Brains On! Science podcast for kids

How do planes stay in the air? And how did humans figure out that it wasn’t enough to just strap wings to our arms and flap them like birds?We’ll find out about the invention of airplanes and our co-hosts will share the frustrations and joys of being inventors themselves. Plus: An aviation-inspired mystery sound and paper airplane tips! Plus a new Moment of Um answers the question: “What’s the most sour thing in the world?” Today’s episode is sponsored by Madison Reed (madison-reed.com and offer code BRAINS). You can help us find new sponsors by filling out this anonymous survey: podsurvey.com/brainsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this discussion, a badger trainer shares her quirky experiences, including the infamous 'great badger blunder.' They dive into how memories are created and stored, revealing that our brains can hold far more than we realize. The conversation also explores the fascinating world of déjà vu and introduces other types of 'vus.' Listeners learn about engaging memory techniques and even the surprising idea of fish having allergies, all wrapped in a fun and curious presentation.

In this episode, we climb up, down and all around our evolutionary family tree. When did we branch off from our more ape-like ancestors? And will we evolve one day into a different species altogether? We'll meet a bearded scientist from 160 years ago (no, not Charles Darwin) and eat some sundaes (thanks lactase persistence!). Plus a brand new Moment of Um answers the question: Do insects have the same blood as humans? This episode is sponsored by: Calm (calm.com/brainson)Quip (getquip.com/brainson) The podcast Josie and Jonny are Having a Baby With You. You can support Brains On at brainson.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a special fundraising episode, where we peek behind the curtain of Brains On!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

50 years ago NASA astronauts took a picture that changed the world. It was a full color photo of planet Earth as seen from space. This image inspired many to think differently about our home. In this episode we'll tell the tale of that epic snapshot. Plus we'll explain how Earth and our solar system formed in the first place. We'll talk to astrophysicist Lindy Elkins-Tanton about whether there are other planets like Earth in the universe. Plus we have an all new Mystery Sound and a Moment of Um that answers the question “Why do dreams seem longer than they are?” So say cheese and enjoy! This episode is sponsored by Pre (eatpre.com and offer code BRAINSON). You can support Brains On at brainson.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We’re ready to get our hands dirty as we explore the stuff beneath our feet. Clay, sand, mud — soil is everywhere. And it’s alive! We’ll find out how it helps plants grow and learn about all the little organisms that are invaluable in the process (hint: it involves something called the “poop loop”). Plus: A brand new Moment of Um answers the question: “What’s inside of a tooth?” Today’s episode is sponsored by the CBC podcast Tai Asks Why and Quip (getquip.com/brainson). You can support Brains On at brainson.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We are very vocal about this episode, and that’s because it’s all about voices. We look into how our bodies produce sound and talk to a voice recognition expert. And we find out what’s happening when helium enters the equation. Plus, humans don’t have the voice market cornered -- what about other animals? We’ll drop in on a few creatures and find out how they make sounds too. All that plus a brand new Mystery Sound and berry delicious Moment of Um. Today’s episode is sponsored by Quip (getquip.com/brainson), KiwiCo (kiwico.com/brainson), and Bombas (bombas.com/brains). You can support Brains On at brainson.org/donateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

How do roller coaster designers go from dream to reality? World-renowned roller coaster designer Alan Schilke tells us how he does it. Also — why do some people feel sick or dizzy after riding them? And how do coasters make you feel like you’re floating? Plus: a tricky mystery sound and a Moment of Um that answers the question, “How do boomerangs come back?” This episode is sponsored by Quip (getquip.com/brainson), Thoughtfully (thoughtfully.com/brains) and Little Passports (LittlePassports.com/brains).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If your GPS suddenly stopped working, would you still be able to find your way?In this episode we'll teach you tricks and tips to navigate on your own. We'll explain how compasses work and we'll tell you who helped move north to the top of the map. Plus, we'll meet a navigator who goes on long journeys using only traditional Hawaiian navigational techniques and we'll stop by a pitstop for some amazing animal migrators. All that and a Moment of Um on why diamonds are so rare and so valuable. Today’s episode is sponsored by KiwiCo (kiwico.com/brainson), Little Passports (littlepassports.com/brains), Bombas (bombas.com/brains), and Ozobot (ozobot.com/shop).See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing our brand new history show, Forever Ago! Join host Joy Dolo and kid co-host Kai on an epic quest through history to figure out how video games began. With help from intrepid reporter Cari Spivack, they’ll visit the age of dinosaur computers, hear the sounds of early arcades and befriend some talking cows. This episode is sponsored by Little Passports (LittlePassports.com/BRAINS), Thoughtfully (thoughtfully.com/BRAINS) and Quip (GetQuip.com/brainson). You can support Brains On and Forever Ago at brainson.org/donate.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.