Tumble Science Podcast for Kids

What if you found out that there was a tiny, nearly invisible type of plastic pollution that’s found nearly everywhere… but you’d never heard of it! That’s what happened to environmental scientist Jace Tunnell several years ago, and he’s been on a great nurdle hunt ever since! This episode on fighting plastic waste comes with a special bonus: the opportunity to enroll in a “Nurdle Patrol” and lead the Nurdle search in your community! Join the Nurdle Patrol Special Agent Training Course at sciencepodcastforkids.com/nurdles If you want to support Tumble on Patreon, just go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Ad-free early access to episodes is just $1/month, and for just $5/month you can get a birthday shout out on our feed! T-shirts and other merch (including merch specific to this episode) are available at the Tumble merch store, at tumblepodcast.dashery.com.

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/

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!

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!

Jessica Esquivel, a particle physicist at Fermilab, dives into the extraordinary idea of 'nothing' and what existed before our universe. She reveals how quantum particles may have burst forth from this void, likening it to an electrifying dance party sparking the Big Bang. Esquivel also discusses particle detectors and their vital role in unveiling the universe's subatomic secrets. The conversation challenges listeners to rethink existence and embrace the failures inherent in scientific discovery.

What if trees didn’t exist? This intriguing question sparks a journey into the vital roles trees play in our world. Explore how they produce oxygen, support wildlife, and maintain clean water. Learn about tree migration due to climate change and the shocking method scientists use to study them—shotguns! Dive into the impacts of deforestation and wildfires, and discover how trees adapt and thrive. Get ready for a leafy adventure filled with surprising facts and eco-friendly insights!

In this discussion, inventor and scientist Josh Miele shares insights from his journey creating tactile maps for the blind. He reveals his five key steps to invention, emphasizing the importance of understanding user needs. The conversation dives into innovative solutions for accessibility, delving into how personal experiences shape inventive ideas. Listeners will also be amused to hear about the quirky topic of whether birds enjoy wearing denim. Join Josh as he navigates the fascinating world of invention and creativity!

Why do some animals engage in play while others do not? Discover the surprising science behind playful behaviors in species like dogs, bonobos, and even Komodo dragons. Experts share why play is crucial for social skills and development, especially in young rats. The podcast invites listeners to ponder how we can study animal play behavior and even encourages family involvement in scientific exploration. This blend of fun and education ensures that play is recognized as serious science!

Discover the fascinating world of capybaras, the largest rodents known for their friendly nature and intriguing size. Experts delve into why these gentle giants have such big teeth and their unique adaptations in the ecosystem. Explore the adventurous side of capturing capybara DNA, from cowboy lassoing to zoo methods. The discussion highlights intrigue around genetic mutations that contribute to their impressive size, sparking curiosity about evolution and encouraging young minds to ponder their own animal ideas.

Lucas Nadolskis, a neuroscientist at UC Santa Barbara and a blind individual since age five, shares his insights on vision and its complexities. He explores groundbreaking research aimed at restoring vision to blind individuals, emphasizing how the brain interprets visual data. Intriguingly, he discusses the potential of seeing without eyes through stimulating brain areas and utilizing memories. Listeners are invited to engage with imaginative exercises that deepen their understanding of vision, making science both accessible and fascinating!