Thursday, December 15, 2011

When Left and Right Brains Unite: The Symphony of Science

In our science room at school, we have this amazing poster visually showcasing the left and right sides of the brain.  (Ironically, it's an advertisement for Mercedes-Benz!)

Our science teacher chuckles over the commentary he gets from the kids: 
  • "Why is the left side so plain?" 
  • "Why is the right side so messy?"
  • "Oh!  Look at all the beautiful colors on the right side."
  • "The left side makes me feel so calm and relaxed."
Gee, can you figure out which "side" each one of those comments come from?!

I happened to think of this poster today as I happened upon this video entitled "The Symphony of Science:  We Are All Connected."  Where else can you have Carl Sagan (Pulitzer Prize winning astrophysicist and author), Richard Feynman (Nobel Prize winning physicist), Neil deGrasse Tyson (astrophysicist, NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal, and the person known for re-classifying Pluto as a "dwarf planet" rather than a full-fledged planet) & Bill Nye the Science Guy all set to music discussing the interconnectedness of individuals with the Earth and the Universe: biologically, chemically, and atomically?  A pretty powerful way to show the interrelatedness of people to the planet and beyond, in a way that sticks with you.

The Symphony of Science is the work of musician/producer John Boswell.  Through it, he brings the two hemispheres of the brain together, by incorporating the words of scientists with music.  Pretty memorable approach, if you ask me. Click here for a pretty lengthy list of his remixes.

Truthfully, I think this is the approach that Sheldon should take with Penny on "Big Bang Theory!"  I think if he presented some of his left brain physics concepts to his quirky actress neighbor Penny using the "Symphony of Science," Sheldon may indeed have a lot more luck!!  Plus, then, when I watched, I could sing along!


Left-Right brain image from http://www.coloribus.com/adsarchive/prints/mercedes-benz-left-brain-right-brain-paint-14188405/; Symphony of Science pic from http://symphonyofscience.com//.  The Symphony of Science:  We are All Connected from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XGK84Poeynk.

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