But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

Volcanoes have been erupting on Earth for BILLIONS of years, and they’re still creating new landscapes today! Volcanoes can seem mysterious and scary, but people all over the world have learned to live in close proximity to active volcanoes. Today we answer questions you’ve sent us about how they form, how they erupt, what magma/lava is, and how volcanologists work to predict when they might erupt. Our guest is Freysteinn Sigmundsson, a volcanologist and professor at the University of Iceland. Download our learning guides and transcript: PDF | Google Slide  | Transcript 

But Why went somewhere really cool - literally - and we’re taking you along! We visited Sólheimajökull, a glacier in southern Iceland and then talked with University of Iceland glaciologist Guðfinna Aðalgeirsdóttir to discover how glaciers are formed, why they can be different colors, and how they shape the land. (Do you know the difference between a V-shaped valley and a U-shaped valley? Glaciers!) Plus we’ll talk a little bit about why glaciers around the world are retreating at such a fast pace. Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript 

Have you noticed especially hazy skies where you live over the last few summers? While many parts of the world are experiencing more frequent and intense wildfires, even places that are nowhere near the fires are being impacted by the smoke from fires hundreds or thousands of miles away. Wildfire smoke gets so high in the atmosphere, it can be blown across a continent in a matter of days. In this special bonus episode, we’re going to learn the how and why of wildfire smoke that drifts around the world. And we’ll talk a little bit about how to stay safe when air quality goes down. Our guests are Professor Joel Thornton of the University of Washington and Dr. Gregg Furie of Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston.Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript

Have you ever seen a puffin? With their bright beaks, orange feet and black and white coloring, these birds are very cool to look at. And we’ve gotten a lot of questions about them! In this episode, we talk with Don Lyons, an educator and avian ecologist with the Seabird Institute in Maine. What are puffins? Why are puffin beaks so colorful? Why do puffins dig burrows? How do puffins learn to fly? How can you tell if a puffin is male or female? How long can puffins hold their breath? Why do they have red feet?Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript

Where did the English language come from? Why do words have silent letters? Why do some people have accents? Why do some words sound similar? Answers to all of your questions about English and words with sociolinguist Erica Brozovsky, host of a PBS digital show called Otherwords. Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript

Dive into the quirky world of nature and dance! Discover how dolphins leap for joy and why chameleons change colors. Explore the art and dedication behind ballet, especially the challenges of dancing on pointe. Learn about the science of jellyfish, the sensory wonders of cats' whiskers, and the beauty of solar eclipses. Plus, get inspired to ask your own questions and engage in this fun journey of curiosity!

Join Melania Alvarez, an outreach coordinator at the University of British Columbia, as she dives into the fascinating world of mathematics. She answers quirky questions like why one plus one equals two and the concept of infinity. Listeners will enjoy a fun chicken puzzle that showcases critical thinking in math. Melania emphasizes the emotional journey of problem-solving, the real-life significance of math, and encourages everyone to embrace their inner mathematician. Tune in for some delightful math insights and strategies!

Join chef and author Kenji López-Alt, known for his kids' book Every Night is Pizza Night, as he spices up the conversation about why some people crave fiery foods while others can't handle the heat. Discover how capsaicin works on our bodies and why your tolerance for spice may change over time. Kenji also shares the secrets behind the crunch of pickles and the science of fermentation, all while encouraging kids to explore the joy of cooking and cultural connections through food.

Dr. Jeff Yu, a pediatric dermatologist at Massachusetts General Hospital, shares essential insights about sun safety for kids. He explains what causes sunburn and the differences between tanning and skin damage. Listeners learn how sunscreen works and why it's crucial to apply it while engaging in summer fun. Jeff also discusses the importance of protecting eyes from UV rays and shares tips on choosing effective sunscreen types. Hydration is highlighted as vital for outdoor activities, making safe sun exposure enjoyable for everyone.

Sara Grady, a Senior Coastal Ecologist at Mass Audubon, joins to unravel the mysteries of horseshoe crabs, fascinating creatures that are more closely related to spiders than crabs. Discover why they mate along Atlantic coastlines and learn about their unique anatomy and behaviors. Grady discusses their ancient lineage, including whether they predate dinosaurs, and the amazing uses of their blue blood. Tune in to find out how humans can interact with these remarkable arthropods and the challenges they face in our changing environment!