First there was the Periodic Table song, then the Cern rap and now the DNA Boogie.
A science teacher from the Midlands has developed a rather unorthodox way of teaching his students about biology – through the medium of dance.
Dr Richard Spencer, a science teacher at Middlesbrough College, in Teeside, choreographed his lessons to music in an attempt to help his pupils remember how a cell works.
Dr Spencer’s efforts have earned him a place among ten finalists in line for a $1 million (£650,000) award, the Varkey Foundation Global Teaching Prize.
The award is designed to highlight the role teachers play in society.
Mr Spencer said he developed the dances along with songs and role-play as a way to help his students understand difficult concepts.
He said: ‘I’m inspired by music, I’m inspired by art. If I can find a biology link, I will bring it into the teaching.
‘What I love about teaching is the privilege of working with young people, to fire their passion and reciprocate their energy.
‘The opportunity to be creative and think of different ways of communicating science and the buzz of seeing those “light bulb” moments when challenging topics start to make sense for students and you realise that hours of planning innovative learning experiences were worthwhile.
‘Finally, seeing my students develop in confidence and knowing that I have helped to prepare them for future success, way beyond their time with me in the classroom.’
Dr Spencer has also produced detailed step by step guides to his dances to help other teachers use them in their lessons.
The Meiosis Square Dance, for example, aims to convey the biological process of cell division, where cells in growing tissue divide into daughter cells with the same genetic material.
