MySoundscape is used by teachers to teach audio and the environment. Below we describe an example lesson plan that consists of a one-hour classroom session and this is followed by individual or student groups measuring the locations they have chosen.

Classroom Soundscape Lesson

• The following video is a good way to motivate the lesson,
  Improving Soundscapes - Natural Sounds (U.S. National Park Service)
  The video is entitled "Sound Solutions - Zion National Park". It is about 3 minutes and explains why soundscape measurement is important to protect our national parks.

• MySoundscape lesson material includes separate slide decks for three levels of students: Grades 10 and above, middle school, and below middle school. Please email if you'd like to use one of these, log@ieee.org. 

• The National Parks Service "Improving Soundscapes" site includes further fun and informative material for individual student or classroom exploration.

Classroom Measurement Lesson

In the last 10 minutes of the classroom session, the students should learn how to use the spectrum tool to measure sounds. Details of downloading the tool are on the page "How to Measure".

• First look at the spectrum with the students quiet, then ask them to talk. See the plot rise measuring the loudness of the sound.

• The teachers or students can talk at a low frequency and at a high frequency. See the power in the spectrum shift from left to right (lower to higher frequency).

• Have the students all say, "SHHHHHHH". This is white noise. The spectrum will have no peaks and be fairly flat with a slow drop off toward high frequency.

• When MySoundscape measurements are taken, the students will be asked for the power (y-axis) and frequency (x-axis) where the spectrum peaks, e.g., 75 dB at 130 Hz. If there is more than one peak, choose the lowest frequency peak.

• They will also be asked whether the spectrum is white (no peaks) or not (one or more peaks). Practice reading the plots in the classroom.

• In the field, the students will use this form to upload measurements and other information. Allow the GPS coordinates to be used for location. You might want to look at the form first in the classroom.

Organize the Field Measurements

• Choose a list of parks and other locations you want to measure.

• Have students organize so each site is measured by one or more students.

Measuring the Locations Chosen

• Ask that the students complete their measurements within, say, 1-2 weeks. For a park, measure at the entrance, such as a parking lot, and within the interior. Each measurement and uploading via the form will take 2-5 minutes. Observe the spectrum for a minute or so to ensure that you are measuring the average sound. Don't talk while measuring.