Overview:
This project allows students to explore the connection between nature, sound, and cultural heritage. Through this engaging activity, students will learn to use natural objects to create a sound/music installation, combining technology with Icelandic poetry and folk songs. I created it with 8th grade students from Víkurskóli in Reykjavík.
This guide will help teachers replicate the project in their classrooms and provide ideas for further development.
Step-by-Step Guide:
1. Introduction and Objective:
- Explain the project to students: They will choose a natural object that symbolizes Iceland, record its sound, find a related poem or folk song, and create a sound installation using TouchBoard microcomputers.
2. Selecting Natural Objects:
- Take students on a field trip or ask them to find natural objects (e.g., rocks, leaves, water, etc.) that they feel represent Iceland. Encourage them to think about what makes these objects unique to Icelandic nature.
3. Recording Sounds:
- Provide students with recording devices to capture the sounds of their chosen objects. This can be the sound of water flowing, the rustling of leaves, or the striking of a rock. Ensure they focus on high-quality recordings.
4. Researching Poems and Folk Songs:
- Guide students to the ISMUS catalogue to find a poem or folk song that they feel represents their chosen object. Help them understand the cultural and historical significance of their selected pieces.
5. Connecting Objects to TouchBoard:
- Teach students how to use the TouchBoard microcomputer to turn their natural objects into interactive sound devices. Provide a step-by-step tutorial on how to connect the objects to the TouchBoard and program it to play the recorded sounds or selected songs when touched.
6. Creating Posters:
- Have students create informative posters explaining their project. The posters should include:
- A description of their chosen object and its significance.
- The process of recording the sound.
- Information about the selected poem or folk song.
- Instructions on how the TouchBoard is used in their installation.
- Encourage creativity and clarity in their presentations.
7. Assembling the Installation:
- Set up the sound/music installation in a designated space. Arrange the natural objects and connect them to the TouchBoards. Ensure the setup is interactive and accessible for viewers to experience the sounds by touching the objects.
8. Presentation and Reflection:
- Organize a presentation day where students can showcase their installations to peers, teachers, and parents. Encourage them to explain their work and the connections they made between the natural objects, sounds, and cultural heritage.
- Have a reflection session where students can discuss what they learned and how they felt about the project.
Ideas for Further Development:
1. Interdisciplinary Approach:
- Integrate other subjects such as geography, history, and literature to deepen the students’ understanding of Icelandic culture and natural history.
2. Digital Storytelling:
- Use digital tools to create a multimedia presentation or a short documentary about the project, incorporating videos of the process, sound recordings, and students’ reflections.
3. Community Involvement:
- Collaborate with local museums or cultural centers to display the installations, providing a broader audience for the students’ work and fostering community engagement.
3. Virtual Gallery:
- Create an online gallery showcasing the projects. Include photos, sound clips, and descriptions to reach a wider audience and provide an accessible platform for sharing the students’ work.
4. Extended Research Projects:
- Encourage students to delve deeper into the scientific aspects of their chosen objects, such as studying the ecological roles or geological history, and present their findings alongside the installation.
Conclusion:
This project not only nurtures students’ creativity and technical skills but also instills a deeper appreciation for Icelandic nature and culture. By guiding students through this immersive experience, teachers can foster a meaningful connection between the environment, technology, and cultural heritage.
