Extra Credit: The Unconventional Approach

OK, so it's crunch time.  You're nearing the end of the semester and some quick mental math (or your teacher's handy-dandy grading chart) shows that you're just a few points shy of an A or a B (or a C, or whatever).  All you need are a few extra credit points to push you into the next grade bracket. You could do another boring worksheet or throw together a five-paragraph essay, but where's the fun in that?  And your teacher would be waaay more impressed if you suggested a creative credit boosting project instead of simply begging for something to bring your grade up (again).  Educators really dig that whole thinking-outside-the-box thing, after all. 

But what, you ask, could you possibly suggest? We're glad you asked. Here are some courses and the fantastically creative ways you could earn extra credit for them:

Foreign Languages:  What could be better than a wiener schnitzel break in the middle of third period?  Nuthin', that's what. Offer to bring in a dish from a country/region where your foreign language is spoken.  You could write up the recipe in that language and pass out copies for the class.  And you could explain (in German or French or Spanish, of course) your chosen dish's cultural significance.  But no talking with your mouth full--bad manners subtract points from your extra credit effort! Bitte schön!

Sciences:  Bet you've always dreamed of writing a song about sedimentary rocks, haven't you?  Well, now's your chance.  Use your musical talents--whether your play guitar or just sing off-key--and write a short little ditty about your favorite chemistry reaction or Newton's laws of motion ("They say that every object will tend to stay in motion, unless another object takes another notion." Practically writes itself.)  Then perform in front of the class.  That's right, humiliation equals major bonus points.

Math:  Just do an extra set of problems and be done with it. Or you could try your hand at solving one of the Clay Math Institute's unsolved Millennium Problems, like the Hodge Conjecture.

English Lit:  You know what's cool about Shakespeare? He wrote about universal themes like eternal love and revenge, stuff that happens whether it's 1589 or 2009.  Rewrite one of your favorite scenes in a contemporary setting--you know, like have Hamlet's dad text him from beyond the grave ("Ur uncle klld me; ur mom's a ho. Avenge me. TTYL")  And yes, you have to perform in front of the class again.  Remember, it's all for the sake of your GPA.

So what have you done to help bump your grade up?  Please, don't make everyone sing in front of class.  Help us out here!