hip-hop and science force equals mass. reporter: couldn t be on further ends of the spectrum. but this professor is disproving that hypothesis. using the popular music genre in the classroom with his pilot program called science genius. now launching in ten high schools in new york city. the goal of the experiment, improving student s science grades. the idea here is to take what they re looking for already, combine that with their culture, and introduce them to science, which is something that they re inherently good at and open up with possibilities. reporter: those possibilities expanding with the help of a celebrity partner. both were met with some skepticism and uncertainty from students. it clicked to me. because science and hip-hop
because science and hip-hop combined, how does that work? reporter: well, it works with a regular lesson plan followed by a challenge like this. one bar based on one science topic. reporter: once a week. within minutes of getting their first assignment, the students here at urban assembly class were on it. reporter: two unlikely elements fusing to create a new formula for success. i think it will inspire them to to focus on the details. it s going to be definitely easier for me to stay on top of my class. reporter: they hope to expand this program not only here in new york city, but across the country. marci gonzalez, abc news, new york. dropping science on you. i like it. if you look at the global stats where americans rank on math and science, whatever methodology works, whatever sees scores go