Virtual Student Programming

Immerse yourself in the amazing sounds of our planet! This interactive multimedia experience takes you on an ear-opening journey into the science of sound and the emerging field of soundscape ecology.

Your learners will embark on a mission to investigate the dramatic soundscapes of Costa Rica’s rainforests and learn how animals use sounds to survive and communicate in lush, but threatened environments. Participants will:

• Learn about the tools that scientists use to record and analyze sounds.
• Explore basic acoustics through interactive activities and incredible slow-motion footage.
• Discover what soundscapes tell us about the health of our planet.

Grades: 1-12
Cost: $140; Title I funding is available
Group limit: 36 students

How to register
Complete the form at the bottom of this page. We are asking each individual teacher to request a lab only for their own class; please ask your colleagues to fill out their own request form. We require a minimum of 12 students for all our virtual experiences. Before your session, be sure to download and review our helpful guide, Optimizing your Virtual Experience. 

Available dates and times
Monday-Friday, 9 a.m., 11 a.m., or 1 p.m. Pacific. Start times can begin 15 minutes before or after these times, if you need flexibility. Just ask!

September 20, 2022 - June 9, 2023

Starting September 20, 2022, Global Soundscapes will also be available in the IMAX dome theater! The theater version will be available Tuesday - Friday in the 11 a.m. teacher choice IMAX slot. Book early to ensure your selection of Global Soundscapes!

In this FREE virtual experience, an expert guest speaker will engage with your middle or high school students for 45-60 minutes. We offer two types of sessions:

• Meet a Scientist: This session is informal and conversational. The Biologist will give a 5-10 minute presentation about who they are, including a bit about their personal history, path into science, current work, and career goals. The rest of the session will be an open Q&A from students.

• Research Presentation: In this type of session, the Biologist will give a 20-minute presentation about their current work and studies, giving students a sneak peek into cutting-edge research. The rest of the session will be an open Q&A from students. 

The biologists are volunteer graduate students and postdoctoral fellows from Stanford, primarily from the Genetics Department, who are interested in engaging with youth about science. Please note that as sessions are dependent on Biologist availability, we are not able to accommodate all special requests. We require a minimum of 12 students to book a virtual visit.

What do we ask in return for you engaging with this free program? Easy! Just fill out a survey afterward to help us guide the program’s direction for the future. Priority will be given to underserved schools in the greater Bay Area region. 

Apply here