NPR: "Science Rap B.A.T.T.L.E.S."

[usernamenumber]

NPR has a nifty article on programs around the country that get kids engaged in science by producing student-written hip hop songs and videos, and even hosting competitions.

The videos attached to this article are great, and some of the lyrics these kids are writing show they're not just getting into the performance part, but really learning this stuff, too. Plus, I have to admit I hadn't known about Rosalind Franklin until I saw the rap battle between her and Watson+Crick in the second vid; between that and the quality of the production I guess I've been both literally and figuratively schooled by a bunch of 7th graders now. :)

Comments

[hahathor.livejournal.com]

There's a play called Photograph 51, about Rosalind Franklin. Nora Theater Co did a nice production of it at Central Square Theater last year.

In true theatrical style, despite being about Franklin, it doesn't pass the Bechdel test. Arrggghhhh!!!

[usernamenumber.livejournal.com]

Well, one of the reasons Franklin was significant is that there weren't a lot of women in science for her to talk to back then, so isn't that more of a problem with the subject matter than the play, and/or an example of a situation where Bechdel isn't a good measure for the quality of the feminism in a work? (I say without having seen the play-- were there obvious ways they could have done it better that you saw?)