Young Sound Seekers - A Unique Partnership
Established by Atlantic Center for the Arts, Stetson University, and Conklin Davis Center for Visually Impaired, Young Sound Seekers began as a local environmental arts program for blind and partially sighted youth in Central Florida. Through sensory learning, the students involved in this program are offered a deeper understanding of the diverse habitat of marine and terrestrial animal species, the cultural history of local lands, the watershed, and how ecology is influenced by sound. This 5-year program was made possible by grant support from the National Park Service Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division, who mentored our team and offered opportunities to train park interpreters, educators, and scientists about the fascinating field of soundscape ecology.
The program quickly grew into a universally designed soundscape education curriculum to be shared with wide audiences including those with accessibility needs and sensory sensitivities. Each lesson offers activities that open curiosity to the natural and cultural sounds of our world.
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Young Sound Seekers began as an environmental arts program for blind and partially sighted youth, where through sensory learning, students gained a deeper understanding of how ecology and cultural landscapes are influenced by sound. This program quickly grew into a universally designed soundscape education curriculum with lessons that offer listening activities that teach the value of conserving the natural soundscape. This program is made possible by support from the Natural Sounds Night Skies Division.
No Barriers Youth and National Park Service Partnership: 2012 National Award!
Through a partnership with No Barriers USA (formerly No Barriers Youth), the National Park Service Natural Sounds and Night Skies Division educated a diverse group of youth and educators nationwide in the management and understanding of soundscapes. Through educational activities and travel conducted in classrooms and on expeditions in the Grand Canyon, participants gained 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 traveled. Each expedition included 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: August 27, 2024