Tumble Science Podcast for Kids
A Common Sense Selection! Exploring stories of science discovery. Tumble is a science podcast created to be enjoyed by the entire family. Hosted & produced by Lindsay Patterson (science journalist) & Marshall Escamilla (teacher). Visit www.tumblepodcast.com for educational content.
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The Volcanic Eruption Adventure
Would you fly to the top of a volcano that’s about to erupt at any moment? Volcanologist Helena Buurman did, and survived to tell the tale! In 2008, Helena was monitoring Mount Redoubt in Alaska, when the ground beneath the volcano began to shake. What follows is a tale of volcanic adventure, involving earthquakes, helicopters, and a massive eruption!
Tumble is on our summer break right now, working on some exciting new projects. Stay tuned to hear them in our feed!
We invite you to invent your own volcano! Find resources to learn more about volcano warning signs and eruptions, on our website at www.sciencepodcastforkids.com
We have more from our interview with Helena Buurman for our Patrons who pledge just $1/month or more. To listen, pledge today at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
The Plastic Pollution Patrol
What if you found out that there was a tiny, nearly invisible type of plastic pollution that’s found nearly everywhere… but you’d never heard of it! That’s what happened to environmental scientist Jace Tunnell several years ago, and he’s been on a great nurdle hunt ever since! This episode on fighting plastic waste comes with a special bonus: the opportunity to enroll in a “Nurdle Patrol” and lead the Nurdle search in your community!
Join the Nurdle Patrol Special Agent Training Course at sciencepodcastforkids.com/nurdles
If you want to support Tumble on Patreon, just go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Ad-free early access to episodes is just $1/month, and for just $5/month you can get a birthday shout out on our feed!
T-shirts and other merch (including merch specific to this episode) are available at the Tumble merch store, at tumblepodcast.dashery.com.
Did Dinosaurs Burp?
To support the Tumble Joke-ha-thon and win awesome prizes, go here!
“Did dinosaurs burp?” Tune into our Season 9 premiere to find out the answer to this stinky question. We’ll hear about dino gasses from returning guest Jessica Whiteside and their potential ecological impact from David Wilkinson. Our dive into dinosaur digestion will lead us to a smelly look at gas in Earth’s past!
Listen to our bonus interview episode with Dave to learn more about how he studies the past without a time machine. You can hear it when you support us for just $1 on Spotify or on Patreon on patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Free resources, including a transcript, are available on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com
Check out our new Tumble t-shirts and merch: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/
Tumble Sonic Saturday May 10th! Featuring the Science of Ocean Sounds
🎉 We’re getting ready for our biggest live event ever — Sonic Saturday! It’s a day of science, sound, and storytelling in Brooklyn, NY on May 10, and we’re celebrating by rebroadcasting one of the episodes that inspired it all: The Science of Ocean Sounds. 🌊🔊
Come join us (and special guest Dan Saks from Noodle Loaf!) for two interactive shows, hands-on science, and live demos from amazing STEM educators — including accessible science activities for blind and low-vision communities. RSVP now!
And if you can’t be there in person, don’t worry — we’ll have a recording available soon.
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Explore the sounds of ocean science on a sound scavenger hunt! Tune in as oceanographer Amy Bower takes us to the sea, to show us how she uses sound to study ocean currents and make ocean science accessible for blind and visually impaired people. Listen up and help us search for clues beneath the waves to reveal the secrets of the underwater realm!
Ocean data sonifications courtesy of Dr. Jon Bellona at Oregon State University, and the Accessible Oceans project.
Learn more about Dr. Amy Bower in our bonus interview episode, available to Patrons who pledge just $1 or more a month to support Tumble, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
We have free resources to keep exploring the world of ocean science and data sonification with Amy Bower. They’re on the blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com, along with a free transcript.
This episode is the first in a series featuring blind scientists. The material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2148711 - Engaging Blind, Visually Impaired, and Sighted Students in STEM with Storytelling through Podcasts.
We're also launching a fundraiser! Go visit our donation page here to make a tax deductible donation, support your favorite joke tournament contestant, and maybe even win some cool prizes!
Why Is It Calm in the Eye of a Hurricane?
Why is the center of a raging storm so… calm? Tumble listener Lydia wants to know what’s really going on in the eye of a hurricane. To find out, we’re flying into the storm — literally — with meteorologist Shirley Murillo! Shirley is a real-life “hurricane hunter” who flies in a specially equipped airplane to collect data from inside the hurricane itself! Discover how hurricanes form, and what keeps the center of the storm calm, and what Shirley learned while flying through Hurricane Katrina, one of the most impactful storms in U.S. history. Buckle up — it's going to be a wild ride!
You can find a transcript of the episode and learn more about hurricane hunters on the blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com
Send us your science questions to tumblepodcast@gmail.com and leave a review on Apple Podcasts with the help of a grownup!
Support the show by becoming a Patreon member for just $1/month!
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2415575 - Culturally Situated STEM Podcasts for Kids.
Was There Ever Nothing?
Was there ever nothing in the universe? What is nothing? That’s what listener Aviva wants to know. We turned to particle physicist Dr. Jessica Esquivel to find out! She takes us on a mind-bending journey to ask what existed before the universe began, and how a quantum dance party might have started the Big Bang! This story about subatomic particles, giant magnets, and quantum physics is something that will blow your mind.
You can find a transcript of the episode and learn more about the particle party in nothing on the blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com
Send us your science questions, ideas and songs to tumblepodcast@gmail.com
Support the show by becoming a Patreon member, or making a tax-deductible donation to Tumble Education, a 501c3 organization.
We also have a new merch store! Go get yourself some stuff!
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2415575 - Culturally Situated STEM Podcasts for Kids.
What If Trees Didn't Exist?
Have you ever wondered what life on Earth would be like without trees? In this episode of Tumble Science Podcast for Kids, we’re exploring that big question with the help of two curious listeners, Rowan and Neesha!
Join Lindsay and Marshall as they talk to plant ecophysiologist Angelica Patterson to uncover the essential role trees play in our world. From providing oxygen to supporting animals and keeping water clean, trees are a crucial part of life as we know it. But could they disappear? And what happens when trees move? Plus, Angelica shares her unique (and surprising!) method for studying trees—spoiler alert: it involves a shotgun!
Get ready for a wild journey into forests, photosynthesis, and the impact of climate change on trees. Don’t miss this leafy adventure!
Support Tumble on Patreon by visiting patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
OR donate to our new non-profit by visiting bit.ly/donatetumble
How To Be An Inventor
What does it take to become an inventor? To find out, we spoke with an inventor named Josh Miele about one of his greatest inventions: tactile maps! Tactile maps use braille technology to help blind people explore their neighborhoods with their fingers first. But how does Josh create brand-new inventions? Tune in to find out how inventors bring new ideas to life, and stick around to find out whether birds like wearing denim.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2148711 - Engaging Blind, Visually Impaired, and Sighted Students in STEM with Storytelling through Podcasts.
If you want to learn more about Josh and all his inventions, go to our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com, where we've got lots of awesome resources!
If you want to make a recurring $5 donation to Tumble, you can go to bit.ly/donatetumble. Or you can support us at any level you like by going here.
Or support us on Patreon at patreon.com/tumblepodcast
Tumble is brought to you with support from IXL Learning. For a special discount for tumble listeners, go to IXL.com/tumble!
Why Do Animals Play?
Why do some animals play - and some don’t? That’s what Meredith wants to know. In this special collaboration with Outside/In, we investigate how and why animals - and people! - of all shapes and sizes play. Play scientists Junyi Chu and Jackson Ham help us ask the important questions like: Can you tell an octopus to play? And what can rats teach us about why taking turns is important? It turns out that play is serious science!
This episode is a collaboration with Outside/In from New Hampshire Public Radio, and co-reported with executive producer Taylor Quimby. Taylor recommends the show for older kids and teens, and suggests these family-friendly episodes for listening together.
What's living under your porch
You can make kids hike, but you can't make them hikers
Learn more about animal play on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com
Support Tumble on Patreon at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Why are Capybaras So Big?
Why do capybaras have such big teeth? Adrian had to know! To get to the bottom of this, we spoke to a biologist named Santiago Herrera Alvarez. Capybaras are Internet sensations, and Santiago can't get enough of them! Santiago's questions were even bigger than capybara teeth: how did capybaras, a relative of rodents like mice and rats, get to be so enormous? Tune in for a capybara rodeo, and stick around to find out how one little animal can grow to superstardom.
Want to learn more? Go visit us at sciencepodcastforkids.com for videos, resources, and so much more about the world's biggest rodents! If you want to support Tumble on Patreon, go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2415575 - Culturally Situated STEM Podcasts for Kids.
How Does Vision Work?
How does vision work? That’s what Junie wants to know. And is it possible to create vision for people who don’t see? We’ll dive into the mysteries of how we see with Lucas Nadolskis, a scientist who became blind when he was five. Lucas is studying how vision works in the brain to understand if it’s possible to see without using your eyes! Intrigued? Listen in to find out more of the mysteries behind the science of vision!
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2148711 - Engaging Blind, Visually Impaired, and Sighted Students in STEM with Storytelling through Podcasts.
The Wild Axolotl
Why are there so many axolotls in fishtanks, and so few in the wild? That’s what Maximiliano wants to know. You may have found axolotls in the lush caves of Minecraft, but in real life, they live in the lakes and canals of Xochimilco, near Mexico City. But the species is slowly disappearing from its native habitat. Axolotl veterinarian Horacio Mena takes us on a journey to Xochimilco to find out what scientists are doing to save these adorable amphibians.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. 2415575.
The Polar Bear Adventure
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
The Great Seal Count
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.
Was T Rex Smart?
This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from Season 8!
When did smartness begin? We’ll find out how a neuroscientist blends up brains, and cracks the case of the Tyrannosaurus Rex smarts! Suzana Herculano-Houzel helps us answer listener Penny’s question by explaining how “smartness” might not mean what you think - and how all animals have shown off their intelligence over time.
Listen to our bonus interview with Suzana on our Patreon when you pledge just $1 a month or more! patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Learn more about Suzana and her work on the evolution of intelligence on the blog on our website, www.sciencepodcastforkids.com.
