Brains On! Science podcast for kids

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18 snips
May 27, 2025 • 28min

How do weather stations predict the weather?

Ever wondered how they predict the weather? This fun exploration dives into the fascinating tools used at weather stations, from radar to satellites. You'll laugh at the antics of geese on radar and learn about imaginative apps that mix forecasts with positive affirmations. Discover how weather balloons and ocean buoys collect vital data, all while engaging in a playful Mystery Sound challenge. It's a captivating journey into the science of weather prediction that's perfect for young curious minds!
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May 20, 2025 • 28min

Tree, Myself and I: All about our leafy green friends

Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show:Support the podcast with donation | Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes and bonus content | Buy our book and merch | Come to our live shows | Get the newsletter for parents | Find teacher resourcesTrees are the strong, silent type but that doesn’t mean they can’t communicate. In this episode we’ll explore how trees send each other messages above ground and below. Plus we’ll learn how a seed goes from a tiny sapling to a towering plant. We find out some fruit facts and hear an all new Mystery Sound. This episode was originally published on Jul 16, 2019. This episode is sponsored by:Indeed.com/brainson - Receive a $75 sponsored job creditExperience Disney's Snow White, only in theaters March 21. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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May 13, 2025 • 32min

Body Bonanza: Bruises, scars and Band-Aids

Dive into the colorful world of bruises and healing! The hosts share hilarious anecdotes about injuries and weave science into storytelling, explaining how bruises change colors. Discover the magic of Band-Aids, as they learn from a pediatrician about the healing process and the role of collagen. Enjoy a fun mystery sound challenge, and celebrate the creativity of young listeners who contribute to the show's vibrant community. It's a playful blend of laughs, learning, and curiosity around our bodies!
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May 12, 2025 • 2min

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Life is Poopiful

Oh no! An awful spell has put Ruby, Rosie, and Anna in a poopiful situation at Brains On HQ! It looks like the only way to save them is with a quick game with Molly Bloom. Grab your Smarty Pass to hear how a change of verb can leave things poopiful.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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May 6, 2025 • 38min

Are birds dinosaurs?

Jingmai O’Connor, an associate curator of fossil reptiles at the Field Museum, dives into the amazing world of birds as modern-day dinosaurs. She shares thrilling insights about how creatures like chickens are descendants of T-Rex. The conversation reveals key fossil discoveries and amusing anecdotes that make evolution accessible to kids. Plus, listeners get to play along in a fun guessing game and explore the fascinating connections between various species, highlighting how understanding our wildlife can be both exciting and educational!
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19 snips
Mar 11, 2025 • 32min

Trends: How do they start?

Sanden Totten, an expert on the Diffusion of Innovation Theory, joins the discussion to unravel how trends begin and spread. He explains the role of early adopters and their influence on social phenomena, likening them to social media influencers. The hosts add humor with quirky ideas like 'fruit pants' while exploring how trends in animal behavior parallel human fads. Personal anecdotes and listener contributions highlight the playful nature of trendsetting, making it clear that trends shape connections and identities across cultures.
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Mar 7, 2025 • 2min

Smarty Pass Sneak Peek: Molly’s Inconceivable Preposterous Skateboard

Oh no! Molly’s been bequeathed her great-great grandfather’s skateboard, which unfortunately contains the spirit of dictionary editor Rutherford Williams Webster! Hoping to defeat the skateboard poltergeist, Anna and Marc must attempt to spell and define Webster’s most obscure words!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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4 snips
Mar 4, 2025 • 28min

How does solar power work?

Brains On is a non-profit public radio program. There are lots of ways to support the show:Support the podcast with donation | Subscribe to Smarty Pass for ad-free episodes and bonus content | Buy our book and merch | Come to our live showsSolar panels capture energy from the sun and turn it into electricity. But how do they work?Join guest host Rosie duPont and co-host Anna as they explore the ins and outs of solar energy! Marc and his latest invention, Sal the solar bot, stop by the studio for a special solar demonstration — then the Earth and Moon chat about why solar power is an important tool for slowing down climate change. Plus, an electrifying new mystery sound!Check out our series all about electricity too!Today’s episode is sponsored by: Indeed.com/brainson - Receive a $75 sponsored job creditExperience Disney's Snow White, only in theaters March 21. Rated PG, parental guidance suggested.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Feb 25, 2025 • 26min

What is asthma?

Dive into the world of asthma with an engaging exploration of how our lungs function. Discover why asthma attacks occur and hear firsthand experiences that highlight the challenges faced. Learn from a kids' lung doctor about the role of rescue inhalers and the factors contributing to asthma. Plus, enjoy a fun segment where listeners guess a mystery sound and share their favorite dinosaurs. It's a captivating mix of science and personal stories, perfect for curious minds!
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Feb 18, 2025 • 35min

How does coral communicate?

Dive into the mesmerizing world of coral, where vibrant colors and unique shapes reveal its true nature as an animal! Discover how these oceanic wonders communicate and even hear sounds—who knew coral could rock out? Enjoy playful banter and personal stories from the hosts about the importance of coral reefs and their role in marine ecosystems. Plus, unravel the mystery of a delightful sound that brings joy to young listeners. This underwater adventure is all about creativity, engagement, and celebrating nature!

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