Science jam, key of Curium

Early on in my observations, I noticed some of the 7^th and 8^th grade science teachers using a very strange method in their classes. Every once in awhile a big announcement would come up – that in a few days, lyric sheets would be passed out, and the students would all get to sing a song about the science topic they were covering.

Yep... songs… 

...singalong songs… 

...about science...

...to the melody of ‘Row, Row, Row Your Boat’... 

...couldn't make it up if I tried.

And you know what? The kids absolutely ate it right up. The very announcement sent them into a frenzy, and the students eagerly anticipated the upcoming lesson that contained this delightful treat. They would bristle with energy and excitement, and sing out songs about the rock cycle and elements at the top of their lungs. Self-conscious as tweenagers are, not a single one of them wanted to miss the chance to join in on these songs.

So in the oddest implementation of technology yet, I plan on tinkering around in GarageBand next semester during my student teaching with my 8^th graders. Writing up some MIDI-based tracks should be a piece of cake, and if my students are into rap, I’m sure I can drop some beats for them. I highly doubt I’ll get a chance to do this with high school students later on, but there is NO way I’m going to pass up a chance to utilize music in my science class, especially seeing how insanely enthusiastic all the middle school students at this school were about the idea. 

P.S. The symbol for the element Curium is Cm ... C minor... terrible science gag of the day, complete!