The Swift Quake
This is a re-airing of our award-winning episode The Swift Quake! This episode won the AAAS Kavli Silver Medal Award for excellence in Children's Science News, as well as a Signal Award for kid's podcasts. Give it a listen!
How do you think a stadium full of Taylor Swift fans would shake the earth? Tumble enters the Swiftiverse with Jackie Caplan-Auerbach, the scientist who discovered the “Swift Quake” - a type of earthquake created by fans at Taylor Swift concerts. Find out who really “shakes it off” - when it comes to music and seismic energy.
If you'd like to support Tumble, there's more than one way to do it! You can join our Patreon and get birthday shout outs if you support us at the $5 level or higher. You can also consider donating to our new non-profit organization, Tumble Education Inc.! Our aim is to support freely accessible, high quality educational audio content. Just go donate here.
How Does it Feel to Be in Space?
What does it feel like to be in space? That’s what Elijah wants to know. So we’re taking off on a zero-gravity flight to find out! Guest reporter Jason Strother shares the story of Sheri Wells-Jensen, a blind scientist who is paving the way for people with disabilities to go to space.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2148711 - Engaging Blind, Visually Impaired, and Sighted Students in STEM with Storytelling through Podcasts.
Learn more about Sheri on the bonus interview episode on our Patreon, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Check out the blog on sciencepodcastforkids.com for more info!
Are Cats Evil?
Are cats evil? Are they hatching a plot to take over the world? Or are they just misunderstood? Scientist and cat expert Mikel Maria Delgado will tell us how the domestication of cats and dogs changed the way we think of our pets today, and she’ll explain how scientists of all ages can study cat preferences (or purr-fur-ences). Plus, she’ll share some tips on cat do’s and don’ts, so we can learn how to be better friends to our kitty companions.
For more information about Mikel and more on cat science, visit our website at sciencepodcastforkids.com, where we'll have resources, videos, and more.
For ad-free versions of the episode and a birthday shout-out, go support Tumble on Patreon at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
The Secret of the Monkeyflower
How do species evolve? Find out in the shocking conclusion of our Monkeyflower mystery series! Plant biologist David Lowry has been tracking down clues to solve the question of why plants look different - and the yellow monkeyflower is more than a suspect. Now, it’s time to take his detective skills up a notch, and use the science of DNA. A twisted discovery will flip the case - and lead to a new chapter in understanding how life evolves.
Hear more from our interview with David, on the special bonus interview episode that’s available to Patreon members who pledge at the $1 level or higher at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Check out David’s monkeyflower mystery comic book on our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com!
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant 2153100: IMAGiNE: The genetic, developmental, and physiological mechanisms of plant local adaptation to oceanic salt spray.
The Monkeyflower Mystery
Why do plants grow in different places? How do they adapt to different environments? And what makes them different species? Those are the questions that drove biologist David Lowry to begin a 20 year study of a shape-shifting plant called the yellow monkeyflower. It begins with a road trip, and ends up questioning everything you think you know about the definition of species. Get ready for a wild, plant-fueled ride into science!
Hear more from our interview with David, on the special bonus interview episode that’s available to Patreon members who pledge at the $1 level or higher at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Check out photos and video of the yellow monkeyflower on our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com!
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under grant 2153100: IMAGiNE: The genetic, developmental, and physiological mechanisms of plant local adaptation to oceanic salt spray.
How Were Dinosaur Tracks Made?
Ever wondered how dinosaurs left their footprints behind millions of years ago? We embark on a prehistoric adventure with renowned paleontologist Paul Olsen! Discover the secrets behind dinosaur tracks and how these ancient prints can tell us incredible stories about the lives of dinosaurs. From the science of fossilization to what these footprints reveal about dinosaur behavior and habitats, Paul Olsen will guide us through the fascinating world of these mysteries left in stone - and share how he discovered thousands of dino tracks when he was just a kid.
Join us on a Dino Map Adventure at nepm.org/dinomap! We’ve created a free audio tour to explore the science and history of dinosaur tracks in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts. Lindsay and Marshall will guide you through the place where dinosaur footprints were first discovered - and put you on the path to becoming dino track explorers! Dinosaur Adventures in the Pioneer Valley are supported by The Bement School, The Center School, and HCS Headstart.
If you like this episode, consider supporting Tumble on Patreon by going to patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Get ad-free episodes for just $1 a month!
The Poopologist
What do you call a scientist who studies poop? A poopologist! We’re exploring the stinky science of “poopology” at the zoo, to discover what poop can tell us about animal behavior! Poopologist Laurel Wescott, at the Oregon Zoo, will take us on a journey to find how chemicals found in animal poop can help zoo animals stay healthy. Plus, she’ll clue us in on the “cutest” and most surprising poops, and so much more!
For more information about Laurel and the poop she studies, visit our website at sciencepodcastforkids.com, where we'll have resources, videos, and more.
For ad-free versions of the episode and a birthday shout-out, go support Tumble on Patreon at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
What Do Dogs Think?
“Do dogs think and feel the way we do?” We all know dogs can’t talk. That’s why scientists have to come up with creative ways of asking our canine companions what’s going on in their minds. We’ll find out why dog cognition scientist Zachary Silver put on a play for dogs - which inspired us to create Tumble’s very first dog radio theater production! Just call us “The Tumble Dog Players.” It will all make sense by the end of the episode.
This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from Season 8. We hope you enjoyed it! It was selected as a rebroadcast favorite by our supporters on Patreon, and if you want to vote on future events or hear more on our bonus interview episodes, just go support us on Patreon at the $1 level or higher at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
You can also buy tickets for our DinoTastic live performance in Brooklyn at bit.ly/DinoTastic
Free resources, including a transcript, are available on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com
Check out our new Tumble t-shirts and merch: tumblepodcast.threadless.com
Do Bugs Have Elbows?
This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from the past. Do bugs have elbows? That’s what Clare wants to know. Her question starts a debate between Team Bug Arms and Elbows, and Team Bug Legs and Knees! Choose a side, and come on the trail of a bug bod mystery with superstar entomologist and dragonfly specialist Jessica Ware. Turns out, dragonflies are a lot weirder (and ancient!) than you might think!
Hear more from our interview with Jessica! Check out our bonus interview episode, available to patrons who support the show at just $1 a month or more. It’s on our exclusive ad-free podcast feed, along with all of our other bonus episodes!
We also have free resources of cool bug and dragonfly science on the blog at our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
To go see our live performance in Brooklyn, go to http://bit.ly/DinoTastic for tickets!
Hearing the Stars
This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from Season 8! This was voted on by our patrons on Patreon--if you want to help us pick our next AND FINAL REBROADCAST OF THE SUMMER--just go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast and vote. You don't have to be a supporter to vote, but we'd appreciate it if you were!
Can we hear and touch the stars, if we can’t see them? Yuma Decaux is trying to put the night sky into everyone’s hands, through technology and engineering. Find out how stargazing captured Yuma’s imagination when he was six, and how losing his sight inspired him to explore the cosmos in a whole new way - making astronomy accessible to everyone.
Astreos, Yuma’s app, is currently in Beta. That means that when you try it out, you can give Yuma feedback on how to make it better! Download it on iOs here: https://astreos.space/
Listen to our bonus interview episode with Yuma to learn more about how he developed Astreos and what accessibility means to him. You can hear it when you support us on Spotify or on Patreon at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
There are free resources, including a transcript, about this episode on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2148711 - Engaging Blind, Visually Impaired, and Sighted Students in STEM with Storytelling through Podcasts. If you're an upper elementary teacher, and you'd like to join our project for Year 3, just go to this link and fill out the survey: https://bit.ly/SSPTeacherY3. Our research team will contact you later if you are selected.
Sounds in the episode are courtesy of Astreos and Cricket Ambi by VMan533 on freesound.org
The Science of Bubbles
This is an encore episode, picked by our Patreon supporters. If you want to go vote for our next encore, just go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast to go vote! You don't have to be a patreon supporter to vote, but it does help!
Why do bubbles pop, and why do bubbles have shadows? We’re in double bubble trouble with two listener questions. Luckily, Dr. Bubbles is here to save the day! We’ll find out how a normal, everyman physicist named Justin Burton became a superhero bubble scientist, on a quest to make a scientifically proven recipe for giant bubbles. Along the way, we’ll discover the answers to our listeners’ bubbling curiosity.
Hear from the inventor of edible bubbles, Li Wei Tan, in a bonus interview episode available on our ad-free Patreon feed! It’s available for just $1/month when you pledge to support Tumble at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
We’ll have free resources about bubbles on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
If you want to buy tickets to our live event in West Stockbridge, go to bit.ly/TumbleLive! We'd love to see you there!
The Science of Candyland
Happy Halloween! We’re headed to Candy Land, a sugary laboratory where mathematicians found a mysterious candy dagger appear - over and over again. So gather up your candy box, and let’s discover out why mathematicians are studying candy to understand the real-life landscapes around us. Mathematician Leif Ristroph shares how he stumbled into making sweet experiments.
Want to learn more about the reason behind Leif’s experiments? Listen to our bonus interview episode, available for Patrons at the $1/level a month or higher. Pledge now at Patreon.com/tumblepodcast!
We have Leif’s special recipe for “research-grade candy” on our website. Check it out on the blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com!
Want to see Lindsay and Marshall perform LIVE at the Foundry in West Stockbridge, MA? Go get tickets here.
The Kid Scientists' Galapagos Adventure
This is an encore of one of our favorite episodes from Season 5! If you'd like to help us choose our next episode, go to our Patreon and VOTE! You don't have to pledge to support us in order to vote, but if you do we'd appreciate it a ton!
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.
The Cave of the Underground Astronauts
This is a summer encore episode of one of our favorite episodes from Season 4 of Tumble!
Do you love fossils, adventure, and spending time in small spaces? If so, you could become an underground astronaut! Marina Elliot, Becca Peixotto, and Kenni Molopyane found this unusual job description through a Facebook ad, and landed deep inside a cave that few people can access. The team of archeologists talked to Tumble in the middle of excavating Homo Naledi, one of the biggest recent discoveries on the human family tree. Find out how they squeeze through a 7 inch gap on their daily commute, and how their work could change the way we understand early human history.
If you want to vote on Tumble's next re-broadcast for the summer, go to https://bit.ly/SummerTravelPoll and vote!
While you're there, think about subscribing at the $5 level or higher to get birthday shout outs, interview extras, and more!
