The Acoustic Ecology course at Iowa Lakeside Lab was featured in a segment on Iowa Public Television’s Iowa Outdoors weekly program.
This course is an introduction to acoustic ecology. Field studies, lectures and assignments work to build a strong understanding of the role sound plays in the environment.
Acoustic Ecology studies the relationship between living things and their surrounding soundscape. Throughout this course, students explore a variety of tactics for exploring, documenting and analyzing the soundscape at various locations surrounding Lakeside Lab and beyond.
The course is designed for students studying art, science, or design. Studying the soundscape crosses into a variety of disciplines and topics. There are issues relating to biology, audio engineering, acoustics, community development, social engagement, design, art, health and many, many more. While some portion of this course discuss art and design as it relates to the study of acoustic ecology, no previous art or design knowledge is required to successfully complete this course.
From the IPTV Description:
“A group of students visit Iowa Lakeside Lab in Okoboji to study acoustic ecology. Acoustic ecology is a field that studies the relationship between sound, living things, and their environment. While studying aquatic organisms, students used hydrophones to record sounds of the environment such as boats. Studying acoustic ecology can help determine how sounds impact the behavior of animals.”
Now part of the Iowa Science Phenomena initiative.
The Acoustic Ecology segment of Iowa Outdoors is also featured on the Iowa PBS educational module for “Studying Acoustic Ecology.”
Iowa Core Standard: K-ESS3-3
Communicate solutions that will reduce the impact of humans on the land, water, air, and/or other living things in the local environment.
