This project is a data physicalization project wherein we worked to physically represent real-life, credible data sets. The data I chose to represent is the Deaths by School Shootings in the US from 2009-2018 and the link to the Data Source can be found here: https://www.cnn.com/interactive/2019/07/us/ten-years-of-school-shootings-trnd/. I created a windchime to induce the senses of sight and sound as an attempt to communicate the data I chose.

—Fabrication techniques:
1. Drilling (wood and metal)
2. Jewellery saw (metal)
3. Sanding (wood)
4. Staining (wood)

—Materials used:
1. Polycotton Thread
2. Copper tubes (hollow)
3. Wood panel (found object)
4. Black stain (wood)

I aimed to differentiate my windchime from commercial ones by using intentional, handmade materials, reflecting a personal topic. I chose copper tubes to reference bullet casings, a sanded and black-stained wooden panel symbolizing grief, and polycotton thread to show life’s fragility while highlighting the copper. The imperfect design creates a delicate sound, encouraging reflection on the data. As an international student on a budget, I’m proud of the labor-intensive sanding, staining, drilling, and tying skills I developed.