But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
But Why is a show led by kids. They ask the questions and we find the answers. It’s a big interesting world out there. On But Why, we tackle topics large and small, about nature, words, even the end of the world. Know a kid with a question? Record it with a smartphone. Be sure to include your kid's first name, age, and town and send the recording to questions@butwhykids.org!
Latest episodes
Jul 17, 2020 • 33min
What Happens To The Forest After A Fire?
Why do forest fires happen? What happens to the forest after a fire? Sometimes you send us questions about things you've heard about, and sometimes you send us questions about your experiences. We'll hear from 5-year-old Abby in Australia who wanted to know more about the bush fires near her home earlier this year. Liam and Emma tell us about their wildfire experiences in California, and we get answers to your questions from Ernesto Alvarado, professor at the University of Washington.
Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
Jul 3, 2020 • 21min
Why Do Ladybugs Have Spots? Do Dragonflies Bite?
This week, we're getting out our bug nets and talking about dragonflies and ladybugs! Why do ladybugs have spots? How many different types of ladybugs are there? How do they crawl on the ceiling without falling down? Where do dragonflies and ladybugs sleep? Why are dragonflies called dragonflies? Do they bite? We're joined by Kent McFarland, a research biologist at the Vermont Center for Ecostudies and the co-host of another great VPR podcast called Outdoor Radio.
Download our learning guide: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
Jun 27, 2020 • 49min
But Why Live: A Musical Celebration
In this special live episode But Why had a musical celebration with Mister Chris, the Junkman and May Erlewine, and we heard your songs. You can listen to But Why Live at vpr.org and call-in every Friday at 1 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time through June 26, 2020. This program is in collaboration with the Vermont Agency of Education to bring interactive educational opportunities to students while schools are closed.
TRANSCRIPT | EDUCATION RESOURCES
Jun 19, 2020 • 47min
But Why Live: A Discussion About Race And Racism
In this enlightening discussion, Y. Joy Harris-Smith and Carolyn Helsel, co-authors of The ABCs of Diversity, explore critical topics surrounding race and racism. They engage young listeners on the significance of Juneteenth and the ongoing relevance of racial discussions. The authors address sensitive issues like the implications of George Floyd's death and encourage kids to reflect on their own experiences with race. They highlight the power of youth activism and the importance of open dialogue to foster understanding and promote equality in communities.
Jun 13, 2020 • 49min
But Why Live: Trees
In this special live episode learned about trees and tree communication with scientists Alexia Constantinou and Katie McMahen of the Simard Lab at the University of British Columbia. You can listen to But Why Live at vpr.org and call-in every Friday at 1 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time through June 26, 2020. This program is in collaboration with the Vermont Agency of Education to bring interactive educational opportunities to students while schools are closed.
TRANSCRIPT | EDUCATION RESOURCES
Jun 6, 2020 • 50min
But Why Live: Kid Press Conference with Governor Phil Scott
In this special live episode we held a kid press conference with Vermont Governor Phil Scott. You can listen to But Why Live at vpr.org and call-in every Friday at 1 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time through June 19, 2020. This program is in collaboration with the Vermont Agency of Education to bring interactive educational opportunities to students while schools are closed.
TRANSCRIPT | EDUCATION RESOURCES
Jun 5, 2020 • 30min
Why Do Spiders Have Eight Legs?
Why don't spiders stick to their own webs? How do spiders walk up walls and on ceilings without falling? Why do spiders have eight legs and eight eyes? How do they make webs? And silk? What's a cobweb? How do spiders eat? And why are daddy long legs called daddy long legs when they have to have a female to produce their babies?! We're talking spiders today with arachnologist Catherine Scott.
Download our learning guides: Transcript| Coloring Page
May 30, 2020 • 49min
But Why Live: Words and Language
In this special live episode we learn about words and language with linguist John McWhorter, host of the podcast Lexicon Valley. You can listen to But Why live at vpr.org and call-in every Friday at 1 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time through June 19, 2020. This program is in collaboration with the Vermont Agency of Education to bring interactive educational opportunities to students while schools are closed.
TRANSCRIPT | EDUCATION RESOURCES
May 23, 2020 • 51min
But Why Live: Space Exploration
In this special live episode we learn about space and space exploration with Jim Green, NASA's Chief Scientist. You can listen to But Why live at vpr.org and call-in every Friday at 1 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time through June 19, 2020. This program is part of a collaboration with the Vermont Agency of Education to bring interactive educational opportunities to students while schools are closed.
TRANSCRIPT | EDUCATION RESOURCES
May 22, 2020 • 22min
How Does Slime Work?
What is slime and how do you make it? What makes glue sticky? Why does mixing diet coke and Mentos make an explosion? How does glow in the dark stuff glow without batteries? We're talking about sticky things like slime and glue in this episode. Plus, bonus: explosions! The branch of science we're focusing on is called chemistry. Chemistry is basically the study of stuff and what it's made of, and how different substances interact with one another, sometimes even combining to make new stuff. Our guest is Kate Biberdorf, professor of instruction at the University of Texas, better known as "Kate the Chemist." Her new book is called The Big Book of Experiments.
Download our listening guide: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript | Puffy Slime Recipe | Experiments
