Tumble Science Podcast for Kids

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.

How does a koala eat eucalyptus leaves? Eucalyptus is toxic to most animals, but they’re a koala’s only food. In this episode, we look past the cuddliness to discover how koalas manage to chow down on the Australian tree species. Biologist Michaela Blyton shares the story of how she convinced some extremely picky koalas to try new foods in the midst of a conservation crisis. Spoiler alert: It involves starting a koala hotel, and inventing a pill with an unusual ingredient. Today’s episode is a longer one, in celebration of our first day back from a long break! But don’t worry, our next episodes will be back to our usual time. For more resources about koalas and the conservation crisis at Cape Otway, visit our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com Want to hear more of our interview with Dr. Michaela Blyton? We have an exclusive interview episode for our Patrons! Just pledge $1/month (or more) on patreon.com/tumblepodcast. You’ll get these special bonus episodes for every interview we feature this season!

Tumble returns for Season 5 on October 4, with all new episodes! In the meantime, enjoy one of our favorite-ever episodes. What would happen if our Moon suddenly disappeared? Would we still have tides? It turns out that the Moon has a much bigger influence on Earth than you might think. Without the Moon, life as we know it would not exist! Rocket scientist Miquel Sureda explains what happened before the Moon existed, and how we know that the Moon is slowly moving away from us. Love Tumble? Want a special shoutout on your birthday? Pledge today at patreon.com/tumblepodcast, at the $5 level or higher! Visit our website at sciencepodcastforkids.com

Tumble will return with all new episodes starting October 5! Until then, listen to one of our favorite episodes. "Do plants feel pain?" Jude's question leads us to stunning discoveries about what plants feel, what theyhear, and even what they talk about! Biologist Heidi Appel reveals how scientists learned about plants' inner lives, and tell sus the story of how she discovered "listening" plants. You'll never look at plants the same way again. We rely on listener support to keep making the show. Pledge on Patreon for bonus interview episodes, birthday shoutouts, and more!

What are Earth’s top ten biggest animals? You’ll find that out, and more, with the help of Earth Ranger Emma! We’re sharing our favorite episode from our friends at Earth Rangers. Earth Rangers is a podcast for anyone who loves to explore the mysteries of nature. If you love Tumble, we’re sure you’ll love this show. Want to hear more Earth Rangers? Subscribe to Earth Rangers wherever you listen to podcasts, or check out bestrobotever.com, where you’ll find more great Gen Z shows (including Tumble!). We’re on summer baby break, but Season 5 is coming in Fall 2019! We rely on listener support to keep making the show. Pledge on Patreon for bonus interview episodes, birthday shoutouts, and more!

Today, we’re sharing one of our personal favorite podcasts, The Past & The Curious! It’s a history podcast with great music and a sense of humor, hosted by educator Mick Sullivan. This episode is all about bridges - perfect for Tumble fans who love tales of science and engineering. Join us for two tales connected by bridges. First, Emily Roebling winds up as a lead engineer in the building of the Brooklyn Bridge, the first American woman to find herself in such a position. Second, Sonny Rollins, one of the greatest saxophonists in history isn’t happy with his playing, despite the fame he receives. His days on a bridge change his life. Love what you heard? There’s plenty more! Subscribe to The Past & The Curious wherever you listen to podcasts. We’re on summer baby break, but Season 5 is coming in Fall 2019! We rely on listener support to keep making the show. Pledge on Patreon for bonus interview episodes, birthday shoutouts, and more!