Big Bang Theory Course Intro Activity

Big Bang Theory (20 min activity, 10 min wrap, 30)

This is how I start my freshman in Integrated Earth & Physical Science. Students are assigned to random groups (preferably 3 in each) and will only need paper and pencil. The song is played (over and over) as students attempt to write down the lyrics. Encourage teammates to help each other, strategize, and overall succeed. As time progresses offer aid (like mouthing the words, offering closed caption, etc) & distractions (dancing around room, making random noises, etc). Another helpful aid is to go to each group and provide notes and feedback on their papers (blank spaces for where words should be, circle words that aren’t quite correct, etc). Once a team finishes, or for time nearly finishes, have two students go to boards. One student will take notes on what made the assignment easier, while the other takes notes on what made it more challenging. Review these lists with students and liken them to skills in the classroom they should adopt or avoid to be successful. Also refer back to specifics like when the teacher provided feedback and reflect on how helpful that was in completing the task. Additional thought: Ask if anyone got all the lyrics correct on the first attempt. Reinforce that no one cared if they didn’t have things right and we kept working to find the answer.

*Since this song plays on repeat for 20 minutes it (and the activity) are often remembered by students throughout the year. I like to end the year by playing the season finale version (which is slower) which always hits me in the feels.