique learning experience to teachers and students,” said Discovery Education Vice President of Digital Content Robin Porter. “Experiences like this ignite student curiosity across many subjects, and we welcome educators to participate in the virtual field trip to inspire classroom learning.”
For more information about Discovery Education’s digital resources, professional learning solutions, and other classroom tools that support STEM, sustainability education, and career exploration, visit Discovery Education’s website. Discovery Education offers a wide range of award-winning content and instructional supports designed to help educators deliver equitable, engaging learning experiences.
About Discovery Education
Discovery Education is a worldwide leader in educational technology. Its digital platform provides multimedia content, instructional supports, and classroom tools that help teachers create inclusive and engaging learning experiences. Serving millions of educators and students around the globe, Discovery Education partners with schools, districts, and trusted organizations to deliver solutions that support higher academic achievement and prepare students with 21st century skills. The company’s resources are used internationally to advance learning in STEM, literacy, career readiness, and more.
About the NBA
The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a global sports and media organization that aims to inspire and connect people around the world through basketball. Built around five professional leagues — the NBA, WNBA, NBA G League, NBA 2K League and the Basketball Africa League — the NBA reaches fans in hundreds of countries and territories and supports a large, diverse global community. NBA Cares, the League’s social responsibility platform, partners with community organizations worldwide to address critical issues in education, inclusion, youth and family development, and health and wellness.