Brains On! Science podcast for kids

Learn about spiders and their silk production, debunk common misconceptions, explore the fascinating world of spider research, and discover the mystery of spider communication and courtship vibrations.

Dr. Ken Libbrecht answers snowflake questions, explaining how they are made and why they are different shapes. The podcast explores the factors that influence snowflake growth and appearance, discusses a mystery sound interruption, and highlights the unique beauty of snowflake formation.

The hosts of the podcast introduce baking as a result of chemistry, not magic. They discuss favorite parts of baking, cooking temperature, and ingredient functions. They explain the process of baking bread using yeast. The distinctions between baking soda and baking powder are discussed. The origins of bread, its accidental discovery, and fermentation are explored.

This podcast explores the vocalizations of cats and dogs, discussing their different sounds and the messages they convey. It includes a game of guessing friendly and unfriendly dog barks, as well as analyzing the meanings behind growls and purrs. Also featured are interviews with experts who specialize in studying cat and dog vocalizations.

There’s all sorts of weather happening right now around the world. Rain, sun, wind, snow… you name it, somewhere it’s happening. It may seem hard to keep track of it all, but scientists have it figured out. We’ll find out how they collect data on weather around the globe and turn it into a forecast.

In a live show debate, the mysterious behavior of cats is discussed, including their night vision abilities, sharp claws, and marking territory through rubbing. The debate explores whether cats are evil or misunderstood, with arguments for both sides. The podcast also examines the rivalry between cats and dogs, concluding that they will never be able to peacefully coexist as roommates.

Explore the formation of boogers and their role in our noses. Learn how breathing through the nose filters and humidifies the air. Discover why we produce more mucus when sick and how it protects and heals our noses.

The podcast explores the neuroscience behind tickling and why we laugh when tickled. It discusses the phenomenon of being unable to tickle oneself and the heightened sensation when tickled by someone else. The podcast also delves into the evolutionary origins of tickling and theories on its purpose as a bonding mechanism. It explores whether ticklishness is a learned behavior or innate and investigates if we can train ourselves to be less ticklish.

A friendly competition is staged between bridges and tunnels. The podcast explores the unique characteristics of tunnels and discusses the role of civil engineers in designing and building them. It also explores different types of bridges and the construction of suspension bridges over large bodies of water. Listeners are encouraged to participate in the show and the chapter discusses the difference between miles and kilometers as units of distance measurement. The podcast touches on some of the longest, deepest, and tallest bridges and tunnels around the world.

Dr. Alan Stern, leader of NASA's mission to Pluto, talks about the progress and surprises of the New Horizons mission. The podcast also discusses the time travel adventure to witness the launch and invites listeners to participate in a New Horizons quiz.