Can We Time Travel?
Is it possible to build a time machine? Can we time travel someday? That’s what Tumble listener Willa wants to know. Clifford Johnson, a theoretical physicist and film consultant, says that there’s real science behind the time travel - and he’ll tell us what it takes to do it.
To learn more about time travel, go visit our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com, where you can find all sorts of awesome resources to go along with this episode.
This is our last episode of season 9! If you like what we do, why not support our show on Patreon? Just go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast and support us at any level for ad-free episodes, or for $5 a month you can hear a happy birthday wish on our show.
Visit our Threadless shop to get awesome tumble t-shirts: tumblepodcast.threadless.com
Will An Asteroid Hit Earth?
How do scientists find out if an asteroid might hit our planet? And what do they do if it’s on a collision course with Earth? We’ll meet a planetary defender - an astronomer who uses radar telescopes to defend our planet from space rocks! Edgard Rivera Valentín grew up in Puerto Rico, next to Arecibo, the world’s most powerful radar telescope. Hear the story of how Edgard became a scientist superhero, and the supervillain asteroids they’re up against.
A bonus interview episode with Edgard is available to Patreon members who pledge at the $1 level or higher at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Check out more resources about Arecibo and asteroids on our blog, at sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Listen to Tumble en Español! Search for “Tumble en Español” wherever you get your podcasts, or on our website under “En Español.”
Why Do Cicadas Live Underground for So Long?
How did cicadas evolve to go underground for so long? Why do cicadas spend so much of their lives underground? That’s what listeners Gus and Zachary want to know. This spring, up to a TRILLION cicadas will emerge across 16 states in the U.S., in an event that hasn’t happened since 1803. Cicada scientist Chris Simon helps us dig into the surprising science of cicadas - and figure out how they’re changing on this science podcast for kids.
Listen to our interview episode with Chris Simon, available to Patreon members who pledge at the $1 level or higher at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
We also have free resources on our website - including maps of the emergence and links to download Cicada Safari, a citizen science cicada project. That’s on the blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Buy Tumble gear at our threadless shop!
¿Hablas español? Hay más episodios de nuestro podcast Tumble en Español en nuestro sitio web, https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/tumble-en-espanol.
The Alien Bacteria Abduction
Scientists stage an alien abduction to learn how bacteria avoid antibiotics, in this fact-meets-fiction episode! Meet our alien bacteria invaders (fiction) and our real life scientist, Caroline Blassick (fact) as they face off in a battle of microbial life and death. We’ll find out how Caroline implants mind-control devices in bacteria to improve human health, in bioengineer Mary Dunlop’s lab.
Our bacteria are played by Clara and Elijah, middle school STEM students.
This episode is supported by the National Science Foundation under award number MCB 2032357.
Learn more about “alien bacteria” on the bonus interview episode on our Patreon, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
We have more free resources about bacteria and antibiotics available on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com
Can We See Black Holes?
Why can’t we see black holes? Can we see black holes with a telescope? That’s what Tumble listener James wants to know. We explore the science of supermassive black holes and gravitational waves, with the help of astronomer Maura McLaughlin. Find out how the LIGO telescope is aiding in the search for supermassive black holes on an intergalactic collision course!
ANNOUNCEMENT: Tumble en Español, the Spanish adaptation of Tumble, is back for Season 3! Listen here: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/tumble-en-espanol
Learn more about black holes and gravitational waves on the science podcast for kids blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com
Listen to Maura talk about the science of pulsar stars - the key to finding gravitational waves and black holes - in our bonus interview episode, available when you support us on Patreon for just $1 or more a month on Patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
The Songs of Spiders
What does a spider web sound like? Join us as we weave a web of connections between science and music - and learn some truly mind-blowing facts about spiders! MIT scientist and musician Markus Buehler shares his journey into the spiderverse, turning spider silk into instruments and making materials from nature.
Watch Markus’ spider music videos on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com
The song "Spider Variations" by Markus Buehler was used with permission from Markus. The sounds are based on a sonification method of a spider web as described in the references below [1-2], part of a larger collaboration with Tomás Saraceno, Saraceno Studios, Ally Bisshop, Thomas Muehletahler, and Evan Ziporyn, and the MIT Center for Art, Science and Technology (CAST). Hear more of Markus' songs on his Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/user-275864738
Hear more from Markus about materials and music in our bonus interview episode, available when you support us on Patreon for just $1 or more a month on Patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
A Kid's Guide to the Total Eclipse
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!
The Case of the Molecular Detective
When human health is on the line, it’s a case for a molecular detective! Meet Mona Minkara, a scientist who studies molecular clues to solve big crimes inside the body. She’s tracking down the criminals who creep into our bodies to make us sick. Find out how Mona uses her powers of observation to solve mysteries just like her hero, Sherlock Holmes.
Support Tumble on Patreon to join Lindsay and Marshall on Zoom! Just go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast and support at ANY LEVEL!
Learn more about Mona's work on the bonus interview episode on our Patreon, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Check out free resources for this episode available on the blog on our website, https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/
The Swift Quake
How do you think a stadium full of Taylor Swift fans would shake the earth? Tumble enters the Swiftiverse with Jackie Caplan-Auerbach, the scientist who discovered the “Swift Quake” - a type of earthquake created by fans at Taylor Swift concerts. Find out who really “shakes it off” - when it comes to music and seismic energy.
Hear the other "sounds" of Jackie's earthquake and volcano research on the bonus interview episode on our Patreon, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Check out free resources for this episode available on the blog on our website, https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/
Concert music in this episode was recorded by Ana Hedrick at a Taylor Swift show in Seattle, and used as data by Jackie Caplan-Auerbach.
How Did Humans Create Language?
What are the origins of human language? That’s what Elliana wants to know. Linguist Robert Englebretson joins us for a time travel adventure to unravel the mysteries of a question that has stumped scientists for centuries.
Learn more about the study of language with Robert Englebretson on the bonus interview episode on our Patreon, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Check out free resources for this episode available on the blog on our website, https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2148711 - Engaging Blind, Visually Impaired, and Sighted Students in STEM with Storytelling through Podcasts.
Tumble's 150th Episode Quiz Show!
It’s Tumble’s 150th episode! 🥳 To celebrate, we had a Quiz Show with four of our biggest fans. Hear our Patrons Zoe, Kai, Eleanor and Avery compete in Tumble trivia with questions from episodes across all nine seasons of our podcast!
You can play along at home, too! Click here or visit our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com to find an online quiz form that you can fill out as you listen. There will be a prize for our first three winners!
Thank you to our amazing contestants! If you would like to compete in a future quiz show and help support the show, sign up to become a Tumble Patreon on patreon.com/tumblepodcast. You’ll get access to ad-free episodes, bonus content, and more goodies like these Quiz Shows.
Do Dreams Have Meaning? [ENCORE]
Happy Holidays! If you would like to help support Tumble and get a last-minute holiday gift, consider becoming a Patreon member! Pledge your support on Patreon.com/tumblepodcast to get access to ad-free episodes, bonus interview extras, and your very own shoutout!
Before we go away on break, we’re sharing one of our favorite episodes: “Do Dreams Have Meaning?”. Join neuroscientist Sidarta Ribeiro as we unveil the fascinating history of dreams and witness how science revolutionized their interpretation forever. From ancient gods to Freud's couch, we'll discover how an 8-year-old boy contributed to a major scientific breakthrough, all while asleep. Learn three steps to unlock the meaning of your own dreams before drifting off to Dreamland. Sweet dreams!
Do Aliens Exist? [ENCORE]
Our 150th episode is coming up! To celebrate, we’re doing a quiz show with trivia from all 9 seasons of Tumble! Get entered to be on the show: Sign up now to become a Tumble Patreon on patreon.com/tumblepodcast, and tell us why you would make a great contestant! (Microphone licking not required.)
How likely is it that we’ll find intelligent alien life on other planets? Are there extraterrestrial civilizations that we could contact - or that could contact us? And what would these aliens be like? We’re going to try to answer these big questions with the help of two scientists, and a very famous math equation.
We have free resources available on the blog on our website, https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/single-post/do-aliens-exist
How Do Toilets Work? [ENCORE]
When you have to go, where does it go? That’s what our listener Ellie wants to know. Prepare for potty humor and science as we hear from civil engineer and toilet expert Francis de los Reyes! Who invented the toilet? And what’s “The Great Stink?” We’ll be plunging into the past, present, and future of flushing to discover how toilets don’t just save us from stinky smells - they save lives.
Thanks so much to KiwiCo for sponsoring this episode. If you want to get 50% off your first month of any crate, go to kiwico.com/TUMBLE.
What If There Were No Animals?
What would the world be like without animals? Rae Wynn Grant - ecologist, podcaster, and bear cub cuddler - gives us a picture of what would happen if animals disappeared, and explains how we can stop it from happening. We’ll find out how the Endangered Species Act has worked for over 50 years to save endangered species, and how we can make it even better for the next generation. Thanks to Elliana, as well as Hadley and Roman for their question!
This episode is part of the Kids Podcast Party! Tumble and other kids podcasters are making episodes to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Endangered Species Act. Want to hear more? Check out Smash Boom Best, and their episode about Capybaras vs. Komodo Dragons.
Hear more from our interview with Rae Wynn Grant - host of Going Wild with Rae Wynn Grant - on the bonus interview episode on our Patreon, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast
We have free resources for this episode on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
The Mind Control Cat Parasite
It’s a Halloween episode! “There’s a scary secret lurking in the kitty litter…” We’re making a horror movie about a common cat parasite - that can control minds! Toxoplasma gondii makes mice lose their fear of cats, in a plot to take over the world! Biologist Sebastian Lourido helps us tell the true tale of toxoplasma’s quest for cat domination, and what scientists are doing to stop the parasite in its banana-shaped tracks.
How Do We Read?
How does reading work in the brain? It’s a question that has fascinated scientists for years. Could braille - the system of raised dots that blind and low vision people use to read - be the key to understanding how it works? We talk to writer Andrew Leland (“The Country of the Blind”) and neuroscientist Simon Fischer-Baum to learn about the invention of braille, and how it could be the key to learning how reading works - for everyone. And we might just solve a bedtime reading mystery along the way.
