This website contains a link to a technological music instrument based on a synthesizer and weather sensors. The sensors transduce a variety of weather elements into electrical current that is interpreted by a synthesizer live all year long.
Audiotool is a wonderful resource that allows the modern musician to have an old-school audio studio at their fingertips. It even includes digital representations of classic synthesizers, as well as a number of tracks to use in mixing one's own creation. It can also be used with a MIDI keyboard. It might prove useful for contemporary, "other 80%"-style music courses.