Sounds from the Sky - A project that bridges science and the arts to foster the observation and appreciation of the sky and the natural world

“Sounds from the Sky” is an educational initiative developed in Barcelona that encourages children to explore their surroundings, become conscious of the noise that permeates their daily lives, and rediscover the subtle sounds of the sky and nature—even within the urban landscape.

Barcelona is ranked as the noisiest city in the Western world. Immersed in a continuous soundscape, its residents are increasingly disconnected from the natural environment. In response to this growing concern, the Palau de la Música Catalana, the Meteorological Service of Catalonia, ISGlobal (Barcelona Institute for Global Health), and the Natural Sciences Museum of Barcelona have joined efforts to raise awareness among young people about the value of silence, the importance of observing the sky and their surroundings, and the healing power of natural sound. The initiative is supported by the Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology (FECYT) under the Ministry of Science and Innovation.

Over five sessions, participating students are immersed in a range of interdisciplinary activities. These include a guided sound bath experience, an exploration of the health effects of noise pollution, a practical workshop on measuring sound levels; a specially designed session at the Palau de la Música Catalana, narrating the story of an air bubble and an organ. Students also take part in a blindfolded sound walk through the Botanical Garden of Barcelona, where they listen attentively to natural sounds and make their own audio recordings. Through a creative workshop, they develop graphic scores based on sky sounds—such as rain, wind, and thunder—and create imaginative stories inspired by their recordings at the Garden.

The programme culminates in a collective event where students share their experiences and collaboratively draft a ten-point manifesto to promote a quieter, more harmonious school environment.

This project aims to cultivate critical thinking within both students and the broader educational community through mindful listening practices—whether to natural soundscapes or music—and through the scientific study of sound. Attentive listening to nature or to high-quality music enhances concentration and allows individuals to reconnect with themselves, fostering their innate capacities to listen, observe, and create.

By integrating artistic, scientific, health, and sustainability perspectives, the initiative equips children with the tools and understanding needed to become aware of their sonic environment and actively engage in reducing noise pollution—at school, in the classroom, and throughout the city. The project promotes meaningful, lasting, and transferable learning, while empowering students to become agents of change in the creation of healthier, more conscious soundscapes.