But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids

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

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

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

Ted Shai, known as the poetry guy, has spent over 20 years teaching kids the magic of poetry. Joining him is Rajnii Eddins, a talented spoken word poet and educator who became a member of the African American Writers Alliance at just 11. They engage young listeners in a fun exploration of poetry, encouraging creativity through writing exercises. Heartfelt poems by kids touch on nature and emotions, showcasing the powerful role of expression. The joy of sharing and crafting poetry forges connections, making every month feel like a celebration of words.

Barry Genzlinger, co-founder of the Vermont Bat Center, shares fascinating insights about bats, including their unique echolocation and the effects of white-nose syndrome. Wildlife biologist Kim Royar highlights the exceptional traits of beavers, emphasizing their importance as ecological engineers. The discussion covers beavers’ impressive adaptations, their role in creating habitats, and conservation strategies for coexistence with humans. Listeners also get to explore the evolutionary connections between bats and current wildlife challenges.

Where is the border between sky and space? That's what 5-year-old Matthias of Durham, New Hampshire wants to know. Allesandra, 3 of Bella Vista, Arkansas wants to know why we can't hold air. We're going to get scientific, but also philosophical and imaginative with anthropologist Hugh Raffles, astronomer John O'Meara, and, a special treat, cellist Zoë Keating, who scored the episode for us to help us really feel it! Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript

Join Jane Lindholm, co-host of a beloved kids' podcast and voice of one of the twin sisters, as she dives into a magical tale of kindness and consequences. Discover how Chloe's unrealistic expectations clash with Zoe's generous heart, leading to unexpected outcomes. The enchanting story features a rescued sparrow, who returns with a special gift, and a magical pumpkin seed that brings both fortune and greed. This captivating folktale imparts important lessons about justice, generosity, and the true rewards of caring for others.

We head to the kitchen to answer cooking and food questions. Why does food taste better with salt? Why do we need salt to make sweet things like cookies? Why do seasonings taste good in food but not so much on their own? Why are marshmallows soft? Why do egg whites go from clear to white when they're cooked? How are expiration dates determined? Answers to your food questions with Molly Birnbaum, host the podcast Mystery Recipe and editor of America's Test Kitchen Kids. Download our learning guide: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript

We're talking about teeth with a friendly dentist! How do teeth become loose? Why do our baby teeth fall out? Why do people only have two sets of teeth? Why don't babies have teeth when they're born? Why are teeth white? Why do we have gums in our mouth? How does toothpaste clean your teeth? How does sugar make cavities? We get answers from Theron Main, a pediatric dentist at Timberlane Dental Group in South Burlington, Vermont. Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript

We're answering 9 questions that put a smile on our faces, and we hope they make you chuckle, too. Plus, you might actually learn something from some of the answers! Are llamas ticklish? Why do pickles and cacti look alike? What are boogers made out of? How do fish see underwater without goggles? Do skunks like their smell? Do pigs poop? Are elephants afraid of mice? Are jellyfish made of jelly? Why are yawns contagious? Guests include Jo Blasi from the New England Aqarium, naturalist Marry Holland, therapy llama-handler Shannon Joy, and Elephant Listening Project researcher Peter Wrege. Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slides | Transcript | Coloring Page