High School Participation Map Project

Geography of SportsSpring 2011

Introduction

• Project Objectives:– To teach you how to look at things spatially• Where and Why?

– To study spatial patterns of high school participation in sports

– To provide a basic understanding of mapping techniques

Location Quotient

• Statistic that analyzes the per capita numbers at two different geographic scales– National Scale– State Scale

• Will compare the two numbers to examine how a state compares to the national average

The Formula

Participants (State) Participants (National) ------------------------- / -----------------------------

Enrollment (State) Enrollment (National)

• 1 = National Average

The Project

• Data Used– NFHS Data for High School Participation • Link on the Website

– Data on Enrollment for grades 9-12

• Set up a spreadsheet for each sport to calculate the LQ.

The Project

• You will calculate the LQ for:– Boys Ice Hockey– Boys Lacrosse– A sport of your choice (from the approved list)– Total National Participation for both genders

combined

The Project• Once you calculate the LQ, you will:– Complete a choropleth map for each sport and total

participation (4 maps total)• Use proper cartographic shading techniques• 4-5 categories• Majors must use computer mapping

– Write a 2-3 page paper• Introduction• What is the spatial distributions • Why do you think the exist• Conclusion

• Project is Due March 9th