Imagine This
ABC Kids listen
Imagine This is a science podcast for the young and curious. Have you ever wondered how bees make honey? Or how do fish breathe underwater? Or, very importantly, where your poo goes when you flush it down the toilet? Imagine This is a series of puzzling science questions from inquisitive young minds. Our host, Dr Niraj Lal, chats to kids and Australia's leading academics, taking you on imaginative adventures to learn about the world around us and find the answers together.
This podcast is suited to kids aged 4 and up, though all members of the family are sure to learn something!
This podcast is suited to kids aged 4 and up, though all members of the family are sure to learn something!
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 9, 2025 • 15min
Why do we need sunscreen and how does it work?
We all know it’s important to use sunscreen in the hot Australian sun, but what exactly is sunscreen? And how does it work? Nij and the kids are joined by dermatologist Professor Pablo Fernández-Peñas for a slippery, summery and sparkling journey.
Dec 2, 2025 • 13min
What is snot and why do we have it?
It's time to get nosy as we answer: What is snot? What are boogers? How is snot made and why do we have it? Nij and the kids join Associate Professor Kim Murphy on a slimy slip and slide through some giant nostrils.
Nov 25, 2025 • 15min
Why is there dew on everything in the morning?
The grass is wet, but there’s been no rain, and the skies are clear... What explains the dampness covering everything on a cool morning? It's called dew! Meteorologist and ABC weather presenter Nate Byrne joins Nij and the kids to explain what exactly dew is, and where it comes from.
Nov 18, 2025 • 15min
How do magnets work?
Nij is out of fridge magnets and discovers they can't be replaced by just any piece of metal. What gives magnets their power to pull and push, and how do they stick to things? Nij and the kids get the answer from physicist Dr Cathy Foley, who explains how magnets work and why they're so special.
Nov 11, 2025 • 12min
What are nits and why do they make us itch?
Nij has nits! But what are nits, and why do they make us itch? Medical entomologist Cameron Webb and the kids comb through Nij's head for a close-up look.
Nov 6, 2025 • 10min
Imagine This x Gardening Australia Junior: Why are worms good for the garden?
Imagine This host Dr Nij joins Costa and the Gardening Australia Junior crew to find out why worms are so good for the garden.
Aug 12, 2025 • 10min
BONUS: Black Holes in the Imaginarium
To celebrate Science Week, we're heading back to space with Dr Kirsten Banks to learn about something very powerful and mysterious.... Black holes! We recommend listening to How are stars made? first before listening to this bonus episode.
Jun 3, 2025 • 16min
How are stars made?
Twinkle twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are…. No, really – what are stars made of and how did they get all the way up there in the sky? Let’s find out more with astrophysicist, Dr Kirsten Banks! Get ready to blast off in 5, 4, 3, 2 1!
May 27, 2025 • 15min
How does water turn into wee?
If you don’t drink water, urine trouble! It’s a wee-lly important thing to stay healthy. So how do our bodies turn this clear water into yellow pee? Nij and the kids meet Dr Sradha Kotwal to follow the journey through our bodies from water to wee!
May 20, 2025 • 14min
How is glass made?
We see glass every day, we see right through it! It’s in our windows and our fridges, our cars and our devices… But how do you make all this hard, clear stuff? Pack your bags, we’re off to Ancient Egypt to find the answers!
