Overview
The Taiwan-developed smart baseball (STRIKE) is the world’s first baseball embedded with sensors that measure pitch data such as velocity, spin rate, trajectory, and rotation axis in real time. (PR Newswire)
By transmitting this data to a mobile app, the ball allows players and coaches to analyze performance with precision that was previously invisible to the human eye. (GlobeNewswire)
This transforms baseball into a data-driven science, closely aligning with the analytical skills required for standardized tests.
SAT/PSAT Skill Connection
Like the College Board exams—SAT and PSAT—this technology emphasizes:
- Math: Measurement, rates, and motion analysis
- Reading: Interpreting technical systems
- Writing: Evaluating innovation and evidence
- Data Analysis: Understanding multiple variables simultaneously
How to Use This Section
- Questions mix SAT + PSAT styles
- Difficulty levels:
- ⭐ PSAT Level (foundation)
- ⭐⭐ SAT Level (advanced)
📊 Practice Set
📘 Reading & Writing
Passage (Adapted):
The smart baseball contains built-in sensors that capture detailed information about each pitch, including speed, spin rate, and trajectory. This data is transmitted instantly to a mobile application, allowing players and coaches to analyze performance. While the system provides precise measurements, some argue that over-reliance on data may reduce the importance of intuition in sports.
Q1 ⭐ (PSAT Level)
What is the main purpose of the passage?
A. To describe a technological innovation in baseball
B. To explain baseball rules
C. To criticize athletes
D. To compare sports
👉 Answer: A
Q2 ⭐⭐ (SAT Level)
Which choice best describes the role of the final sentence?
A. It provides supporting evidence
B. It introduces a limitation of the technology
C. It defines a technical term
D. It summarizes the passage
👉 Answer: B
📐 Math
A smart baseball records a pitch speed of 40 m/s.
Q3 ⭐ (PSAT Level)
Convert the speed to km/h.
(1 m/s = 3.6 km/h)
A. 124 km/h
B. 136 km/h
C. 144 km/h
D. 150 km/h
👉 Answer: C
Q4 ⭐⭐ (SAT Level)
If spin rate increases while speed remains constant, what is the most likely effect?
👉 Answer: The ball’s movement (curve/deviation) increases
📊 Data Analysis
The smart baseball measures five key variables: velocity, spin rate, rotation axis, trajectory, and location. (Strike – The World’s First Smartball)
Q5 ⭐⭐ (SAT Level)
Which conclusion is best supported?
A. The system provides multi-variable performance analysis
B. The system only measures speed
C. The system replaces players
D. The system is inaccurate
👉 Answer: A
🎮 Score Challenge (Museum Interactive Idea)
- ⭐ PSAT Question = 1 point
- ⭐⭐ SAT Question = 2 points
🏆 Score 6+ → Smart Baseball Analyst
⚖️ Critical Thinking (Optional Essay)
Prompt:
Does having more data always lead to better performance in sports?
Support your answer with:
- Benefits of measurement and feedback
- Limits of data vs human intuition
- Real-world applications
🏟️ Museum Connection
This exhibit demonstrates how Taiwan’s innovation transforms a simple baseball into a powerful data collection device. It reveals hidden patterns in performance, just as students must uncover patterns in SAT/PSAT problems.
🏆 Key Takeaway
What you can measure, you can improve. What you can analyze, you can master.