Share and Reflect: Presenting Data Through Sound
One possible way to share the results of this activity is by creating a digital exhibition of sonified maps, where students present their sound compositions alongside the corresponding visual data. Each group can prepare a short presentation or interactive display showing their dataset, how they mapped it to sound, and what story or emotion they aimed to convey. Using free online platforms such as SoundCloud, Google Sites, or Padlet, they can upload their sound files and maps, allowing others to explore how data from different regions “sounds” when converted into music.
Students Celebrating – High Five Moment.
This image evokes the celebratory and communal spirit of a final exhibition where students
present their sonified maps and data-driven soundscapes — encouraging collaboration,
shared learning and public engagement with data as art and knowledge.
Credits: Yan Krukau / Pexels. People Giving High Fives.
Free to use under Pexels License.
Original source: https://www.pexels.com/photo/people-giving-high-fives-8199708/
A final school event can be organised where students present their projects under the theme “The Sound of Data: Listening to the World through Maps.” The event can take place in a classroom, auditorium, or even an art-and-science fair, with students introducing their soundscapes as live or recorded performances. Each presentation should include both a visual component (a map or graph) and an auditory one (the sonified dataset). Invite teachers from various subjects—such as geography, music, computer science, and art—along with parents and local community members. Such an interdisciplinary showcase highlights how data, technology, and creativity can work together to foster understanding of global issues.
The event can begin with a short introductory talk explaining the purpose of data sonification and how it enhances perception of complex information. This can be followed by student presentations, each lasting a few minutes, in which groups describe their research question, data source, and the logic behind their sound design. Between presentations, the audience can listen to each composition and discuss what they perceive: Can you hear when pollution increases? Does population growth sound harmonious or chaotic? These sensory reflections make data interpretation engaging and accessible.
The session should conclude with a collective reflection and discussion about what students learned. Encourage questions such as:
– Did hearing the data help you understand it differently compared to looking at charts?
– Which emotions did the sonified maps evoke?
– Can sonification be used as a communication tool for environmental or social awareness?
Students may also create a set of recommendations for how sonification could be integrated into school projects or science communication initiatives—for example, transforming school climate data into sound to raise awareness about sustainability.
If organizing an in-person event is not possible, a virtual exhibition or webinar can be arranged following a similar structure. Each group can present their visual and audio materials via video conferencing or a shared online gallery. Schools participating in the Geo Academy network can connect internationally to exchange sonified data stories, promoting collaboration between students from different countries.