Collin Grimes, a fifth-grade science teacher at Beebe Middle School, has found a way to combine science and rap music to make learning more enjoyable for his students.
After seeing a YouTube video made by students, Grimes, a 2005 Harding graduate, was inspired to replace the words of popular rap songs with science lessons.
“It started when I saw a rap video of ‘What You Know About Math’ on YouTube,” Grimes said. “I was really stoked about how these students used humor and rap music to help other people learn and get excited about math.”
Grimes said he was inspired by the video and decided to make one using original material.
“I had just finished teaching about cells, so that information was fresh on my mind,” Grimes said. “That is how ‘What You Know About Cells’ was born. Since then, when I finish a lesson or concept, I leaf through some of the popular songs and try to find something that will fit with my lessons. It’s pretty funny to listen to a rap song on the radio and start freestyle rapping about the properties of light or the rock cycle.”
Since then, Grimes has made three more videos: “Welcome to My Biome,” “Science Rock Anthem” and “Science in Paris.”
Although he has made other videos, his rap videos are the most popular among students.
Grimes said he plans to continue making the rap videos as long as they are helpful and enjoyable to his students.
“Video is an excellent way to get your point across when teaching,” Grimes said. “Whether you are trying to get the kids engaged and motivated or if you just want to show them a demonstration that you couldn’t necessarily do in school, if a picture is worth a thousand words, a video is worth a million.”
In each video, Grimes said he uses editing to clone himself into three different characters, “The Science Nerd,” “The Rap Star” and “The Teacher.”
The videos are filmed with the help of his wife, Christy.
Each video is filmed with a Flip video camera and tripod, and a great deal of work is put into each lesson plan.Aside from helping students learn about science in a fun way, Grimes is trying to accomplish something else through these videos, he said.
“On a deeper level, I am trying to help the students realize that teachers are not just the one stuffy person standing up in front of them in class and telling them to stay on task and stay school appropriate,” Grimes said. “Everyone has a rebellious side, a funny side, and lots of other sides.”
Grimes has advice for future teachers as well.
“Use whatever talents that you have for teaching,” Grimes said. “Think about what you like to do in your spare time and try to incorporate it into your lessons. This will help the students understand that you are a ‘real person’ and it will help your lessons because the students will be interested when you are interested.”