Learn more about braille on the bonus interview episode on our Patreon, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
We have more free resources about braille and the science of reading available on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2148711 - Engaging Blind, Visually Impaired, and Sighted Students in STEM with Storytelling through Podcasts.
The Science of Fungi
Do fungi breathe? That’s what listener Alice wants to know - and we’ll find out in our punniest episode yet! We visit the Fungarium - the largest and oldest collection of fungi in the world with curator Lee Davies, who describes himself as a “librarian” of mushrooms. We’ll explore how fungi live and die, and why there’s so many species left to discover. Watch out for the zombie fungi! And beware, Lindsay and Marshall don’t hold back on the “fun guy” puns!
Our series "Life Lab" is a Signal Award Finalist! Vote for us to win the Gold Medal here: https://vote.signalaward.com/PublicVoting#/2023/limited-series-specials/general/kids
Also check out our Threadless store! https://www.threadless.com/@Tumble_Podcast
Did Dinosaurs Burp?
Tune into our Season 9 premiere to find out the answer to this stinky question. We’ll hear about dino gasses from returning guest Jessica Whiteside and their potential ecological impact from David Wilkinson. Our dive into dinosaur digestion will lead us to a smelly look at gas in Earth’s past!
Listen to our bonus interview episode with Dave to learn more about how he studies the past without a time machine. You can hear it when you support us for just $1 on Spotify or on Patreon on patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Free resources, including a transcript, are available on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com
Check out our new Tumble t-shirts and merch: https://tumblepodcast.threadless.com/
Coming September 15th - Tumble Season 9!
A new season of Tumble is coming soon! Have you ever wondered whether dinosaurs burped? Or where the largest fungus collection in the world is? Or how braille was invented? Learn that and more in the newest season of Tumble!
Also, if you love our show, make sure to tell three people you know about how awesome you think it is. It really helps us out!
The Great Cave Road Trip
Join Marshall on a Cave Road Trip! On Season 8’s last road trip, you’ll find cave-themed episodes of Tumble, featuring bats and archaeology! Avoid the stalagmites and tune in to these fun episodes:
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The Journey to the Bat Cave
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Inside the Bat Cave [BONUS]
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The Cave of the Underground Astronauts
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The Cave of The Neanderthal Tools
Free resources, including a transcript for each episode, are available on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com
Check out our Tumble merch here: https://tumblepodcast.threadless.com/
Become a Spotify subscriber: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/tumblescience/subscribe
Tumble Presents Girl Tales
Do you ever wonder what would happen if Cinderella started her own rock band or if Medusa realized just cool her hair was? Well … there’s a Webby Award winning show called Girl Tales that takes classic stories and puts a unique twist on them, giving girls the chance to save the day, use their intelligence and bravery, and show that they can be the heroes of their own stories! If you're ready for an adventure, find Girl Tales wherever you get your podcasts!
Meema (or Memory) and her sisters run the most successful inspiration factory in the universe: The Idea Factory! In the Idea Factory, they don't make money, they make ideas! Meema wants to tell you a story (that's never-ended) about Narcissus & little black mirrors that make everyone just like him, obsessed with themselves and what the mirror reflects back at them!
This Girl Tales episode won the Variety/Gotham Audio Honors in 2022.
Written by Georgina Escobar
Starring: Barron Bass, Jennifer Sun Bell, Adriana Colon, & Mindy Escobar-Leanse
Produced by Chad Chenail
Assistant Produced by Megan Bagala
Executive Produced by Rebecca Cunningham
The Cave of the Neanderthal Tools [ENCORE]
We're still on vacation, and while we wait to come back for our ninth season of Tumble Science Podcast for Kids, we're sharing one of our favorite episodes from a few years ago: The Cave of the Neanderthal Tools.
What tools did Neanderthals use? That’s what Leo wants to know. We dig into the past of Neanderthal archeology, back to when people used to excavate caves with dynamite! Archeologist and author Rebecca Wragg Sykes shares the explosive story of how Neanderthals made tools, and what they can tell us about how Neanderthals lived.
Listen to our bonus interview episode with Rebecca about Neanderthals caves, available for Patrons who pledge just $1/ month or more on patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Learn more about Neanderthals and their “knapping” habits with the free resources on our blog at www.sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Tumble is Bilingual! “The Dinosaur Asteroid” & “El Asteroide Que Mató Los Dinosaurios”
Did you know that you can listen to Tumble in Spanish?! Tumble en Español is our Spanish podcast, hosted by native Spanish speakers Nuria Net and Alvaro Ramos. It’s an adaptation, not a translation! Meet Nuria in this episode and learn Tumble en Español’s special sign-off. Then, listen to one of our favorite episodes in both English and Spanish. To hear more, subscribe to Tumble en Español at http://tumbleenespanol.com/ or navigate to “En Español” at sciencepodcastforkids.com. There are transcripts for each episode!
Presenting The Ten News: Making Changes to Major League Baseball ⚾
About The Ten News
The Ten News podcast explores topics that kids care about most including events, sports, science, gaming, pop culture, entertainment, and more! It’s a great way for you and your family to stay connected with what’s going on in the world. The Ten News also features some pretty awesome guests; LEGO Masters Judge Amy Corbett, America’s top doctor Dr. Anthony Fauci, Sarah Natochenny, the voice of Ash Ketchum for Pokemon fans, and many more. Our episodes are all about staying kind, cool, and curious. We hope you enjoy listening to The Ten News!
Say hi at hello@thetennews.com
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/thetennews/
Special Road Trip - Life Lab
This special Road Trip edition of Tumble includes all five episodes of our Life Lab series, back to back! Listen to hear how scientists are using tiny life to go to Mars, solve climate change, make better clothes, and much, much more.
Life Lab explores the incredible power of a new technology you probably haven’t heard of. This technology could solve some of the biggest challenges on our planet, and beyond. But with great power, comes great responsibility. We ask important questions about whether it could - or should - change our future.
Thank you to our sponsor Kids’ Chemical Solutions and their chemistry comic book series filled with colorful characters and exciting storylines. Order now at www.kidschemicalsolutions.com.
Check out our Tumble merch here: https://tumblepodcast.threadless.com/
Become a Spotify subscriber: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/tumblescience/subscribe
Tumble's Summer Quiz Show!
It's Tumble's first science quiz edition! Play along as Tumble fans Arlo and Talyse compete in three science games: Purr Vs. Roar, What Does the ____ Say?, and Does It Fart? Lindsay and Marshall play quiz masters, while their contestants make a surprising discovery. And that's before the quiz even starts!
If you enjoyed this quiz show and would like to hear more, let us know!
To support our show and get ad-free episodes - plus the chance to be on an episode like Arlo and Taylse - join our Patreon at Patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Listeners help us keep making Tumble and give us the freedom to try new things!
We'll be back with all new, original episodes in September 2024.
Thank you to our sponsor Kids’ Chemical Solutions and their chemistry comic book series filled with colorful characters and exciting storylines. Order now at www.kidschemicalsolutions.com.
What If Oceans Didn't Exist? [ENCORE]
We'll be back with a new episode in two weeks!
What would Earth be like if our oceans never existed? That’s what Charlie wants to know! We recruit Earth detective Lucia Perez-Diaz to help us track down clues hidden within our planet’s rocks. Our investigation takes us through the mysteries of how water got on Earth, the giant plates moving beneath our feet, and why our oceans are shaped the way they are. Lucia’s also an illustrator, and will draw us an Earth without oceans. What will it look like? Listen to find out.
Hear this episode (and Lucia!) en Español on Tumble en Español: Qué pasaría si los océanos no existieran?
Learn more about how Lucia uses her detective skills to reveal the last 200 million years of Earth’s history, on our special bonus interview episode. It’s available to Patrons who pledge $1 a month or higher! You can support our show and get our ad-free feed on Spotify or patreon.com/tumblepodcast
What Do Dogs Think?
“Do dogs think and feel the way we do?” We all know dogs can’t talk. That’s why scientists have to come up with creative ways of asking our canine companions what’s going on in their minds. We’ll find out why dog cognition scientist Zachary Silver put on a play for dogs - which inspired us to create Tumble’s very first dog radio theater production! Just call us “The Tumble Dog Players.” It will all make sense by the end of the episode.
This is the final episode of Tumble’s 8th season! But stay subscribed for some special treats over the summer.
Hear more from our interview with Zachary Silver on our bonus interview episode. It’s available for listeners who pledge $1 or more a month on Patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Free resources, including a transcript, are available on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com
Check out our new Tumble t-shirts and merch: https://tumblepodcast.threadless.com/
Also check out courses from Science Mom, one of our sponsors this week: https://bit.ly/TumbleMom
Hearing the Stars
Can we hear and touch the stars, if we can’t see them? Yuma Decaux is trying to put the night sky into everyone’s hands, through technology and engineering. Find out how stargazing captured Yuma’s imagination when he was six, and how losing his sight inspired him to explore the cosmos in a whole new way - making astronomy accessible to everyone.
Astreos, Yuma’s app, is currently in Beta. That means that when you try it out, you can give Yuma feedback on how to make it better! Download it on iOs here: https://astreos.space/
Listen to our bonus interview episode with Yuma to learn more about how he developed Astreos and what accessibility means to him. You can hear it when you support us on Spotify or on Patreon at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
There are free resources, including a transcript, about this episode on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2148711 - Engaging Blind, Visually Impaired, and Sighted Students in STEM with Storytelling through Podcasts.
Sounds in the episode are courtesy of Astreos and Cricket Ambi by VMan533 on freesound.org
Was T-Rex Smart?
When did smartness begin? We’ll find out how a neuroscientist blends up brains, and cracks the case of the Tyrannosaurus Rex smarts! Suzana Herculano-Houzel helps us answer listener Penny’s question by explaining how “smartness” might not mean what you think - and how all animals have shown off their intelligence over time.
Help us out by taking our listener survey! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/tumblepodcast
Listen to our bonus interview with Suzana on our Patreon when you pledge just $1 a month or more! patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Learn more about Suzana and her work on the evolution of intelligence the blog on our website, www.sciencepodcastforkids.com.
We apologize that the cover art of the episode is not a scientifically accurate portrayal of a T.Rex! We know that they likely did not wear graduation caps.
What's That Bird Song?
