Tumble Science Podcast for Kids

Edgard Rivera Valentín, a planetary defense astronomer and Arecibo native, shares his thrilling journey into the world of asteroids. He discusses how scientists detect potential Earth-bound asteroids and the innovative measures taken to safeguard our planet. With playful anecdotes, he likens his work to a superhero's mission, detailing the close encounter of asteroid Apophis and expressing the emotional significance of the Arecibo telescope. Edgard also emphasizes the importance of diverse representation in the scientific community, inspiring young listeners to engage with science.

Cicada scientist Chris Simon discusses the evolution and underground lives of cicadas, including the upcoming mass emergence event. The podcast explores the abundance of cicadas in California, the rare simultaneous emergence of 13-year and 17-year cicada broods, and the mysteries surrounding cicada emergence patterns and evolutionary secrets.

In a captivating blend of fact and fiction, scientists stage an alien abduction to uncover how bacteria evade antibiotics. Meet 'alien' bacteria and real-life scientist Caroline Blassick as they battle for microbial supremacy. Discover the dual nature of bacteria as both friends and foes in our bodies, and learn about innovative lab techniques that illuminate bacterial behavior. The whimsical narrative invites imagination, revealing how glowing bacteria can help us tackle antibiotic resistance. Fun and educational, this exploration ignites curiosity about the microscopic world!

Astronomer Maura McLaughlin talks about the science of supermassive black holes and gravitational waves. Discussion includes the search for black holes using the LIGO telescope and how pulsar stars play a key role in finding black holes. Exciting advancements in black hole detection are explored.

Discover the fascinating world of spider silk as it is transformed into musical instruments by MIT scientist Markus Buehler. Explore the intersection of science and music through sonification of spider webs, and unravel the mysteries of spider sensory perception and communication. Dive into the innovative work of creating music from the marvels of materials found in nature.

On April 8, 2024, a total solar eclipse is coming to the United States! Join us for Tumble’s Eclipse Spectacular with games, music, and a thrilling audio experience to learn what it’s like to be on the path of totality. Eclipse expert Vivian White guides us and our listeners through the mysteries of this rare astronomical event. You’ll be singing our new song, “Total Eclipse of the Sun” with your eclipse glasses on! Hear our bonus interview episode with Vivian on our Patreon feed at patreon.com/tumblepodcast, when you pledge just $1 or more a month.There’s more free resources to learn about the eclipse on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com“Total Eclipse of the Sun” will be available on Spotify by eclipse day! 

Mona Minkara, a molecular detective, discusses how she solves mysteries in our bodies using molecular clues, likening her work to Sherlock Holmes. She explores surfactant proteins as disease alarms and uncovers patterns in molecules through mathematical equations, emphasizing diverse perspectives in science.

Scientist Jackie Caplan-Auerbach discusses the 'Swift Quake' - earthquakes caused by Taylor Swift fans. She compares seismic data from concerts and sports events. Jackie explores the link between music and ground shaking, revealing unique frequencies in the data. The podcast uncovers the intersection of music fandom and scientific research in a fun and engaging way.

Linguist Robert Englebretson discusses the origins of human language, touching on its evolution, challenges in tracing its beginnings, and the idea of time travel to observe language development. The podcast explores the significance of language in human existence, the uniqueness of human language, and encourages listeners to consider scientific questions they would investigate with a time machine.

Quiz show with Tumble's fans competing in trivia about creatures, robots, and science facts from all nine seasons. Unique buzzers and camaraderie make for a fun atmosphere. Listeners can play along at home and win prizes too!