Using Familiar Tunes to Teach Natural Science

Rationale:

1. Low tech., low budget, low time consumption, high fun.
2. Singing naturally energizes.
3. Novel way to present key ideas and terms...keeps the students guessing what will you do next?
4. Involves whole brain learning and integration.
5. Fosters creativity when students are encouraged to compose additonal lyrics or songs.
6. When using movements with music, coordination and rhythm are encouraged.
7. Promotes listening skills.
8. Aids in memory retention of concepts.
9. Very easy (even for those who are musically challenged) when familiar melodies are used.

Fellow colleagues: As a 28 year veteran of teaching high school Biology, it is automatically assumed I'm crazy. It is even crazier that I am also still having fun learning different ways to present information. When delivering information via a song I've observed students to be incredulous (at first), motivated, and then challenged to demonstrate their abilities. (I have not yet been able to top two students' rap about Equisetum!!) So I hope you enjoy the range of songs provided from Easy Elementary Environmental songs to Beefy Biology Songs. Feel free to modify and embellish. If you have some to share, please e-mail me.

May you always have a song in your heart and a boombox in your classroom,
Evie (e.m.boss)

New: How to have students create science songs

Lesson 1: Start with What you are Familiar With (using nursery rhymes)

Lesson 2: Form a Collaboration

Science Songs Sung to Common Tunes

Easy Elementary Environmental Songs

Biology Songs:

Photosynthesis
Cells
Invertebrates
Vertebrates
Chemistry
Ecology

Links to other sites for songs and ideas