Abstract:

In the last few years, the development of effective strategies for the improvement of learning performances in scientific disciplines is cataIyzing the interest of researchers, policy makers, teachers, and educators. Educational research is trying to gain knowledge on what actually works in the classroom. The fast spread of evidence-based education relates to the need of providing functional data that can be used for taking informed decisions. Such approach is leading to introducing novel teaching strategies, supported by scientifically based research and connecting different disciplines within a unifying framework.

The Sound of Science(s) is an interdisciplinary research project aimed at developing innovation in educational STEAM research by exploring equitable, creative and inclusive learning modes. We are working on the implementation of a communication system capable of transferring scientific knowledge by using the forms of musical language (and vice versa, approaching music by starting from science), building this correspondence on the common ground of symmetries and proportions. A preliminary study focusing on the sonification of crystal structure and composition gave indications about the effectiveness of this innovative approach (Monno et al., 2016, Eramo et al. 2018). Our project aims at extending the range of application of sonifications to biology and additional fields of science.

The sonification strategies adopted can be classified into "static" and "dynamic". In the first case, aural models are obtained by seeking a science-based and reproducible “musical counterpart” of the objects modeled (e.g., crystals, cells, structures of living organisms, etc.). The models produced by this approach are then used in teaching through active fruition. In the case of dynamic sonification strategies, the sound models are used interactively, through the implementation of a dedicated VR software, and through performances of guided improvisation (conduction) in which the audience “plays" a natural phenomenon (e.g., state transitions, formation of crystalline defects, plant growth and development etc.) according to a predefined code of sonification.

Beside presenting examples and excerpts from our previous sonification activities, we will discuss the opportunity of creating a European network of researchers and educators sharing an interest in bridging science and music for educational purposes. The project is open to the creative and experimental contribution of fellow researchers and educators. If interested, please do not hesitate to contact us (giacomo.eramo@uniba.it).

References:
[1] Monno A. et al., 2016. EDULEARN16 Proceedings, pp. 7442-7449.
[2] Eramo G. et al., 2018. EDULEARN18 Proceedings, pp. 4098-4105.

Keywords:

STEAM, sonification, mineralogy, biology, music, education.