M A S S I V E
Math And Science Song Information,
Viewable Everywhere

Frequently Asked Questions

(This page was last updated on December 12, 2010.)

0. What qualifies as a science/math song?
1. Does MASSIVE contain links to every known science/math song?
2. Why can't I play some of the sound samples listed in the database?
3. Why doesn't MASSIVE include many environmental, fitness, or nutrition songs?
4. Why do I find few songs when I search with a really general keyword?
5. Why doesn't MASSIVE include So-and-so's fabulous ballad about the Fick equation?
6. Song X is listed in MASSIVE, but there's no link to the online MP3. Why not?
7. Your links for my songs go to websites that I don't like. Can you change that?
8. Do you realize that some of your links are broken?
9. MASSIVE would be more helpful if songs were classified by grade or subject.
10. Have all MASSIVE songs been checked for scientific accuracy?
11. Does it cost any money to have one's songs entered into MASSIVE?
12. Why exactly are you doing this, anyway?
13. Aren't science songs just for rote memorization of facts?

0. What qualifies as a science/math song?

Deciding whether a song is a science/math song is admittedly arbitrary to some extent. Songs whose lyrics are primarily about scientific/mathematical concepts, scientists/mathematicians, and/or the process of doing science/math all qualify for inclusion in the database. Songs that reflect on the role of science/math in society, portrayals of science/math in the media, etc. may also be included.

1. Does MASSIVE contain links to every known science/math song?

No. MASSIVE is an attempt to index all songs for which "professional" recordings have been made, plus additional songs that appear to be of high quality and/or are likely be of special interest to scientists, teachers, and/or students. Given the proliferation of music videos on YouTube and other websites, we can't possibly keep track of all of the science/math ones ourselves. Suggestions from others are much appreciated. (See Question 5 below.)

2. Why can't I play some of the sound samples listed in the database?

Sound files on the Internet come in a variety of formats, some of which require special software to hear. For example, .ra, .ram, and .rm files are designed for RealPlayer, whereas .wma files are designed for Windows Media Player.

3. Why doesn't MASSIVE include many environmental, fitness, or nutrition songs?

It's our intention to keep MASSIVE focused on math and the "pure" sciences rather than cataloguing lots of songs devoted to environmental advocacy, health, etc. We have nothing against those topics, though....

4. Why do I find few songs when I search using a really general keyword?

Keywords are compared with song titles and song lyrics. If the search term (e.g., "geology") isn't in the title or the lyrics of a song, the song won't be listed in the search results even if it is a song about some aspect of geology. Because of this, we encourage you to enter keywords that are somewhat specific, like "volcano" or "igneous."

5. Why doesn't MASSIVE include So-and-so's fabulous ballad about the Fick equation?

We are probably unaware that it exists. Email greg@science-groove.org to request that it be added.

6. Song X is listed in MASSIVE, but there's no link to the online MP3. Why not?

Again, it's probably a case of ignorance. Email greg@science-groove.org, and all will be made right.

7. Your links for my songs go to websites that I don't like. Can you change that?

Yes. If you have suggestions for changing the links associated with your songs, send email to greg@science-groove.org.

8. Do you realize that some of your links are broken?

No -- they're all supposed to be perfect! Email greg@science-groove.org to report broken links.

9. MASSIVE would be more helpful if songs were classified by grade or subject.

That's not really a question, is it? We've been reluctant to classify songs in this way because we've found that many songs can be used with a wide range of age groups and/or are relevant to more than one subject area. In the future, however, we may attempt to provide subject classifications.

10. Have all MASSIVE songs been checked for scientific accuracy?

Not by us, no. We believe most of these songs to be reasonably accurate, but we don't make any guarantees. A possible future outgrowth of the project would be to host evaluative feedback on the songs.

11. Does it cost any money to have one's songs entered into MASSIVE?

Nope -- it's free! If you want to thank us for the "advertising," feel free to send us copies of your recordings. (They can be mailed to: Greg Crowther, 3204 19th Avenue South, Seattle WA 98144, USA.)

12. Why exactly are you doing this, anyway?

We believe that math and science songs can often reach people in ways that traditional lectures and discussions cannot. However, people generally find it difficult to locate songs that are to their liking both musically and content-wise. We hope that this database will connect scientists and science fans with music they like ... and that it will connect musicians and music fans with science they like!

13. Aren't science songs just for rote memorization of facts?

Absolutely not; science songs have numerous educational and non-educational uses. They can be used to entertain, inspire, provoke critical thinking, combat stereotypes about scientists, and so on.