Have you ever wondered what bird you’re hearing? We’re going to discover how to recognize birds by their sound - and what that means for science. Trevor Attenberg is an environmental scientist and science communicator who learned to identify birds without sight, by their sound alone. He takes us through his journey to becoming a birder and a scientist, and shares how you can learn to recognize birds by their sound.
Learn more about Trevor, and find his recommended resources for birding on the blog on our website, www.sciencepodcastforkids.com.
This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2148711 - Engaging Blind, Visually Impaired, and Sighted Students in STEM with Storytelling through Podcasts.
Take our survey to help support the podcast! Just go to https://bit.ly/TumbleScienceSurvey and spend a few minutes of your time answering questions.
How Big is the Universe?
How big is the universe? And how do we know? It's a question that puzzled astronomers for centuries. They had no way to measure distance in space - until Henrietta Leavitt showed them how. Henrietta Leavitt was a "computer" in the 19th century, before there were computers, and she made an incredible discovery that would help change the way people thought about the universe - forever. Modern-day astronomer Karen Masters helps us tell her remarkable story.
If you like this episode, you'll love our free audio course, "Cataloging the Universe" where you'll learn much more about how Henrietta Leavitt's discovery made a big difference in astronomy - plus, you'll become a skywatcher yourself! "Cataloging the Universe" is more than a podcast. It’s interactive! Each episode - or lesson - in the series contains activities to complete while you listen. Plus, you’ll get discussion questions, graphic organizers, and a star journal to keep your observations in. Check out the series and download all the resources at our website!
Hear more from Karen Masters in the bonus interview episode available to Patrons, when you pledge just $1 a month or more on our Patreon to support the show!
We have free resources available on our blog to learn more about the episode.
Why Do Cats Purr? (ENCORE)
We're working on a special project that we'll announce in our next episode! Enjoy one of our favorite episodes while we make it ready for you.
Why and how do cats purr? That’s what Reid wants to know. It sounds like a simple question, but it leads us to a deep challenge: Can we ever understand cats? To find out, we launch a full-scale cat purr investigation. You’ll hear from a puzzled veterinarian, a scientist who studied her cat’s annoying purr, and the author of purring.org, the premier cat purr research website. It’s a purr-fect episode for everyone who’s curious about cats.
Why Are Sloths Slow?
Why are sloths so slow? We’ll find out how one sloth scientist got crafty and discovered why slowness is a sloth’s secret to survival. Rebecca Cliffe, founder of the Sloth Conservation Foundation, shares the story of her quest to study these sneakily stealthy creatures, with the help of a special backpack. What she finds will definitely surprise and delight you! If you're like Marshall, you might even laugh/cry.
To hear more about Rebecca’s slothsome adventures, listen to our bonus interview episode! It’s available to Patrons who pledge just $1 or more a month on patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Learn more about sloth research and conservation with the free resources on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com - where you’ll also find a free transcript for the episode.
The Science of Ocean Sounds
Explore the sounds of ocean science on a sound scavenger hunt! Tune in as oceanographer Amy Bower takes us to the sea, to show us how she uses sound to study ocean currents and make ocean science accessible for blind and visually impaired people. Listen up and help us search for clues beneath the waves to reveal the secrets of the underwater realm!
Ocean data sonifications courtesy of Dr. Jon Bellona at the University of Oregon, and the Accessible Oceans project.
Learn more about Dr. Amy Bower in our bonus interview episode, available to Patrons who pledge just $1 or more a month to support Tumble, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
We have free resources to keep exploring the world of ocean science and data sonification with Amy Bower. They’re on the blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com, along with a free transcript.
This episode is the first in a series featuring blind scientists. The material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant Number # 2148711 - Engaging Blind, Visually Impaired, and Sighted Students in STEM with Storytelling through Podcasts. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.
The Hidden Histories of Plant Science
A Black botanist is on a mission to discover the hidden stories of Black plant scientists throughout history. Shawn Abrahams shares how Black people are responsible for vanilla cupcakes, and the microscopes you use in science class! Plus, hear how Shawn started their own journey to becoming a botanist and historian, with the help of Wikipedia.
Hear more stories from Black scientists featured on Tumble! Check out our blog post for a list of episodes.
Learn more about how Shawn became a botanist on our bonus interview episode, available to Patrons who pledge $1/month on Patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Dig deeper into the stories of Black botanists on the blog on our website at sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Want to hear science stories in Spanish? Listen to our Spanish show, Tumble en Español! Hosted by Nuria Net and Alvaro Ramos.
The Polar Bear Adventure
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 our website, sciencepodcast.com
The Science of Butts [ENCORE]
This is a re-broadcast of one of our most popular episodes of season 7, The Science of Butts!
What is a butt? That’s what science journalist Katherine Wu wanted to know. Her quest for an answer leads her into a web of big butt questions, and a search to find the top butt scientists in the world. She discovers a debate over where butts come from, and a very strange butt that could rewrite the annals of butt history.
This episode features an original song called, “Sometimes Butt.” Trust us, it’s a fun one! (And yes, we say the word “butt” and other butt-related words a lot.)
Can’t get enough of butt science? There’s plenty more! Listen to a bonus interview episode with Katherine Wu, available to Patrons who support Tumble at a level of $1 a month or more. You’ll get access to an ad-free feed with all our bonus episodes, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast
This episode is based on Katherine’s article, “The Body’s Most Embarrassing Organ is an Evolutionary Marvel.” Find more butt science resources on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Tumble en Español, our Spanish-language show, has new episodes starting January 27th! Check out that feed at here.
Winter Road Trip Adventure!
Join Marshall as he treks through a blizzard to find a warm spot by the fire, and listen to these great winter-themed episodes of Tumble. In this Road Trip Pack, you'll hear these episodes:
- The Great Seal Count
- The People of the Snow
- The Power of Pika Scientists
- The Volcanic Eruption Adventure
Whether you're curled up by the fire with a cup of hot cocoa or out on a snow-shoe trek through the wilderness, enjoy these great episodes about science in the snow!
Do Aliens Exist?
How likely is it that we’ll find intelligent alien life on other planets? Are there extraterrestrial civilizations that we could contact - or that could contact us? And what would these aliens be like? We’re going to try to answer these big questions with the help of two scientists, and a very famous math equation.
Hear more from Kaitlin Rassmussen and Arik Kershenbaum in our special bonus interview episode, available to Patrons who pledge just $1 or more a month to support the show on patreon.com/tumblepodcast
We have free resources available on the blog on our website, https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/single-post/do-aliens-exist
Here's a podcast we think you'll like: Armchair Adventures! It is a super-fun and a little bit bonkers series for kids aged 6-10. Join Connie and her gang of explorers for a new adventure every episode. Using your awesome imagination, you’ll visit magical places, meet extraordinary people and learn a thing or two along the way. It’s jam-packed full of sing and move-along fun. It's perfect for playtime, those gloomy rainy days, boring car journeys, and even round at your grans!
Thanksgiving Road Trip - Making a Difference
In this special road-trip collection of Tumble episodes, you'll hear all about scientists who are making a difference in their communities. This episode pack contains:
- How to be Helping Scientist
- Reinventing the Wheel
- What to do about Trash?
If you're a teacher and you want to participate in our group of teacher advisors, please follow this link to apply: https://bit.ly/TumbleTeachers
How Do Toilets Work?
When you have to go, where does it go? That’s what our listener Ellie wants to know. Prepare for potty humor and science as we hear from civil engineer and toilet expert Francis de los Reyes! Who invented the toilet? And what’s “The Great Stink?” We’ll be plunging into the past, present, and future of flushing to discover how toilets don’t just save us from stinky smells - they save lives.
Are you a teacher? Participate in our NSF-funded research project! Sign up here: https://bit.ly/TumbleTeachers
Learn more about toilets and sanitation around the world, on our bonus interview episode with Francis de los Reyes. It’s available to Patreons who pledge just $1 a month at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
We have free resources about this episode on the blog on our website: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/single-post/how-do-toilets-work
All episodes have transcripts now!
The Tomb of the Animal Mummies
Ever wonder what a mummy smells like? Or why millions of animals were mummified - including baboons? We climb into ancient tombs with Egyptologist Salima Ikram, to discover the science and culture of animal mummies. Salima is a real life tomb adventurer, cautious of scorpions and curious about the dead. Join us this Halloween as we excavate the secrets behind mummies!
We’re participating in Nat Geo Kids’ Podcast Party: Ancient Egypt in honor of the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tut’s tomb. Together with other kids podcasts we are making episode about Ancient Egypt. If you are interested in listening to more, check out Greeking Out.
We're also participating in a Kids Listen Survey! Grownups, take a moment to tell us about your family media habits in this quick survey.
Hear more from Salima in a bonus interview episode available on our ad-free Patreon feed! It’s available for just $1/month when you pledge to support Tumble at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
We have free resources about this episode available on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Gas Busters - Life Lab, Pt. 5
If there’s too much gas in the atmosphere, who you gonna call? Gas Busters! Find out how a bacteria from a rabbit’s gut could help fight climate change, in our final episode of Life Lab.
This episode features Dr. Ryan Tappel of LanzaTech, and a song collaboration with Basho Mosko, of Basho & Friends!
You can find a transcript and other educational materials about this episode on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Life Lab is supported by the Engineering Biology Research Consortium, a non-profit committed to educating the next-generation and building a community dedicated to solving big challenges with engineering biology. Funded by the National Science Foundation.
Fashion's New Spider Sense - Life Lab, Pt. 4
Tumble’s Life Lab Show at the Cambridge Science Festival
Spider silk? Mushroom leather? Discover what’s next in fashion: Clothes made from synthetic biology. We hear the story of how a synthetic biologist went from collecting spiders in his bedroom to working with some of the biggest names in fashion.
This episode features Dr. Dan Widmaier, CEO of Bolt Threads.
You can find a transcript and other educational materials about this episode on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Life Lab is supported by the Engineering Biology Research Consortium, a non-profit committed to educating the next-generation and building a community dedicated to solving big challenges with engineering biology. Funded by the National Science Foundation.
“Is This a Good Idea?” - Life Lab, Pt. 3
So far in Life Lab, we’ve uncovered the power of synthetic biology. But with great power comes great responsibility! In this episode, we’ll ask “Is this a good idea?” when it comes to changing the DNA of mosquitoes to fight a deadly virus.
This episode features Dr. Sam Weiss Evans and his 8 year old daughter, Izzy Weiss Evans.
