For every classic like "Cunjunction Junction" there are numerous examples of admirable, yet excruciating, attempts to make learning science, art, grammar or history an entertaining enterprise. More often than not the reason why these videos fail is because their creators are caught trying just a bit too hard to be relevant (only Sesame Street seems able to successfully walk that line.)

Targeted more to Lady Gaga fans than history buffs, a series of videos by the HistoryTeachers is the latest attempt to alternate between amusing and enlightening. And if you prefer learning about the French Revolution via Bad Romance ("La La Liberte," eh?), the Black Death pandemic via Hollaback Girl and the theory of evolution via Britney Spear's Toxic this may just be the curriculum for you:

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Erik Hayden