Frequently Asked Questions

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. In general, we try to be as inclusive as possible.

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

No. MASSIVE is an attempt to index all songs for which there are recordings available for purchase and/or online. In exceptional cases, we will consider adding information on songs for which no recording exists.

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

For better or for worse, 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 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 , 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 .

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

No -- they're all supposed to be perfect! Email 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're 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.

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

Not by us, no. Although we believe these songs to be accurate, we don't make any guarantees.

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: Science Groove, 3204 19th Avenue South, Seattle WA 98144.) Also note that if you need us to host your lyrics and/or sound clips on our website (because you don't have a site of your own), we can do that, but we'll charge $5 per song per year. We can generate sound samples from your CDs, too, but we'll charge a one-time fee of $5 per song. We reserve the right not to post any material that we consider to be of poor quality or objectionable in any other way.

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?</</p>

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.