Sounds of Imagination: Exploring Foley in the Girls in STEM Club

This Tuesday at the Discovery Science and Technology Centre, the Girls in STEM Club explored the fascinating world of foley, the art of creating sound effects for films and animations.  The session opened with a brief recap of the previous weeks’ learning on sound engineering, pitch, amplification, and basic movie-making techniques.  Building on this foundation, the girls watched an engaging clip demonstrating how everyday objects can be transformed into the sounds heard in movies.  They learned that in animated films, sound effects are often exaggerated to enhance movement, mood, and emotion.

Following the video, Alissa and her volunteers invited the girls to close their eyes and listen attentively as they produced a series of sounds using a variety of props.  The students eagerly described what they heard, discovering, for instance, that banging a chain on the sides of a large tin box could convincingly mimic the deep rumble of a thunderstorm.

The girls then worked individually or in pairs on a creative challenge: selecting a ticket with a word on it and producing a matching sound using materials available in the room.  This hands-on task encouraged experimentation, teamwork, and problem-solving as they explored different objects to find the best match for their assigned sound.

The session concluded with presentations of each group’s sound effects.  The room buzzed with excitement and pride as the girls showcased their inventive creations.  The activity highlighted how STEM nurtures imagination and demonstrated the power of creativity and innovation in bringing stories to life through sound.laughter, and a shared sense of accomplishment, demonstrating how STEM empowers creativity and turns innovative ideas into visual storytelling.