Nearly 1,000 fifth graders from local elementary schools gathered on University of the Pacific’s Stockton Campus for the 18th Annual Math Steeplechase, a long-running tradition bringing STEM to life through hands-on activities and collaborative challenges. 

The event is hosted by Benerd College, the Department of Mathematics and Pacific Athletics. During the half-day program, students rotate through three interactive stations, including a math-a-thon competition, science experiment and an athletic challenge.

New this year, staff from the San Francisco 49ers Foundation joined the lineup to facilitate the science portion titled “Forces of Football Flight,” a collaboration supported through Pacific’s role as the official higher education partner of the 49ers.

“The Math Steeplechase is a great way to connect with the local community and give children the opportunity to experience Pacific,” said Kyle Harkness, assistant dean of operations for Benerd College.

“With nearly 1,000 fifth graders joining us from around the Central Valley for this year’s competition, the program has nearly doubled in size since its inception in 2007. This field trip may be a child’s first experience with Pacific, and we want to make sure they have a great day filled with teamwork and a little healthy competition.”

At the heart of the event is the math competition where small groups of students work together to solve complex math problems in a matter of minutes in order to bring home the victor’s cup for their school. Professor Dennis Parker in the Department of Mathematics designs each problem to align with fifth-grade math standards and promote critical thinking and student communication.

The athletics rotation encouraged movement and teamwork through warm-up drills and a spirited game of “Rob the Nest” facilitated by Pacific student-athletes.

At the science station, students worked in teams to design and build footballs using everyday materials like construction paper, bubble wrap and cotton balls. By testing different construction methods, students explored how to make their footballs travel the farthest. The lesson introduced students to the four key principles of flight—lift, gravity, thrust and drag—and how those concepts apply to the game of football.

“Sometimes people think that when you see football and education, you're learning about how to play the game, but there's a lot more to it,” said Manager for 49ers EDU Sara Jin. 

“It’s about getting the kids to understand that to catch and throw a football, there are forces that apply. There’s science, there's math, there are all these different things that apply to the game of football. We hope the students have fun and realize that learning is in everything that you do.”

Beyond the structured activities, the event also offered students an opportunity to step away from screens and engage in hands-on learning. Parents noted the value of giving children a chance to be active outside the classroom.

Students echoed that enthusiasm. “It’s fun! I feel creative and free,” said Landon, a fifth-grade student from EPIC Academy.

John Muir Elementary School claimed the overall math-a-thon title and was awarded the victor’s cup trophy, while K.I. Jones Elementary School finished in second place, followed by Brookside Elementary School in third.