

Tumble Science Podcast for Kids
Tumble Media
A Common Sense Selection! Exploring stories of science discovery. Tumble is a science podcast created to be enjoyed by the entire family. Hosted & produced by Lindsay Patterson (science journalist) & Marshall Escamilla (teacher). Visit www.tumblepodcast.com for educational content.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 5, 2025 • 27min
Tumble Newsflash: Yoto Cards, Audiobook, & Your Plant Questions!
There’s so much happening in the world of Tumble, and we’re excited to share it all with you! Plus we answer questions about plants with the help of plant biologist Carina Baskett.
Tumble Yoto Cards
A brand-new pack of 3 cards with Tumble episodes on our most popular themes - Animals, Bugs, and Gross Science - for the Yoto audio player!
Get it 20% off during Yoto’s Back to School sale on educational cards: https://us.yotoplay.com/products/animal-facts-critter-curiosities-gross-science-pack
Tumble Science in the Field: Europe
Our first ever audiobook featuring science adventure episodes in Europe! Find it where you get your audiobooks:
Audible , Libro.fm , Hoopla , Audiobooks.com , and more!!
Tumble Live Events!
Cambridge Science Festival in Cambridge, MA - Sept 21
Princeton Public Library, Thursday September 25th
The Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment, Princeton University. Saturday September 27th
Connecticut River Museum in Essex, CT - October 11
Lincoln Center, NYC - February 7, 2025
We can’t wait to see you there.

Aug 22, 2025 • 24min
Tumble Mailbag: The Science of Questions and What State of Matter Is Fire?
Is fire a liquid, a solid, or is it even matter at all? And what is the science of asking good questions? Lindsay and Marshall dig into the Tumble mailbag to answer listener questions with the help of Tumble's science advisors, and respond to reviews! Somehow, the whole "cats are evil" thing just refuses to die.
We want to hear from you! Send us YOUR science questions, and let us know what you think of this mailbag episode! Here's how to do it:
Email Lindsay & Marshall at tumblepodcast@gmail.com
Upload a voice recording on our website sciencepodcastforkids.com
Want to support Tumble on Patreon? Go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast, and for a limited time you can get 75% off the first month using the code BTS2025 at check out!
You can also stream Science Songs vol. 1 here, or find the album on Bandcamp here.
Our merch store is tumblepodcast.dashery.com, where you can find the bird jacket t-shirt!

Aug 8, 2025 • 24min
How Big is the Universe?
This is a summer rebroadcast of an episode of Tumble from a few years ago.
How big is the universe? And how do we know? It's a question that puzzled astronomers for centuries. They had no way to measure distance in space - until Henrietta Leavitt showed them how. Henrietta Leavitt was a "computer" in the 19th century, before there were computers, and she made an incredible discovery that would help change the way people thought about the universe - forever. Modern-day astronomer Karen Masters helps us tell her remarkable story.
If you like this episode, you'll love our free audio course, "Cataloging the Universe" where you'll learn much more about how Henrietta Leavitt's discovery made a big difference in astronomy - plus, you'll become a skywatcher yourself! "Cataloging the Universe" is more than a podcast. It’s interactive! Each episode - or lesson - in the series contains activities to complete while you listen. Plus, you’ll get discussion questions, graphic organizers, and a star journal to keep your observations in. Check out the series and download all the resources at our website!
Hear more from Karen Masters in the bonus interview episode available to Patrons, when you pledge just $1 a month or more on our Patreon to support the show!
We have free resources available on our blog to learn more about the episode.
Also... psssssst.... here's that top secret crossword puzzle!

Jul 25, 2025 • 29min
Tumble Mailbag: Four-Leaf Clovers, Brains, Fish & Infinity!
Do you know why four leaf clovers are so rare? Or if just one side of our brain can fall asleep? Why do fish have different colors, and how big is infinity? Lindsay & Marshall dig into the Tumble mailbag to answer listener questions with the help of Tumble’s science advisors, and respond to reviews! (Yes, we’ll talk about cats.)
We want to hear from you! Send us YOUR science questions, and let us know what you think of this mailbag episode! Here’s how to do it:
Email Lindsay & Marshall at tumblepodcast@gmail.com
Upload a voice recording on our website sciencepodcastforkids.com
Donate to Central Texas Flood Relief: bit.ly/tumbletexasfloods
Support Tumble on Patreon: patreon.com/tumblepodcast
Stream Science Songs Vol. 1 here!

Jul 11, 2025 • 41min
Summer Episode: Science Songs and Games!
In this lively chat, Erica Fink, the singer behind 'Sometimes But' from the band 'Eric and Erica', shares the excitement of their new album, Science Songs Vol. 1. The conversation is a delightful mix of catchy songs and fun games, exploring topics like the speed of capybaras and playful interactions with pets. Listeners are invited to engage in quizzes about fossils and planets, while also diving into the whimsical world of dinosaurs. Erica's infectious enthusiasm brings science to life through music, making learning an adventure!

Jun 27, 2025 • 19min
The Volcanic Eruption Adventure
Dive into the thrilling world of volcanology with tales from volcanologist Helena Buurman, who faced a looming eruption at Mount Redoubt. Discover the fascinating signs that precede eruptions, from seismic shakes to unusual smells. Explore the treacherous 'Ring of Fire' and learn how volcanologists monitor these natural giants. Hear about the daring missions to install sensors amidst the chaos of seismic activity, all while encouraging young inventors to create their own volcanoes! The excitement of science shines through!

Jun 6, 2025 • 20min
The Plastic Pollution Patrol
Dive into the world of nurdles—tiny, almost invisible plastic pellets spreading across our beaches! Follow environmental scientist Jace Tunnell on his mission to combat plastic pollution. Learn about grassroots initiatives like the Nurdle Patrol, where communities join forces to make a difference. Discover how kids can engage in this movement while also gaining valuable educational insights. Get inspired to turn awareness into action and help create a cleaner future for our planet!

May 23, 2025 • 25min
Did Dinosaurs Burp?
To support the Tumble Joke-ha-thon and win awesome prizes, go here!
“Did dinosaurs burp?” Tune into our Season 9 premiere to find out the answer to this stinky question. We’ll hear about dino gasses from returning guest Jessica Whiteside and their potential ecological impact from David Wilkinson. Our dive into dinosaur digestion will lead us to a smelly look at gas in Earth’s past!
Listen to our bonus interview episode with Dave to learn more about how he studies the past without a time machine. You can hear it when you support us for just $1 on Spotify or on Patreon on patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Free resources, including a transcript, are available on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com
Check out our new Tumble t-shirts and merch: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/

May 9, 2025 • 24min
Tumble Sonic Saturday May 10th! Featuring the Science of Ocean Sounds
Join oceanographer Amy Bower, a senior scientist at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, as she dives into the fascinating world of ocean sounds. Discover how she uses sound technology to study ocean currents and make marine science accessible for blind and visually impaired individuals. The podcast features an interactive sound scavenger hunt, innovative data sonification, and showcases unique methods for mapping ocean currents. Amy's insights reveal the mysteries of the underwater realm while making science engaging for everyone!

Apr 25, 2025 • 23min
Why Is It Calm in the Eye of a Hurricane?
Join meteorologist Shirley Murillo, a real-life hurricane hunter from NOAA, as she journeys into the eye of the storm. Discover why it’s eerily calm there while chaos reigns outside. Shirley shares thrilling tales from her flights into hurricanes, including invaluable lessons learned during Hurricane Katrina. With a fun analogy comparing hurricanes to a bundt cake, listeners will grasp the science of hurricane formation and the critical data collection that enhances storm safety. Buckle up for an exhilarating exploration!