Mike Likes Science

🎶 Rap Intro to Code #1 - Let’s Code! 🎶

Coding is giving a Computer a to-do list.

Understanding this idea makes Coding so much more accessible.

Why?

Because EVERYBODY has used a to-do list. You may have been given a list of things to get from the grocery store. Or maybe you followed step by step instructions on how to build a thing. Heck the underlying concept of a cooking recipe is no different than writing a computer program.

Once I wrapped my head around this idea, my basic understanding of programming was locked in. From there, it was just a matter of learning HOW to write in ways that Computers understand. 

I mean, you can have the most awesome set of instructions to make the most awesome thing. But if it’s in a language you don’t understand, how can you follow the instructions?

So over the course of my Rap Guide to Code series, you’ll gain an understanding of the tools to write instructions for Computers to follow. I look forward to taking this journey with you. And if you haven’t begun, you can get started with the first song below!

🎵 Let’s Code | Rap Intro to Code #1 🎵

What’s up world???????????????????????????????  Have you ever been curious but overwhelmed about Coding? 

Maybe you’re about to take your first Computer Science Class. Maybe you want to learn how to program a thing. Or maybe you just want to see what all the hype is about. 

📣 I got Computer Science Raps on the way!

print(”What’s Up World?”)

As you may recall from my past video, Computer Science is A Lot. Learning the early concepts of programming can be overwhelming and confusing. 

For example, I struggled to understand loops. I didn’t get how the code kept repeating. At the time, It didn’t look like a loop to me. Fast forward a few terms and I’m writing loops in loops in loops like a pro. 

It turns out, for me, writing code was easy. But initially grasping the concepts was hard. They felt so foreign to my everyday life. Throwing my learning style in for a...loop.

Using my rap brain, I learned to associate computer science concepts with real life examples. So while I was working on my assignments, I’ve also been developing an array of songs to help folks learn about programming 😊.

The end of July, I'll be dropping the first video in my new series--Rap Intro to Code. We’ll explore the world of Computer Science with fun lyrics, catchy hooks, and dope beats!

Here are the songs and topics you can expect in the first installment:

1 - Type the Type (Types/Variables) 2 - Hey Arrays (Arrays) 3 - Go If or go Else (Conditional Statements) 4 - Loop de Loop (While Loops) 5 - w.t.f. - Write The Function (Functions)

So if you’re just getting started with Computer Science, or you’re just curious, be sure to check out my YouTube channel in a few weeks for my Rap Intro to Code!

Edits:

7/15/2019 

Education Road was my biggest collaboration ever! When I wrote the song, I  wanted to showcase YouTube EDU Creators who I felt deserve a little more shine ⭐.

So my next few posts are all about the wonderful YouTube Educators you should get to know 😊.

Lab Muffin Beauty Science

Michelle’s channel is all about the science of beauty products. Curious about how sun screen or activated charcoal works? Well, Michelle is your person.

Additionally, Michelle tackles common misconceptions and myths surrounding beauty products and skin care. Her SPF Myths episode is a great place to start.

Corporis (Formerly Patrick Kelly Science)

Patrick is a huge physiology nerd! And it’s awesome! On his channel, he shares a wealth of knowledge and fun facts about the human body. 

Additionally Patrick uses physiology to explain common phenomena. Like why do Air Pods stay falling out your ears? What’s the deal with paper straws? How exactly does the body absorb vitamin d?

Check out Patrick’s channel to learn all those things!

The Fab Lab with Crazy Aunt Lindsey

Many channels explore and explain science. Fewer channels make science hands on. The Fab Lab with Crazy Aunt Lindsey is one of those channels.

Some channels will talk about the science of donuts. But Lindsey takes a few kids on a field trip to Blue Star Donuts. On the trip, they learn the science and then they make donuts! OMG, sign me up!

Neuro Transmissions

If you are reading this, chances are, you probably have a brain. Neuro Transmissions is all about helping your brain learn more about brains.

Every other Sunday, Allie and Micah take you on a journey through the basics of neuroscience and psychology. What is a neuron? Can you train a cat? How does the internet turn us into trolls? 

With all these videos, where you should you start? Well how about Neuro Science 101? Enjoy 😊

And that concludes Education Squad! Thanks for reading. Check out all the channels, all the videos and why not watch (or re-watch) Education Road 😉?

Education Road was my biggest collaboration ever! When I wrote the song, I  wanted to showcase YouTube EDU Creators who I felt deserve a little more shine ⭐.

So my next few posts are all about the wonderful YouTube Educators you should get to know 😊.