Hear more from Sam about modified mosquitoes and making decisions about science, in our bonus interview episode! They’re available to Tumble Patrons who pledge just a dollar or more a month, on patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
You can find a transcript and other educational materials about this episode on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Life Lab is supported by the Engineering Biology Research Consortium, a non-profit committed to educating the next-generation and building a community dedicated to solving big challenges with engineering biology. Funded by the National Science Foundation.
Moving to Mars? - Life Lab, Pt 2
Should we make the move to Mars? And how would we live there? Join us as we pack our bags for Mars with the help of synthetic biology. We’ll find out how astronauts could grow their own food, medicine, and even building materials on the Red Planet. But when Lindsay and Marshall start to disagree about moving to another planet, some tricky questions threaten the mission…
Welcome to Life Lab! This is the first part of our five part series about how tiny life can change our world. In Life Lab, we explore the incredible power of synthetic biology to solve some of our biggest challenges - and asking how it could change our future.
This episode features Adam Arkin and Kris Prather.
Life Lab is supported by the Engineering Biology Research Consortium, a non-profit committed to educating the next-generation and building a community dedicated to solving big challenges with engineering biology. Funded by the National Science Foundation.
We have two bonus interviews for you this week, featuring Christina and Kris! They’re available to Tumble Patrons who pledge just a dollar or more a month, on patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
You can find a transcript and other educational materials about this episode on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Episode Advertiser:
More Cheese, Please - Life Lab Pt. 1
What does cheese have to do with technology? What does engineering have to do with biology? And why should we know about it? We’ll slice into these questions to get a taste of what synthetic biology is, how it's already in our lives, and how it got there.
Welcome to Life Lab! This is the first part of our five part series about how tiny life can change everything. In Life Lab, we explore the incredible power of synthetic biology to solve some of our biggest challenges - and asking how it could change our future.
This episode features Christina Agapakis and Kristala Prather.
Life Lab is supported by the Engineering Biology Research Consortium, a non-profit committed to educating the next-generation and building a community dedicated to solving big challenges with engineering biology. Funded by the National Science Foundation.
We have two bonus interviews for you this week, featuring Christina and Kris! They’re available to Tumble Patrons who pledge just a dollar or more a month, on patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
You can find a transcript and other educational materials about this episode on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Tumble Season 8 Starts September 16!
Season 8 of Tumble begins September 16 with a special, five-part series called “Life Lab.” Life Lab will explore the incredible power of a new technology you probably haven’t heard of. This technology could solve some of the biggest challenges on our planet, and beyond. But with great power, comes great responsibility. We’ll be asking important questions about whether it could - or should - change our future.
Bonus: Life Lab will be released weekly, for five weeks! After that, we’ll return to our regular schedule of science discovery, every other week.
Help us spread the word! If you can’t wait for all new episodes of Tumble, tell your friends, family, and your teachers to listen along with you. Subscribe or follow wherever you listen to Tumble Science Podcast for Kids.
The Biggest Space Telescope in the Universe (UPDATE!)
Hear sounds created from images by NASA's James Webb Space Telescope, in this updated episode! The biggest space telescope in the universe had a busy summer, wowing us with incredible images of the cosmos like we've never seen before. But it took a lot of work to get there! Learn about it in this episode, originally released in December 2021.
How do you launch the largest space telescope ever built into space? The James Webb Space Telescope will travel 1.5 million miles away from Earth to help answer some of our biggest questions about the universe. But first, it has to be launched on a rocket - and the telescope is too big to fit on a rocket. So NASA decided to fold it up - and then unfold it in space. How? NASA scientist Knicole Colón and NASA engineer Alphonso Stewart take us on a journey through the world’s biggest origami project.
We have big news to share about Season 8 next week, so keep your ears out for the trailer!
Dinosaur Road Trip Adventure
Join Marshall for our final Road Trip adventure of the summer, as we travel back to the age of the dinosaurs! We'll be sharing a bunch of our favorite episodes about everyone's prehistoric creatures. In this collection, you'll find:
- The Rise of the Dinosaurs
- How to Be a Fossil Fixer
- The Call of the Antarctic Dinosaur with Julia Clarke
- The Dinosaur Asteroid
You'll also get to help Marshall repair his broken time machine with some Dino-trivia questions after each episode. Enjoy!
Support Tumble on Patreon: patreon.com/tumblepodcast
Tumble Presents: Cereal
Tumble presents one of our favorite podcasts from RTÉjr Radio: Cereal!
Deception, Mystery and so much more in “Cereal” RTÉjr Radio’s (not really) True Crime Podcast for all the family. Picture the scene. A brand new TV talent show for kids called “The Novice”. Middle Grade students battle it out to get funding and promotion for their mini company on the national stage. The candidates?
Fergus, an ambitious eco-warrior who’s invented “The Bog Log” a product that turns your poop into compost for your garden.
Xander, a tech whizkid who’s dreamt up the “Homework Helper”, an App that literally does your homework for you.
Brother and Sister Duo PJ and Clara, forced to enter by their teacher in place of detention, have conjured a colour changing Mood Ring.
And Aoife and Katie, best buds for life cooked up the product that gives this podcast it’s name. Crunch Ems; a Cereal bar treat that’s truly healthy and tastes like a dream.
Four perfect products. But all is not what it seems.
When the show goes sideways a tale of blackmail and intrigue is revealed. And who better to chart it in his own podcast but 15 year old Rian, runner on The Novice and budding TY podcast presenter.
Ryan Tubridy cameos as himself, a veteran broadcast adviser to the young podcast host. And amateur sleuth in his own right.
Across 6 episodes Rian takes the listener on a complex journey of discovery to unveil the truth behind the scandal.
Find Cereal on on the RTÉ website, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Road Trip: Journey to the Center of Your Brain
Join Marshall on a fantastic adventure to the center of the human brain. In this road trip adventure pack, we've put together four classic episodes of Tumble for your listening enjoyment. Learn all about the wonders of the human brain in these episodes:
- Do Dreams Have Meaning? (20min)
- Why Words? How we learn language (16min)
- The Magic Memory Molecule (20min)
- The Science of Colors
Dive deep, and enjoy this selection of great episodes.
TUMBLE PRESENTS: Tai Asks Why
Since Lindsay and Marshall are on a break for the summer, we thought we'd share with you one of our favorite other podcasts! We present to you: Tai Asks Why.
Fifteen-year-old Tai Poole won’t rest until he’s uncovered the mysteries of the universe, one probing question at a time. In Season 4 of his Webby-winning podcast, Tai talks to everyone from NASA scientists to stand-up comedians to his equally curious little brother. If you’ve ever wondered what we can do when we’re anxious or if we’re alone in the universe, Tai has you covered. More episodes are available at hyperurl.co/taiaskswhy
A Special Culinary Road Trip Adventure!
Join Marshall out to eat as we share this special road trip fun pack of Tumble episodes having to do with food! This collection of five classic Tumble episodes includes:
- The Science of your Favorite Foods
- The Tale of the Hungry Koala
- The Science of Smell
- The Bacteria Cookbook
- The Jack O’Lantern Science Mystery
Buckle up and enjoy this great selection of episodes.
What If Oceans Didn't Exist?
What would Earth be like if our oceans never existed? That’s what Charlie wants to know! We recruit Earth detective Lucia Perez-Diaz to help us track down clues hidden within our planet’s rocks. Our investigation takes us through the mysteries of how water got on Earth, the giant plates moving beneath our feet, and why our oceans are shaped the way they are. Lucia’s also an illustrator, and will draw us an Earth without oceans. What will it look like? Listen to find out.
Learn more about how Lucia uses her detective skills to reveal the last 200 million years of Earth’s history, on our special bonus interview episode. It’s available to Patrons who pledge $1 a month or higher! You can support our show and get our ad-free feed on patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
You can see some of Lucia’s illustrations on our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com, along with other resources to learn more about water and plate tectonics on our planet!
The Science of Bubbles
Why do bubbles pop, and why do bubbles have shadows? We’re in double bubble trouble with two listener questions. Luckily, Dr. Bubbles is here to save the day! We’ll find out how a normal, everyman physicist named Justin Burton became a superhero bubble scientist, on a quest to make a scientifically proven recipe for giant bubbles. Along the way, we’ll discover the answers to our listeners’ bubbling curiosity.
Hear from the inventor of edible bubbles, Li Wei Tan, in a bonus interview episode available on our ad-free Patreon feed! It’s available for just $1/month when you pledge to support Tumble at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
We’ll have free resources about bubbles on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
This episode is sponsored by MEL Science. Check out their awesome science boxes at https://melscience.com/sBHH/
Make sure to use the offer code "TUMBLE" at checkout for 60% off your order.
Here is Dr. Bubble’s Giant Bubble Recipe, courtesy of Emory University:
Ingredients
1 liter of water (about 2 pints)
50 milliliters of Dawn Professional Detergent, which is available online (a little over 3 tablespoons)
2-3 grams of guar powder (or guar gum), a food thickener sold in some grocery stores or available online (about 1/2 heaping teaspoon)
50 milliliters of rubbing alcohol (a little more than 3 tablespoons)
2 grams of baking powder (about 1/2 teaspoon)
Directions
Mix the guar powder with the alcohol and stir until there are no clumps. Combine the alcohol/guar slurry with the water and mix gently for 10 minutes. Let it sit for a bit so the guar hydrates. Then mix again. The water should thicken slightly, like thin soup or unset gelatin. Add the baking powder and stir. Add the Dawn Professional Detergent and stir gently, to avoid causing the mixture to foam. Dip a giant bubble wand with a fibrous string into the mixture until it is fully immersed and slowly pull the string out. Wave the wand slowly or blow on it and enjoy the physics of giant soap bubbles!
Results may vary based on humidity.
The Seed Treasure Map [UPDATE!]
How many seeds sprouted in the historic Beal Seed experiment we covered in 2021? Find out in this updated version of one of our favorite episodes for spring! We tag along with scientists following a secret map on a mission under the cover of night, to find a buried treasure. It’s all part of one of the longest running, most legendary experiments in science history! We follow plant biologist David Lowry and his team on this secret scientist-spy-treasure hunt, which only happens once every 20 years. But things don’t go quite as planned. Find out what happens on this epic science quest.
