Tumble Science Podcast for Kids

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!

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.