Article
National Association of Collegiate Esports

E-sports Excitement

At schools across the country, teams of students play competitive video games

By Jennifer Hackett
From the Special Collections Issue

Learning Objective: Students will subtract numbers within 1,000 using strategies based on place value.

Lexile: 690L; 500L

Courtesy of Amy Whitlock

Kyle Bautista

Kyle Bautista plays a sport. He started when he was 14 years old. He practices with his teammates and competes in tournaments.

But Kyle’s team doesn’t meet in a gym or on a field. Kyle plays e-sports, or competitive video gaming, for his high school in Oswego, Illinois. They play a game called League of Legends.

Kyle, now 18, joined the team when he was a freshman. Before he joined the team, he had never played e-sports. “I went in knowing that I loved playing video games,” he says. “A competitive team was a fun new step.”

Since Kyle joined the team, e-sports have really taken off. More than 1,200 schools have registered e-sports teams. About 200 colleges offer scholarships to e-sports players. But to some, the idea of e-sports sounds strange. People are often confused when Kyle’s coach, Amy Whitlock, mentions e-sports.

Kyle Bautista plays a sport. He practices with teammates. He also competes in tournaments.

But Kyle’s team doesn’t meet in a gym. They don’t play on a field. Kyle plays e-sports. This is competitive video gaming. Kyle plays for his high school in Oswego, Illinois. They play a game called League of Legends.

Kyle joined the team when he was a freshman. He was 14 years old then. Now he is 18. He had never played e-sports before. “I knew I loved playing video games,” he says. “A team was a fun new step.”

E-sports have really grown in recent years. More than 1,200 schools have e-sports teams. About 200 colleges offer scholarships to e-sports players.

Courtesy of Blizzard Games

Overwatch has 30 playable characters.

“I explain that the players are not just video game players. They’re athletes,” she says. Whitlock coaches her team to work together during games. She also gives them mental exercises to help them focus while competing.

“E-sports can be for everyone,” Whitlock says. Unlike traditional sports, teams aren’t separated by gender. Any student can join the team and become a strong player. E-sports also help kids who might struggle to fit in, Whitlock says. “It gives them a reason to connect with the people around them.”

Kyle, now a senior, agrees. “E-sports will explode in the near future,” he says. “It’s the next big thing.”

Kyle’s coach is Amy Whitlock. When Whitlock mentions e-sports, people can be confused. “I explain that the players are not just video game players. They’re athletes,” she says. Whitlock coaches her team to work together. She also gives them mental exercises. This helps them focus during competitions.

“E-sports are for everyone,” Whitlock says. Unlike traditional sports, teams aren’t separated by gender. Any student can join. Everyone can become a strong player. E-sports also help kids who might struggle to fit in, Whitlock says. “It helps them connect with the people around them.”

Kyle, now a senior, agrees. “E-sports will explode in the near future,” he says. “It’s the next big thing.”

Now You Try It

In January 2019, Boyle County High School won Kentucky’s first e-sports state championship. There are 16 students on the team. They beat St. Henry District High School’s team, which has 14 students. How much larger is the Boyle County team?

In January 2019, Boyle County High School won Kentucky’s first e-sports state championship. There are 16 students on the team. They beat St. Henry District High School’s team, which has 14 students. How much larger is the Boyle County team?

There are 41 e-sports teams in Georgia. There are 13 e-sports teams in Connecticut. How many more teams are in Georgia than Connecticut?

There are 41 e-sports teams in Georgia. There are 13 e-sports teams in Connecticut. How many more teams are in Georgia than Connecticut?

A. In League of Legends, there are 143 playable characters. Smite is an e-sports game with 103 playable characters. Find the difference between these numbers. What do you notice about your models after you subtract?

A. In League of Legends, there are 143 playable characters. Smite is an e-sports game with 103 playable characters. Find the difference between these numbers. What do you notice about your models after you subtract?

B. Overwatch is an e-sports game with 30 playable characters. How many more characters are there in Smite than Overwatch?

B. Overwatch is an e-sports game with 30 playable characters. How many more characters are there in Smite than Overwatch?

To join the high school e-sports league, you need to pay a fee. It costs $158 to set up a club and you need 7 players. If the whole school wants to join, it costs $700. How much more does it cost for the whole school to join compared to a club?

To join the high school e-sports league, you need to pay a fee. It costs $158 to set up a club and you need 7 players. If the whole school wants to join, it costs $700. How much more does it cost for the whole school to join compared to a club?

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Activities (2)
Answer Key (1)
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Activities (2)
Answer Key (1)
Step-by-Step Lesson Plan

1. SPARK ENGAGEMENT.

Poll students on whether they do or do not like to play video games. Then, before or after reading the article, spark a discussion based on the following questions: 

  • Do you think video games are challenging? Why or why not? 
  • How might math be involved in playing a video game? Explain. 
  • Would you want to be part of an e-sports team? Why or why not?

2. INTRODUCE THE MATH CONCEPT AND VOCABULARY.

  • Distribute to small groups or display the following place value (base ten) block manipulatives: 

  • What number do these place value blocks represent? (1,114
  • Can you subtract 7 ones from the place value blocks we have? Why or why not? (Answers will vary, but students should state that you cannot subtract 7 ones unless you exchange the ten for 10 ones.)

3. WORK THROUGH THE “WHAT TO DO” BOX.

Have students turn to page 5 of the article. Read through the “What to Do” box as a class. Then ask:

  • Which place value do you need to regroup? Why? (The hundred in exchange for 10 tens; you cannot subtract 8 tens from 0 tens.) 
  • Why do you cross out the 8 tens and 3 ones? (When subtracting, you need to remove, or take away, the amount that is being subtracted.) 
  • How do you know when you need to regroup? (when a larger number needs to be subtracted from a smaller number)

4. REINFORCE WITH MATH PRACTICE. 

Distribute place value blocks and have students complete problems  1 through 4 on page 5 of the article on a separate piece of paper. 

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