Julie West / NPS
The following sound activities and resources used in parks can help teachers educate students of all ages on soundscapes. For introductory materials on the Natural Sounds Program, visit our Additional Information page.
Soundscape Activities
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Create a Windsock [307 KB PDF]
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Create Your Own Soundscape [124 KB PDF]
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Communicating in the Wild [799 KB PDF]
(Download sound clips needed for this activity.) -
Guess That Sound, an educational listening game
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Silent Hike/Silent Sit [.98 KB PDF]
- Sound Appreciation [427 KB PDF]
- Sound Bingo [192 KB PDF]
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Ways to Enjoy Natural Sound [720 KB PDF]
Soundscape Curriculum
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Powerful World of Sound Curriculum [1,348 KB PDF]
Soundscape Interpretive Programs Used in Parks
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Power of Sound Interpretive Handbook [2MB PDF]
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Capitol Reef's Voice [571 KB PDF]
(Download sound clips needed for this content.) -
The Dark Side of Shenandoah [481 KB PDF]
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Voice of the Desert [499 KB PDF]
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Listening to Muir Woods After Dark [106 KB PDF]
Teaching Youth through Educational Travel
Through a partnership with No Barriers Youth, the National Park Service Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division is educating a diverse group of youth and educators nationwide in the management and understanding of soundscapes. Through educational activities conducted in classrooms and on expeditions in the Grand Canyon, participants gain an appreciation of natural and cultural resources, a connection to the natural world, and a commitment to environmental stewardship.
Grand Canyon National Park, Canyon de Chelly National Monument, and the Peruvian Amazon are among the places where students have traveled. Each expedition includes sound-related activitIes and experiments aimed at increasing knowledge and understanding of the importance of sound and the acoustical environment in national parks and their everyday lives.
This partnership was awarded the 2012 Partners in Conservation Award by the U.S. Department of the Interior for outstanding achievements in youth stewardship and engagement.
Learn more: No Barriers Youth Lead the Way.
Last updated: January 17, 2023