To learn more about the Beal Seed Experiment, listen to our bonus interview episode with David. It’s available to Patrons who pledge just $1/ month or more on patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Learn more about the experiment and plant biology on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Send us your science questions at tumblepodcast@gmail.com.
Why Do Colors Exist?
Why do colors exist in the world? That’s what Phoebe wants to know. The answer might change how you think about the colors that you see! Neuroscientist and artist Bevil Conway bends our minds and our eyes, to show us how colors are the ultimate optical illusion. We’ll discover what color is made of, why even plants can “see” color, and what color can tell us about how our brains work. Take out your coloring supplies and prepare for a color journey.
Want to learn why we choose our favorite colors, or if the red I see is the same as the red you see? Listen to our bonus interview episode with Bevil, available on Patreon ad-free feed. Just pledge $1 a month or more to support the show, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
We’ll have free resources about the science of color on the blog on our website at sciencepodcastforkids.com.
What to Do About Trash?
Trash is one of the biggest problems on the planet. But scientists are coming up with solutions that might surprise you. In this Earth Day episode, we meet two researchers who are tackling trash in two very different ways. Kevin Solomon hopes to solve the challenge of recycling plastic with the help of meal worms, and Lily Pollans is figuring out what kids can do to help everyone make less trash. Find out how science can help tackle Earth’s biggest challenges - and how you can help.
Learn how one city learned to make less trash, in a special bonus interview episode with Lily Pollans. To listen, pledge to support us on Patreon for just $1 a month or more, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
We’ll have free resources to learn more about how to make less trash - and new solutions for recycling - on the blog on our website at sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Hey! We’re doing a live show as part of The River's Family Music Meltdown and Book Bash in Northampton, MA. Come out and see us at Smith Voke, on April 30th, 2022. We can’t wait to see you there!
The Dinosaur Asteroid
Where did the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs come from? That’s what our listener Lucian wants to know. Prepare to hear a “podcast movie” about the fateful impact, starting with an explosive collision in space that sent asteroids careening towards Earth. Then we’ll discover the science behind the story, with the help of planetary scientist Sean Gulick. He led an expedition along with Dr. Joanna Morgan to drill into the impact crater - and find the final piece of evidence in the asteroid theory. This episode is sure to blow your mind.
*Special thanks to the kids who helped us collect the sound effects used in the “podcast movie” section of this episode!*
Learn more about the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs on our bonus interview episode with Sean. It’s available to patrons who pledge just $1 or more a month at patreon.com/tumblepodcast
We have free resources about science behind the effects of the asteroid impact, and the debate around the asteroids’ origins. Go to our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com to check it out.
Do Dreams Have Meaning?
Come on a trip to Dreamland, as we explore the history of dreaming - and how science changed their meaning, forever. Our guide is Sidarta Ribiero, neuroscientist and author of “The Oracle of Night.” We’ll travel back to ancient times when gods and goddesses appeared in dreams, visit the offices of Dr. Sigmund Freud, and watch as an 8 year old boy contributes to a huge scientific breakthrough - while he slept. Plus, we’ll send you off to sleep with the three steps to exploring the meaning of your dreams. Let’s get dreaming!
Want to learn more about dreams? Tune into our bonus interview episode with Sidarta to learn more about when dreams have meaning, and how dreams might make us better at learning.
We have free resources available on our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com - including dreaming octopuses! (not octopi)
Why Do Cats Purr?
Why and how do cats purr? That’s what Reid wants to know. It sounds like a simple question, but it leads us to a deep challenge: Can we ever understand cats? To find out, we launch a full-scale cat purr investigation. You’ll hear from a puzzled veterinarian, a scientist who studied her cat’s annoying purr, and the author of purring.org, the premier cat purr research website. It’s a purr-fect episode for everyone who’s curious about cats.
Learn more about cat purrs - and cat smiles - in our bonus interview episode! It’s available on our ad-free podcast feed on Patreon. It’s just $1/month to get access to all our bonus episodes. Pledge at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Watch the cheetah purr video mentioned in the episode and discover more cat purr research, on the blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Animal audio courtesy of Dr. Karen Masters, Dr. Robert Eklund and Stoeger AS et al, under a Creative Commons license.
Do Bugs Have Elbows?
Clare wants to know if bugs have elbows. Her question starts a debate between Team Bug Arms and Elbows, and Team Bug Legs and Knees! Choose a side, and come on the trail of a bug bod mystery with superstar entomologist and dragonfly specialist Jessica Ware. Turns out, dragonflies are a lot weirder (and ancient!) than you might think!
Hear more from our interview with Jessica! Check out our bonus interview episode, available to patrons who support the show at just $1 a month or more. It’s on our exclusive ad-free podcast feed, along with all of our other bonus episodes!
We also have free resources of cool bug and dragonfly science on the blog at our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
The Science of Butts
What is a butt? That’s what science journalist Katherine Wu wanted to know. Her quest for an answer leads her into a web of big butt questions, and a search to find the top butt scientists in the world. She discovers a debate over where butts come from, and a very strange butt that could rewrite the annals of butt history.
This episode features an original song called, “Sometimes Butt.” Trust us, it’s a fun one! (And yes, we say the word “butt” and other butt-related words a lot.)
Can’t get enough of butt science? There’s plenty more! Listen to a bonus interview episode with Katherine Wu, available to Patrons who support Tumble at a level of $1 a month or more. You’ll get access to an ad-free feed with all our bonus episodes, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast
This episode is based on Katherine’s article, “The Body’s Most Embarrassing Organ is an Evolutionary Marvel.” Find more butt science resources on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
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! The podcast relaunches on January 28.
Weddell seal recordings in this episode were obtained under NMFS Permit No. 1032-1917.
Dinopoop Series Part 2 [ENCORE]
All-new Tumble episodes return January 21! We can't wait to share what we have in store.
Today, we're sharing the exciting conclusion of our two part dinosaur poo series, "The Coprolite Queen." In the 1800’s, Mary Anning was known as the best fossil hunter in England. She made many great discoveries, including dinosaur poop. With help from our friend Kidosaurus and children’s science historian Melanie Keene, we dig into Mary Anning’s story and her place in the history of women in science.
Check out the blog about this episode on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
A Big Announcement and Dinopoop Series Part 1 [ENCORE]
We have some exciting changes to share with you at the beginning of this episode!
Plus, Part 1 of our favorite-ever two part series about dinosaur poop! In "Who Dung It," paleontologist Karen Chin shares how she cracked the mystery behind an ancient dinosaur doo-doo, or coprolite. It's a super fun story, and you can learn more about ancient fossil feces on our blog.
We're on winter break until January 21, when we'll be back with all new episodes.
Lindsay and Marshall had so much fun recording special video messages for new Patreons, we're extending our sign-up special through early January 2022! All you have to do is pledge at the $5 or higher level at patreon.com/tumblepodcast before Dinopoop Part 2.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM THE TUMBLE TEAM!
The Biggest Space Telescope in the Universe
How do you launch the largest space telescope ever built into space? The James Webb Space Telescope will travel 1.5 million miles away from Earth to help answer some of our biggest questions about the universe. But first, it has to be launched on a rocket - and the telescope is too big to fit on a rocket. So NASA decided to fold it up. How did they do this? NASA astrophysicist Knicole Colón and NASA engineer Alphonso Stewart take us on a journey with the world’s most complicated origami project.
Don't miss Webb's launch! As of this episode's release date, it is scheduled for December 22, 2021. Learn more with free resources on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
This will be our last new episode until January 21. But you can look forward to hearing a few of your favorite previously published episodes, and brand new birthday shoutouts on each episode!
Plus, if you join our Patreon at patreon.com/tumblepodcast for just $1/month, you'll get all our bonus interview episodes!
Kids’ Vaccines Tackle COVID-19
What do you need to know about the new COVID-19 vaccines for ages 5 - 11? Sam, age 8, and Natalie, age 10, are here to help! They participated in a COVID vaccine trial, which is an important part of the science that will help end the threat of coronavirus. Along with Dr. Kawsar Talaat, an epidemiologist who helped run the trials, they share the behind-the-scenes of the process that helps us know that vaccines are safe to take. Nervous about getting your shot? Natalie and Sam have some great advice to share, so you can help the world get back to normal.
Visit vaccine.gov for information of where to get your shot, and answers to more common questions about the COVID-19 vaccines.
We have more resources and trusted sources for vaccine information and updated coronavirus news on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Happy Thanksgiving, friends!!
The Cave of The Neanderthal Tools
What tools did Neanderthals use? That’s what Leo wants to know. We dig into the past of Neanderthal archeology, back to when people used to excavate caves with dynamite! Archeologist and author Rebecca Wragg Sykes shares the explosive story of how Neanderthals made tools, and what they can tell us about how Neanderthals lived.
Listen to our bonus interview episode with Rebecca about Neanderthals caves, available for Patrons who pledge just $1/ month or more on patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Learn more about Neanderthals and their “knapping” habits with the free resources on our blog at www.sciencepodcastforkids.com.
The Jack O'Lantern Science Mystery
Why do carved pumpkins rot faster than uncarved pumpkins? That’s what Ari, an 11 year old podcast host, wants to know. To find out what’s making good Jack O’Lanterns go bad, we turn to squash detective/ scientist Michael Mazourek. Together, we track down clues to crack the case - and find out how we make a Jack O’Lantern last forever.
Learn more about pumpkin science, like the shocking truth of what’s in your can of pumpkin puree (spoiler alert: it’s not pumpkin), with the free resources on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
We have a special bonus interview episode about how to breed vegetables, with Michael Mazourek! It’s available for Patrons who pledge just $1 or more a month on patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Find out what it’s like to make a brand new pepper!
Where Does Laughter Come From?
How do you find out why we laugh? With tickling, of course! Gorillas and other great apes appear to love being tickled, and sound like they’re laughing just like us. Animal biologist Marina Davila-Ross thought tickling might connect humans and great apes - and hold the clues to the origin of laughter. To find out, she assembled teams of ticklers in an experiment full of giggles. It’s the silliest science you’ve ever heard, but the discoveries will blow your mind.
Learn more about laughter in animals and humans in our interview with Marina Davila-Ross. Listen to the bonus interview episode available to Patrons who support Tumble at the $1/level or higher, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
See videos of gorillas being tickled, and more free educational resources on our blog at sciencepodcast.com.
