What happens when you mash-up pop songs with famous historical figures? Rockin' history music-videos! The history based pop-music parodies are the brainchild of two high school history teachers "Historyteachers," self-described as "kooky teachers" and "gloriously dorky."
Lady Gaga's "Bad Romance" as "Revolution in France" is the most downloaded video, which probably has more to do with Lady Gaga's popularity than with the Guillotine. I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the vocals and video production.
The adapted lyrics are catchy, and pack in a bunch of historical facts. Before long, your kids might be humming "La la Liberte...E E Egalite...Fra fra ternite" to the tune of "Bad Romance," or "Better Flee When You See a Rat, Girl" (Black Death) to the tune of Gwen Stefani's "Hollaback Girl."
Don't expect the videos to replace a true history lesson, but do expect kids to be curious and entertained—about history! That's right. If "Historyteachers'" are on a mission to debunk the myth that history is a boring subject for the elite, then I say Bravo! and Carry on!
Here are a few of my favourites from Historyteachers' 53 videos. Parents, please watch for age-appropriateness and comfort level.
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