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Project Descriptions

Biomusic: The Music of Nature

September 1, 2004 - August 31, 2009 | Media and Technology, Exhibitions

Partnering with National Musical Arts, the Science Museum of Minnesota seeks to develop BioMusic, a 4,000 sq. ft. traveling exhibition that explores the origins of music in nature and the connections between music and sound of living things. This project is based on planning grant ESI-0211611 (The Music of Nature and the Nature of Music) awarded to NMA. The project is based on the emerging interdisciplinary research field of biomusic, which includes musicology plus aspects of neuroscience, biology, zoology, environmental science, physics, psychology, math and anthropology. The exhibit sections -- "Humanimal" Music; Natural Symphonies; Ancient Roots; Music, Body and Mind; and World of Music -- use both music and natural sound to explore biodiversity, cultural diversity, the physics of sound and the brain. BROADER IMPACT: The exhibition is expected to travel for at least six years, reaching some two million people in 18 communities. It is to be accompanied by a six-part radio series (Sweet Bird Classics) for young children. Because of the connection to music and many other areas of public interest, this exhibition has the potential to attract and engage new audiences to science museums and stimulate their interest in STEM.

Funders

NSF
Funding Program: ISE/AISL
Award Number: 0407373
Funding Amount: 2701853

TEAM MEMBERS

  • J Newlin
    Principal Investigator
    Science Museum of Minnesota
  • 2014 11 06 wendyPollock sqOct2013
    Co-Principal Investigator
    Science Museum of Minnesota
  • Gray   color photo
    Co-Principal Investigator
    National Musical Arts
  • Discipline: Art, music, and theater | Life science | Mathematics | Physics | Social science and psychology
    Audience: Elementary School Children (6-10) | General Public | Museum/ISE Professionals
    Environment Type: Media and Technology | Broadcast Media | Exhibitions | Museum and Science Center Exhibits

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