Tumble Science Podcast for Kids

What’s it like to be a kid doing experiments in one of the most famous science places in the world? Oscar and Mae Johnson were nine and twelve when they traveled to the Galapagos Islands with their scientist dad. The Galapagos are isolated tropical islands made famous by Charles Darwin, who came up with the theory of evolution based on his research there. Mae and Oscar followed in Darwin’s footsteps. With help from their parents, they conducted their own research and got it published in a scientific journal - a big deal for scientists of every age! Hear Mae and Oscar tell their own story of science discovery in this episode. See photos of Oscar and Mae doing their experiment on our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com! We also have more resources to learn about the Galapagos there. Want to learn more about Mae and Oscar’s great science adventure and experiments? We have a special bonus interview episode available for our Patrons. Just pledge $1/month for this and all our scientist interviews at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.

Why do dogs look and act so different from each other? Listener Finley has two Chihuahuas named Peanut and Maggie, and she wants to know why they have different head shapes. She thinks it might have something to do with their DNA. It turns out scientists are studying what makes dogs the way they are, with the help of gigantic books of doggie DNA. Geneticist Jessica Hekman takes us on a journey through the history of dog breeding and into the cutting-edge science that’s helping us understand what makes our pups so special. Come explore genetics through dog breeds! Learn more about dog breeds and behavior in our interview with Jessica Hekman, available to our Patreon supporters! To get access with a pledge of just $1/month and up, go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Get more information about dog genetics and Darwin’s Ark on the blog post on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.

Tumble has won a big award for two episodes: “The Cave of the Underground Astronauts” and “The Science of Whiskers.” You’ll hear them both in this twin pack of awesome stories of science discovery.  Tumble is the 2019 Gold Award winner of the AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Award, in the category of Children’s Science News. It’s an international prize that “recognizes distinguished science reporting for a general audience.”   “The originality and creativity that went into these two pieces is remarkable,” said Christine Dell’Amore, a *National Geographic *editor. “These podcasts taught kids a ton about science in a fun and engaging way.”  Lindsay will be traveling to Seattle in February to receive the awards, and give a free public talk about how to make science podcasts, for both kids and adults! If you’re in the Seattle area, come to her “Meet a Scientist” talk on February 15 at 12 pm. She’d love to meet you!  The talk is part of AAAS Family Days - a weekend filled with science activities at the Seattle Sheraton Grand Hotel. It’s free to attend on February 15 and 16. More information and registration link here.

Tumble is on winter break! In the meantime, enjoy this episode from our friends at But Why?: A Podcast for Curious Kids. We know that our listeners are some of the most curious kids on the planet, so you’re sure to love it. If you enjoy this episode, check out over 100 more episodes by subscribing to But Why? wherever you get your podcasts. Tumble will be back with all new episodes on February 7. We can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on!

Tumble is on winter break! In the meantime, enjoy this bonus-size pack of science from our friends at Fun Kids Science Weekly. In this British podcast, Dan takes a look at the week’s best science stories. And they gave us the year’s best stories, all rolled up into one giant episode! Enjoy while you travel, and find out more about the show on FunKidsLive.com.  Tumble will be back with all new episodes on February 7. While you travel, enjoy our road trip compilations: The Animal Road Trip Adventure, The Road Trip to Outer Space, and The Explorer’s Road Trip.  Happy New Year, from all of us at Tumble!

How do you become an astronaut? That’s what Tumble listener Margaret wants to know. We go straight to the source to get an answer: A NASA astronaut! Dr. Serena Auñon-Chancellor shares her journey to outer space with us. Starting from being a kid watching shuttle launches, to her school’s Astronaut Club, all the way to NASA’s Astronaut Candidate program, and finally to the International Space Station. Serena also shares the surprising truth about doing science research in space. Join us on her path to the stars! Want to hear more from our interview with Serena about training to become an astronaut? Listen to our special bonus interview episode. It’s available when you pledge just $1/month on Patreon! patreon.com/tumblepodcast We have resources to learn more about Serena and the NASA astronaut training program on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.

Why do we have snot? Do animals get stuffy noses, too? We delve into the world of thick secretions with the help of Dani Rabiaotti, zoologist and author of “Believe it or Snot: The Definitive Field Guide to Earth’s Slimy Creatures.” You’ll find out why we make so much mucus, and meet the slimiest animals on the planet. Plus, you’ll discover why scientists study slime, even though it’s super gross. Want buckets more of slime info? We’ve got a BONUS EPISODE with Dani Rabiaotti! You can listen to our scientist interview (and many more!) when you pledge just $1/month or more to support Tumble on Patreon, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Learn more about slimey topics covered in the show on our blog, at sciencepodcastforkids.com.

“What’s the oldest dinosaur?” “How did dinosaurs come alive?” We tackle two listener questions in one epic story of dinosaur domination. Scientist Jessica Whiteside takes us back in time to the dawn of the dinosaurs, 230 million years ago. The story involves fascinating fossils, intense lava eruptions, climate craziness, and dinosaurs doubling in size. We’re going to find out what happened, and how scientists discovered it all. Hear more from our interview with Jessica Whiteside and discover the bizarre ancestor of the dinosaurs! You can listen to our bonus episode (and many more!) when you pledge just $1/month or more to support Tumble on Patreon, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Learn more about dino-tastic topics covered in the show on our blog, at sciencepodcastforkids.com.

Ship ahoy! We’re taking you on an expedition at sea, to do science on a research ship! With the help of geochemist Jeanine Ash, we’re climbing on board the JOIDES Resolution, a one-of-a-kind vessel that travels the seven seas, exploring what lies beneath the seafloor. The ship is equipped to find clues to Earth’s history, geology, biology, and even… alien life. So get your sea legs (and ears) ready, and let’s chart a course for science. Hear more from on board the ship, and our interview with Jeanine Ash on a special bonus episode. It’s available to Tumble fans who pledge just $1 or more a month to our Patreon campaign at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Want to learn more about JOIDES Resolution? We’ve got tons of multimedia educational resources linked up on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com/blog. See what the ship looks like, watch it in action, learn more about Jeanine’s expedition, and even arrange a video visit for your classroom!

How do peregrine falcons dive so fast? That’s what listener Henry wants to know. Peregrines hit speeds of over 200 mph, making them the fastest animal on the planet. Even faster than cheetahs! Mathematical biologist Graham Taylor studies the science of animal flight, and peregrines are his most impressive subjects. Find out how peregrines win the ultimate animal race, and how scientists are revealing the hidden physics and math behind fast flight. Want to learn more about fast birds, bio-inspired engineering and mathematical biology? Check out our special bonus interview episode with Dr. Graham Taylor. It’s available on Patreon when you pledge for just $1 or more a month, along with all of our scientist bonus episodes. Pledge here: patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Go to our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com to check out the falcon’s-eye-view videos from Graham’s study, as well as more resources on peregrines and fast flight.