In the classroom, STEM meets hip hop

Summary

Christopher Emdin, a science educator at Columbia University's Teachers College, discusses the intersection of STEM and Hip Hop. He explains how incorporating Hip Hop into science education can engage students and make them feel connected to the discipline. Emdin highlights the multi-layered approach, including using Hip Hop lyrics to explore scientific concepts, drawing parallels between scientists and Hip Hop artists, and encouraging students to write raps about science. He also introduces 'Science Genius,' a competition where students write raps about their science lessons, fostering creativity and scientific understanding.

Takeaways

• 🎓 Christopher Emdin, a science educator at Columbia University's Teachers College, has integrated Hip Hop into the science curriculum to engage students.
• 🔬 The intersection of STEM and Hip Hop is based on the idea of using a cultural phenomenon to spark interest in a subject area that typically struggles to engage students.
• 🎤 Emdin's approach involves using Hip Hop lyrics to explore scientific concepts, drawing parallels between the roles of scientists and Hip Hop artists in society.
• 👨‍🏫 Teachers can enhance their instruction by adopting Hip Hop techniques such as call and response, stance, and confidence to make learning more dynamic.
• 👩‍🎓 Students can be encouraged to write raps about science, which not only allows them to express themselves creatively but also helps them describe scientific phenomena.
• 📚 Emdin's book, 'For White Folks Who Teach in the Hood... and the Rest of Y'all Too,' provides strategies for educators to engage students and co-design lessons.
• 🤝 Collaboration between students and teachers in lesson design can lead to a better understanding of the material and more effective learning.
• 🏆 'Science Genius' is a competition that challenges students to write raps that not only sound good but also contain rigorous scientific content.
• 🌐 The 'Science Genius' competition is not just local but can involve students from different schools across the city or even the country.
• 🚀 By participating in such activities, students who previously didn't see themselves as scientists can gain confidence and a new perspective on their potential in STEM fields.
• 🌟 Emdin argues that engaging students and building their self-confidence in STEM is crucial to filling the gaps in STEM professions and changing the narrative around these disciplines.

Q & A

What is the connection between STEM and hip-hop according to Christopher Emden?

Christopher Emden explains that STEM and hip-hop intersect because both fields engage creativity, emotional connection, and communication. Hip-hop is a cultural phenomenon that resonates deeply with youth, while science is often seen as uninteresting. By integrating hip-hop into science education, students can feel more connected and passionate about the subject.

How does hip-hop help make science more engaging for students?

Hip-hop helps make science more engaging by using its cultural elements to discuss scientific concepts and phenomena. For example, teachers can analyze lyrics with scientific references or have students create their own science raps. This method encourages creativity and emotional involvement, making science more relatable.

What are some specific examples of how hip-hop and science intersect in the classroom?

One example Emden provides is analyzing lyrics like Lauryn Hill's line, 'Two MCs can't occupy the same space at the same time,' which refers to the laws of physics. Another method is having students write science raps, where they describe scientific phenomena through lyrics, incorporating rigorous scientific content and real-life applications.

What role do hip-hop artists play in Emden's science education model?

Hip-hop artists serve as role models for teachers in terms of their confidence, presence, and communication style. Teachers can learn from these elements to create a more engaging and dynamic classroom atmosphere, mimicking the call-and-response energy of hip-hop performances.

Why is there a disconnect between students and STEM disciplines like math and science?

The disconnect stems from students not seeing themselves in STEM fields or feeling that they lack the intellectual ability to succeed in these areas. Emden refers to this as 'STEM phobia,' which begins at a young age when students start believing that STEM is only for the 'best and brightest.'

How does Emden propose to overcome 'STEM phobia' in students?

Emden suggests overcoming 'STEM phobia' by making students feel more connected to science through culturally relevant teaching methods, such as integrating hip-hop into science lessons. This helps activate passion and confidence, which are key to improving engagement and academic performance in STEM.

What teaching strategies does Emden recommend for STEM educators?

Emden recommends allowing students to express their scientific understanding in different ways, including through art and hip-hop. He also suggests co-designing lessons with students and having open discussions about how students are receiving the material. This approach fosters creativity and helps students feel ownership over their learning.

What is the Science Genius competition, and how does it work?

The Science Genius competition is a citywide event where students write and perform science raps. The raps must include rigorous scientific content, such as describing at least five scientific phenomena and incorporating formulas. Students compete against peers from other schools, with the goal of combining strong science knowledge with engaging rap performances.

How does participating in Science Genius impact students' perception of themselves in science?

Participating in Science Genius allows students to see themselves as capable scientists. Performing their science raps in front of an audience builds confidence and resilience, which helps them handle academic challenges in the classroom. This shift in perception encourages students to pursue science careers.

Why does Emden believe that traditional teaching methods are outdated for STEM education?

Emden argues that traditional teaching methods are outdated because they don't foster the creativity and imagination needed for scientific work, especially in innovative fields like Silicon Valley. He believes that a hip-hop-based approach to teaching STEM better mirrors the creativity and interdisciplinary thinking seen in modern scientific and technological fields.