Music Professor Receives $330,000 Grant for Science, Music Education in Grade Schools

By Jill Yesko, University Relations

Contact (336) 334-3890

Posted:1-2-08

GREENSBORO, N.C. – The Music Research Institute will embark on a two and a half-year project that will introduce second through fifth-grade students to science and math through the innovative use of Biomusic.

Titled “Universal BEATS,” the project will incorporate the field of Biomusic, the study of the musical sounds of all species of plants and animals, into math and science curricula.

The project is funded through a $330,000 grant from the National Science Foundation.

The project will use music and natural sounds to teach students lessons in biodiversity, neurophysiology, human evolution, the physics of sound and cultural diversity.

Universal BEATS is collaboration between UNCG, NC State, the Kenan Institute of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics and the National Science Foundation.

“We have to help science, math and music teachers work collaboratively,” said Dr. Patricia Gray, a professor and senior research scientist at the School of Music and the principal investigator for the grant.

Classroom lessons will be inquiry-based and could include experiences in learning about the properties of sound and music by constructing a cave and having students make their own instruments from stone, bones and even stalagmites. Students could also learn about human physiology by studying cavemen, according Gray.

The goal of the program is to develop a standards-based curriculum that introduces elementary-aged students to the deep roots of human music.

In January, two teams of Biomusic fellows consisting of two science and music teachers will begin developing educational modules that they will introduce into two schools in the fall. The fellows will work with renowned science experts such as Dr. Steve Nowicki, dean of undergraduate education at Duke University and an expert in the evolution of animal communication.

In 2009 the project will be expanded to approximately 60 teachers.

For more information contact the Music Research Institute at (336) 334-5789 or visit http://www.uncg.edu/mus/mri.html.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

University Relations
Location: 500 Forest Street
Mailing Address: PO Box 26170, Greensboro, NC 27402-6170
Telephone:336.334.3783
Fax:336.334.4602