An Unlikely Pair

Buzz Aldrin was on Fox and Friends this morning to promote the release
of his new autobiography Magnificent Desolation. However, the
real story is that he has teamed up with Snoop Dog, Quincy Jones, and
Soulja Boy to record a hip-hop song called “Rocket Experience” about
his trip to the moon.

It looks like the science community is beginning to see the value of
art and music in inspiring interest in their passion. I’m not sure
whose idea this was, but it is obviously getting a lot of publicity
for Mr. Aldrin’s new book and no doubt will have teenagers wondering what
interest Snoop has in rocket science.

Is edutainment going mainstream? Check out the video at
http://www.funnyordie.com/videos/0be5c681fc/buzz-aldrin-s-rocket-expe….

Today, I decided to start a new Google group dedicated to edutainment. I invited a lot of teachers, parents, and musicians so that I could get some thoughts about how to best use entertainment as a tool for teaching.

I posted this discussion starter a few moments ago under the subject: “What is your favorite childhood memory of edutainment?”

Personally, I remember the television shows that used art, music, and
movement to teach me the basics. Some of the most memorable are:
Sesame Street, The Electric Company, and Reading Rainbow. By the way,
check out this version of the Reading Rainbow theme:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ApLTDoJea2Q.

Does anyone remember The Gigglesnort Hotel? That was one of my
favorites, because you got to watch the host draw pictures. There was
also a show where an artist drew pictures while telling stories. I
can’t remember much about it, but I know I enjoyed it.

If you would like to join the group, search in Google groups for “Edutainment,” or simply go directly to this link: http://groups.google.com/group/thebonuspointband

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this subject.