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Rapping for education
Tuesday 27th August 2013 | Alina
By being a part of a new project ‘Science Genius’, more than 300 New York public school students were able to convert scientific theories into rap lyrics. The idea to arrange a scientific hip-hop battle was a brainchild of Chris Emdin, an assistant professor of science at Teachers College. The main idea behind this was to reach those, who have no interest in science what so ever, with something they adore and it worked fantastically. The competition was the outcome of months work, mainly by the school kids, who put a lot of time, sweat and nerves into a hard work on this project.
The project gained support from the popular web site Rap Genius (www.repgenius.com), which displayed the rap lyrics about DNA, reproduction, galaxy and other sorts of scientific rhymes. Schools sent their best rappers to the final battle.
One of the texts begins as follows –“Digestive, endocrine, immune, lymphatic End your body system, your crew don't want no static”.
This was very appealing to draw the attention to the schooling program and engage urban youths to gain understanding of the topics. The point was to try something different from the typical schooling routine.
On the 21st June, during the final, Jabari Johnson was crowned as the official winner. A student from Harlem was able to spit rhymes about kinetic energy better, than most people can actually talk about in prose. A 'Science Genius' got to spend a full day at the Museum of National History and a day in the recording studio with GZA, also one of the judges, a member of the Wu-Tang Clan.
To many students, the talent came naturally and this competition was a way to express it, while learning as well. Nice way to make someone fall in love with science.