Chemistry with Melissa Maribel

College Chemistry can be a Beast of Epic proportions. Luckily we have YouTube Educators like Melissa Maribel who tame the wild nature of this subject. 

I only wish I met her earlier. Maybe then I would have got an A in CHEM221 instead of the B that killed my GPA  🙃

Science with Tom

Tom McFadden has been in the Science Rap Game for quite some time. What makes his approach unique is that he gets his students in on the action. 

Each semester Tom’s Science Rap Academy features educational songs created by his students. Consider it the New School School Play.

Knowledge Over Grades

Many people love science. But their relationship with math isn’t so healthy. Algebra tends to be the point where math turns sour for some folks. 

Enter Latreil. Her channel, Knowledge Over Grades, focuses on understanding and practicing Algebra. From personal experience, I haven’t really learned something until I’ve applied it. And that’s what you get from Latreil--knowledge and practice.

Draw Curiosity

Ines Dawson recently completed her PhD in Insect Flight Bio-mechanics. On her channel you can learn interesting tidbits in Psychology, Biology, and Math. But when she’s sharing knowledge about insects she geeks out to the utmost levels.

This concludes the second installment of Education Squad. Look forward to the next! In the meantime, why not watch (or re-watch) Education Road 😉?

Education Road was my biggest collaboration ever! When I wrote the song, I  wanted to showcase YouTube EDU Creators who I felt deserve a little more shine ⭐.

So my next few posts are all about the wonderful YouTube Educators you should get to know 😊.

Alex Dainis

Alex Dainis’ channel grows and changes with her life experiences. 

She started with short “Bite Sci-zed” explainer videos. During her PhD journey at Standford, she began vlogging her experience as a researcher. Now she’s at a stage where she can cover just about anything!

I’ve been a fan early on and many of her vlogs resonated with my own back to College experiences. So whether you are looking looking to learn the science of a thing or you’re curious about doing research, Alex’s channel is well worth your time. 

Allmond With The Sauce

Allmond’s career as a High School Math Teacher led to his YouTube origin story. 

In the past, Allmond shared math related videos in his classroom. However his students didn’t really connect with the content. They wanted to see someone who looks them in those videos. So he took upon himself to start his own math channel. 

I’m a fan of his Public Math Interviews. In this series, Allmond quizzes folks outside of the classroom. Doing math at the mall? I’m all about it! We need more math in the world!

Ms Beautyphile

Trina, also known as Ms Beautyphile uses Chemistry to demystify the science of beauty products. Ever wondered how shampoos do what it do? Or how about the ingredients in your hair gel? Well Trina’s got you covered!

In each episode, Trina brings big personality, creative gags, and  fun visuals. Thanks to her content, I have a better understanding of the products that I use, that make me look, smell, and feel extra fresh. And you should too 😉

This concludes the first installment of Education Squad. Look forward to the next! In the meantime, why not watch (or rewatch) Education Road 😉.

🎵 Education Road 🎵

Because it’s not a Science Rap without a Science Dance 🙃

👇🏾 Watch the full video below 👇🏾

🎵 Education Road 🎵

I wrote each verse of Education Road with thoughtful intention. 

Verses 1 and 2 are nods Education YouTubers. Verse 3, on the other hand, comments on the challenges of being a student.

In my experience, finances and teaching styles continue to be boss fights.

Let’s talk about finances. As a Postbacc student, I don’t have access to the same financial aid as undergrads. My previous full time job was not flexible enough to allow me to take a full time course load. The need for money and time dictated some pretty tough decisions. I ended up leaving my job at the museum and moving a less expensive (and less nice) apartment.

Let’s talk about course content. I love sitting in the front row (and at left handed desk when available). However these instructors stay racing through the material. I’m not a fan of power point. When large amounts of material instantly appear, I become overwhelmed. However, when instructors take the time to write material by hand, my brain is totally on board (pun intended).

Every instructor does not meet my learning style. So I go to YouTube. And I continue my journey down that Education Road.

🎵 Education Road 🎵

Howdy folks! 

Check out my new video--Education Road. My YouTube Edu spin on the hit song Old Town Road.

I've teamed up with Alex Dainis, Science with Tom and a whole Platoon of Educational channels to bring this Science Music Video to life. 

Learning is fun but school can be tough. So it's nice to know that there are channels out there that help with course subjects, provide inspiration and insight, or entertain you with knowledge.

Mike Likes Science - Cheat Sheet 🎵

Exams are right around the corner.  Much love to all the instructors who let us use a page (or two) of notes!