Updated May 2014
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Flocabulary: Science

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Hip-hop beats make heads bop, but science content might not

Subjects & skills
Subjects
  • Science
Skills
  • Communication & Collaboration
  • Character & SEL
  • Critical Thinking
Grades This grade range is based on learning appropriateness and doesn't take into account privacy. It's determined by Common Sense Education, not the product's publisher.
6–12
Common Sense says
Not yet reviewed
Teachers say (1 Review)
Privacy rating (How we rate)
76%| Warning
Price:  Free to try, Paid There's a free 30-day trial, then it's $120 per year for an individual teacher or $2,000 per year for a school. School plan includes additional features like assignable activities and progress tracking. District pricing is available by request.
Platforms:  Website

Take a look inside

5 images
Flocabulary offers options for major science content – most are songs; a few are videos.
A few standouts, like the video on atoms and elements, match manageable content with memorable beats.
Lyrics under the song playbar or video allow users to read along and click on links.
Hyperlinked information can pop up during songs, but content here can be questionable, and the lack of titles is frustrating.
Challenge Questions are like online flash cards, but not all of the content is worthy.

How Can I Teach with This Tool?

Flocabulary's Science videos can be used to introduce or review science content, though teachers should probably preview songs for accuracy and standards alignment. The songs that are more limited in  scope seem to be the most fun and valuable. Mnemonics in the "Classification" song will have kids laughing while remembering the content. The "Evolution" song manages to properly address common misconceptions, and the "Ecosystems" beat covers just the right vocabulary for middle schoolers. Chemistry students will appreciate the “We Get Atomic” video, and the "Scientific Method" clip is quite worth viewing. Be aware though, that content mistakes in some of the lyrics and supporting texts could throw some teachers out of the groove.

As students listen, have them apply their knowledge by critiquing songs' lyrics or suggesting revisions –- better yet, students will love creating their own songs. Get connected with a video-production class and your kids will jump at the chance to offer up their own fresh beats. You can also use songs during class transitions, or as background music during a lab. Or, classes could earn song minutes through homework completion or keeping glassware unbroken. Overall, given the site's cost, some science teachers might opt for a “They Might Be Giants” album instead, but Flocabulary's versatility makes the site a solid choice for engaging students.

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Standards:

Key Standards Supported

Biological Evolution: Unity and Diversity

  • HS-LS4-4

    Construct an explanation based on evidence for how natural selection leads to adaptation of populations.

Earth and Human Activity

  • MS-ESS3-5

    Ask questions to clarify evidence of the factors that have caused the rise in global temperatures over the past century.

From Molecules to Organisms: Structures and Processes

  • MS-LS1-2

    Develop and use a model to describe the function of a cell as a whole and ways parts of cells contribute to the function.

  • MS-LS1-3

    Use argument supported by evidence for how the body is a system of interacting subsystems composed of groups of cells.

Heredity: Inheritance and Variation of Traits

  • HS-LS3-1

    Ask questions to clarify relationships about the role of DNA and chromosomes in coding the instructions for characteristic traits passed from parents to offspring.

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Teacher Reviews

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Featured review by
Sean A. , Technology coordinator
Technology coordinator
District 75 Central
New York, United States
Droppin' sick science beats
It's great for a cursory overview of topics. It doesn't have a breadth of videos like Discovery or simplify complex topics in a visually understandable way as well as BrainPOP, but it is great for engagement and memorization. The new speed adjustments help it to be more accessible to to ELL an SPED students. There are also many more extension activities than there used to be that lets you build a whole lesson around a video.
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Data Safety
How safe is this product?
Users can interact with trusted users and/or students.
Unclear whether users can interact with untrusted users, including strangers and/or adults.
Profile information is shared for social interactions.
Data Rights
What rights do I have to the data?
Opt-in consent is requested from users at the time personal information is collected.
Unclear whether users can control their information through privacy settings.
Unclear whether users can create or upload content.
Ads & Tracking
Are there advertisements or tracking?
Data are not shared for third-party advertising and/or marketing.
Traditional or contextual advertisements are not displayed.
Behavioral or targeted advertising is not displayed.
Continue reading about this tool's privacy practices, including data collection, sharing, and security.
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