Songwriting

Anthropomorphism is impactful, and metaphors that draw on its power are widely used in science. For example, when DNA is described as the instruction manual for a cell, this implies a reader. However, anthropomorphism may reinforce misunderstandings that students are already inclined towards; for example, when we discuss a molecule or cell like a person with goals, we misrepresent what is actually a hardwired set of rules as a series of choices.

We humans love songs because they move us emotionally. Yet this dimension of the art form is often overlooked in songs meant to teach. There’s no reason a "teaching song" can't also inspire and entertain! This session will encourage you to reach beyond the facts with your lyrics. We'll take your suggested song topics and and play with focus and angle to bring out the narrative and emotional possibilities. You’ll see how the see resulting song ideas deliver far more impact than "just the facts."

Capturing the Imagination with Science Songs: Classroom Applications. Science songs can be useful in scaffolding a dynamic and creative curriculum at all levels of science education. An effective way to capture the imagination of students and energize the classroom, songs are good for the brain, and can promote deeper thinking and a better understanding of content. This session offers practical advice on writing and performing science songs for use in class and considers how to apply them effectively with students.

After 12 years, 1 musical, and over 60 songs, Marc of icanhasmath / Matheatre shares his insights about STEM songwriting and theatrical integration. Focusing on: What information does a STEM song carry. An examination of techniques to carry that information. And how do you expand Songwriting into Theatre / Performance?

Songwriter Monty Harper teases apart two or three great songs (by other writers) to find out what makes a great STEM song so great. Songwriters may gain insight into how great new songs might be constructed. Educators may gain insight into how to evaluate a song and discover its value for classroom use.

The Metabolic Melodies are a collection of over 100 song lyrics set to tunes of popular music. Topics covered by the songs span a wide swath of biochemistry and are used to teach the subject to non-major students at Oregon State University. Discussion will focus on the genesis of the musical ideas and how the songs help to cut through barriers and facilitate student learning.

The presentation will report on a project based at Oxford University to write songs aimed at helping 5 researchers to create songs that they can use in the public engagement work. The presentation will outline the methodology used, will discuss the benefits for the researchers, and challenges faced in involving researchers in the song writing process.

Parody songwriting presents a number of constraints on performers which may impact student learning. I will discuss my use of annotations, written notes external to the lyrics but presented alongside lyrics, to bypass some of these constraints. Annotations can clarify concepts, provide definitions and point students to important ideas. I will present evidence that students enjoy this innovation and go through some advantages and disadvantages (with examples). I will also discuss some special challenges for educators (like myself) who cannot play a musical instrument.

Numbers Never Lie will be presented as a music video that explores how statistics can both illuminate and distort issues pertaining to politics and social justice. It is produced by Rock In The Classroom which is a nonprofit organization promoting creative arts in education programs. A draft of the video will be included through the email link on the proposal page. The song examines how statistics can be a powerful tool that can empower historically marginalized populations and bolster arguments on the need to take action on environmental issues.

I am Carina Laroza, founder of Scienkidfic Xplorers (based in the Philippines), and we communicate science through a variety of ways, including performing arts! I would like to share a video I created last Christmas, it's a parody of the traditionl song "On The 12 days of Christmas" but instead of "my true love gave to me", it's "my Masters gave to me". It shows the hectic life of a graduate student during Christmas season in a funny way.