Tumble Science Podcast for Kids

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!

Discover the enchanting world of axolotls, unique amphibians thriving in Xochimilco, Mexico! Learn about their captivating regenerative abilities and cultural significance in Mexican folklore. Dive into the alarming reasons for their decline in the wild, from urban development to pollution. Experts share heartwarming conservation efforts aimed at safeguarding their habitat and engaging the community. Join the journey to protect these adorable creatures and appreciate their role in both science and culture.

Happy New Year! This is a rebroadcast of “Polar Bear Adventure” from Season 8!Join us on an Arctic adventure as we head out onto the sea ice with a polar bear scientist! Andrew Derocher shares exciting stories of flying in helicopters, getting bit by a polar bear cub, and discovering how polar bears are surviving in a warming world.Andrew explains what happens when polar bears move into human towns, in the bonus interview episode. It’s available to Patrons who pledge just a dollar or more a month on patreon.com/tumblepodcast.Teachers! Find a toolkit to share polar bear science with students, on the World Wildlife Fund’s WildClassroom.org. A transcript for this episode and other resources are available on the blog on our website, sciencepodcast.com

Happy holidays! This is a rebroadcast of our chilly Season 7 episode, The Great Seal Count.How do you count the cutest seals on the planet? With the help from thousands of people around the world! Conservation scientist Leo Salas explains the story behind the first-ever global count of Weddell seals in Antarctica. Plus, you’ll find out what counting seals shares with searching for ancient tombs!Learn more about Weddell seals in our special bonus episode with Dr. Leo Salas, available to Tumble Patrons who pledge just $1 or more a month - along with an ad-free episode feed! Support us today at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.We’ll have free resources to learn more about Weddell seals (or the ‘widdle Weddells’) on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.Do you speak Spanish, or are you a Spanish language learner? Subscribe to Tumble En Español to listen to episodes adapted to Spanish! Weddell seal recordings in this episode were obtained under NMFS Permit No. 1032-1917.

This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from Season 8!When did smartness begin? We’ll find out how a neuroscientist blends up brains, and cracks the case of the Tyrannosaurus Rex smarts! Suzana Herculano-Houzel helps us answer listener Penny’s question by explaining how “smartness” might not mean what you think - and how all animals have shown off their intelligence over time.Listen to our bonus interview with Suzana on our Patreon when you pledge just $1 a month or more! patreon.com/tumblepodcast.Learn more about Suzana and her work on the evolution of intelligence on the blog on our website, www.sciencepodcastforkids.com.

This is a re-airing of our award-winning episode The Swift Quake! This episode won the AAAS Kavli Silver Medal Award for excellence in Children's Science News, as well as a Signal Award for kid's podcasts. Give it a listen!How do you think a stadium full of Taylor Swift fans would shake the earth? Tumble enters the Swiftiverse with Jackie Caplan-Auerbach, the scientist who discovered the “Swift Quake” - a type of earthquake created by fans at Taylor Swift concerts. Find out who really “shakes it off” - when it comes to music and seismic energy.If you'd like to support Tumble, there's more than one way to do it! You can join our Patreon and get birthday shout outs if you support us at the $5 level or higher. You can also consider donating to our new non-profit organization, Tumble Education Inc.! Our aim is to support freely accessible, high quality educational audio content. Just go donate here.

What does it feel like to float in space? Discover the unique sensations of weightlessness and the inspiring journey of Sheri Wells-Jensen, a blind scientist breaking barriers for inclusivity in space travel. Explore the thrilling experiences of diverse teams flying in zero-gravity and how their insights can improve accessibility for all. Join the hosts as they celebrate young explorers' contributions, fostering a love for science and community in the exciting world of space.