In Tomas Montero’s American Government classes, students were required to particpate in a rap battle. Groups of 3-4 students cooperated to create a song with three verses and one chorus about a specific event in American history.

“My first period went lights out,” said Montero. “One girl in there is going to be a superstar. I want to be her producer.”

Some of the groups sang acappella, while others played downloaded songs or made their own beats on the desks. Despite all of the groups preparing nervously and groaning when their group was called to the front of the class, the students enjoyed the project.

“It was a lot of work and it was really nerve-wracking,” said freshman McKenna Tyson. “But when it got to my turn, the adrenaline was rushing and now that it’s over I realized it wasn’t that bad!”

Click here for Jayla, Anthony, Amber and Beyza’s video.