How to Be an Ocean Explorer
Want to explore the hidden treasures of the deep sea? Come on board the EV Nautilus, a research ship that searches the seafloor with the help of robot submarines! Our guide is Taylorann Smith, who’s on her third trip on the ship! We’ll witness a whalefall, meet the submarines, and learn how Taylorann discovered what it really means to be a marine biologist.
Want more? You can visit the Nautilus from home! Join Taylorann and the Nautilus team on live deep sea exploration expeditions online at nautiluslive.org. Check out their exciting animal discovery videos, fun try-at-home activities, and explorer career features to envision yourself as a future ocean explorer!
Taylorann has an amazing story of how she found her way to the Nautilus. Hear it on our bonus interview episode, when you pledge $1 or more a month on Patreon! patreon.com/tumblepodcast
We’ll have more links and our favorite Nautilus materials on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
This episode was supported by The Ocean Exploration Trust with support from the National Marine Sanctuary Foundation. Audio from the Whalefall is credited to Ocean Exploration Trust / NOAA ONMS.
The Worst Sounds in the World
What are the worst sounds in the world? Lots of noises that can send your hands rushing to cover your ears, but only a select can be the most horrible! Fortunately, one brave acoustic scientist named Trevor Cox decided to find out, by asking hundreds of thousands of people to rank the worst of the worst sound. It was one of the first online sound experiments - and the result was a lot of fun!
Note: This episode features sound effects, and if you’re sensitive to sounds, you may want to skip it.
Hear more about this pioneering internet psychology study on our bonus episode with Trevor Cox, available to Tumble patrons who pledge $1 or more a month! Pledge now at patreon.com/tumblepodcast
Learn more about the horrible sounds experiment on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Tumble Season 7 Starts September 17!
Tumble's seventh season is coming at you THIS FRIDAY! Here's a little taste of what's in store.
While you're waiting, why don't you share Tumble with a friend instead of anxiously refreshing your podcast app all week? Just send them your favorite Tumble episode, show them how to subscribe on their phones, or even share a link to our website where we have lots of educational resources! We'll thank you now, and your friend will thank you later.
See you here on September 17!
What's Inside of An Atom? [ENCORE]
We’re only two weeks away from starting our new season, with all new episodes, on September 17! We’re putting the finishing touches on the first episode as we speak, and we can’t wait to share it with you. But for now, enjoy one of our most favorite episodes about what everything in the universe is made of.
What are protons, neutrons, and electrons made out of? That’s what listener Xander wants to know. Physics expert Aatish Bhatia takes us on a journey into the atom, and explains how scientists discover things that are too small to see. You’ll find out how Albert Einstein helped prove the existence of atoms, and why physicists smash particles like pinatas in massive tunnels.
Learn more about this episode on the blog on our website.
The Poop Collector [ENCORE]
Tumble will return with all new episodes for Season 7, starting September 17! In the meantime, enjoy one of our favorite episodes of Season 6.
If someone asked you to collect your poop every day for a year, would you say yes? That’s what microbiologist Lawrence David did, after watching a movie about a man who said yes to everything. Accepting the challenge led to a year of very stinky international adventures, turning Lawrence into the James Bond of poo. And, he loved every minute of it. Join us for the incredible story of a secretive project about the human microbiome.
Want to learn more about Lawrence and why we are what we eat? Watch curated videos, listen to related podcast episodes, and discover the cutting edge science on a blog for this episode at sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Find out what Lawrence eats, and if he’s good at dealing with bad smells, in a special bonus episode for Patreon supporters. The answers will definitely surprise you. Just go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast and pledge just a dollar a month to hear it, and all our other scientist interviews.
Science Pirates Road Trip
Arrrrr! Join two of our favorite pirates on an adventure across the seven seas of science. In this ocean-themed road trip compilation, you'll hear a bunch of our favorite ocean episodes. Whether it's going on a deep-sea expedition with the JOIDES resolution, attending the largest whale shark party in the world, or collecting whale snot with tiny robots, this episode will take you all over the world's oceans.
This road trip episode includes:
The Expedition of the Science Ship
The Snot and the Whale
The Science of Whiskers
The Voyage of the Ocean Trash with Jenni Brandon
The Case of the Whale Shark Party
Tumble Presents: Yoga Kids Adventure
Tumble Media has a new podcast, Yoga Kids Adventure! Lindsay and Marshall share why we decided to make a yoga podcast for kids, and how to use the show! Then, try out our first episode. It's a trip to the beach!
With Yoga Kid Adventures, you can do yoga from anywhere! All you need is your ears, your imagination, and a safe place to move. In today’s adventure, we’ll salute the sun, splash in the waves, and spot some ocean animals. Get ready to stretch your imagination and your body.
You can subscribe to Yoga Kids Adventure anywhere you get your podcasts, or on our website at yogapodcastforkids.com!
We'll be back with more summer Tumble programming soon!
Yoga Kids Adventure - A new yoga podcast from Tumble Media!
From the makers of Tumble, meet Yoga Kids Adventure - the first ever yoga podcast for kids! Lindsay and Marshall give a sneak of our brand new yoga podcast in this mini-episode.
Yoga Kids Adventure host and kids’ yoga teacher Kathryn invites young yogis to join her on creative journeys through movement. Stretch out with a morning swim at the beach, or calm your body before bedtime in a cozy bear cave. Wiggle with wild animals on a safari or lift off from your chair as you breathe and bend among the stars.
Subscribe and go on your first yoga adventure, wherever you listen to Tumble! Check out the website at yogapodcastforkids.com.
Return to these routines as many times as you want, and do them anywhere that you want! This podcast brings free family yoga to you in your living room, classroom, and even outdoors.
Time Machine Animal Safari
How did some animals start to walk on land? Why were dinosaurs so huge? What did our primate ancestors look like? Let’s dive into this special road-trip edition of Tumble, a safari through animal evolution. Your tour guides have put together some of their favorite episodes about evolution and their time traveling jeep will take you waaaaaaay back in time. Now buckle up, because it's gonna be a bumpy ride!
This road trip episode includes:
- What if Fish Had Legs?
- Rise of the Dinosaurs
- Whooooo are Owls?
- The Skull of the Ancient Primate
- Decoding Dog DNA
The Volcano Eruption Adventure [ENCORE]
Would you fly to the top of a volcano that’s about to erupt at any moment? Volcanologist Helena Buurman did, and survived to tell the tale! In 2008, Helena was monitoring Mount Redoubt in Alaska, when the ground beneath the volcano began to shake. What follows is a tale of volcanic adventure, involving earthquakes, helicopters, and a massive eruption!
Tumble is on our summer break right now, working on some exciting new projects. Stay tuned to hear them in our feed! We'll be back with new episodes of Tumble in September 2021.
We invite you to invent your own volcano! Find resources to learn more about volcano warning signs and eruptions, on our website at www.sciencepodcastforkids.com
We have more from our interview with Helena Buurman for our Patrons who pledge just $1/month or more. To listen, pledge today at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
How To Be a Helping Scientist
How can science help people? Charita Castro is a scientist who’s spent her life using science to make kids’ lives better, all over the world. When she was little, she saw something that made her ask a big question: “Why don’t other kids have what I have?” She decided to dedicate her life to helping other people. But she didn’t know how until she discovered social science. Follow Charita’s journey to find out about a very special kind of science!
Did you know: Saturday, June 12 is the World Day to End Child Labor! 2021 is the International Year for the Elimination of Child Labor. We have resources on the blog on our website to get involved with the fight against child labor, anytime you want to start!
Learn more about how social science works during our special bonus interview episode with Charita. It’s available to Patrons who pledge just $1/month or more, on patreon.com/tumblepodcast
This is our last episode of Season 6! But don’t worry, we have lots to share over the summer. Stay subscribed (and listen to birthday shoutouts) throughout the summer. We’ll be launching a BRAND NEW PODCAST and you don’t want to miss it!!
The Science of Your Favorite Foods
What’s your favorite food? Why does it taste so good? It turns out, what we think is tasty isn’t just a matter of opinion. It’s science! Ecologist and science writer Rob Dunn takes us on a journey back in time, before kitchens, cooking, and even farming! We find out how our ancestors’ tastes shaped our own cravings - and how our experiences lead us to pick our favorites.
Curious to learn more about the science of taste? Listen to our bonus interview episode with Rob Dunn on Patreon! Available for Patrons who support Tumble at the $1/ level or higher! Pledge at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
We have free resources to learn more about taste and our ancient ancestors on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
Our next episode on June 11 will be the final episode of Season 6! But don't worry, we'll have plenty of listening on our feed over the summer - and we'll be doing Patreon birthday shoutouts!
The Seed Treasure Map
How long can a seed live? To find out, scientists follow a secret map on a mission under the cover of night, to find a buried treasure. It’s all part of one of the longest running, most legendary experiments in science history! We follow plant biologist David Lowry and his team on this secret scientist-spy-treasure hunt, which only happens once every 20 years. But things don’t go quite as planned. Find out what happens on this epic science quest, if seeds will sprout after 141 years underground, and what a wise, ancient rabbit has to do with it all.
Curious to learn more about David and the Beal Seed Experiment? Listen to our bonus interview episode on Patreon! Available for Patrons who support Tumble at the $1/ level or higher! Pledge at patreon.com/tumblepodcast
See photos of the experiment, read more about the 2021 dig, and find out how to do your own seed experiments - all on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
The Hunt for the Alien Viruses
Can viruses live in space? That’s what our listener Julian wants to know. It turns out, that’s a question that scientists are asking, too! Kathryn Bywaters is one of the scientists starting the search for viruses in space. She believes that finding viruses might be the easiest way to discover life on other planets. But first, we have to learn more about what a virus is, and how to find them. Discover why viruses are like the “message in a bottle” of alien life, and how you could become a real life alien virus hunter on Mars.
Hear more from Kathryn about viruses in space! Listen to our special bonus interview episode available for patrons who pledge $1 or more a month on patreon.com/tumblepodcast.
Visit our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com, for more resources to learn about the search for life and viruses in our solar system.
Parents! This week, we're recommending Science Vs, a science podcast for adults! Find it wherever you listen to podcasts.
How To Name A Galaxy
What If Fish Had Legs?
Whooo Are Owls?
Music Meets Science
The Bird and The Balloon Telescope
Do Trees Fart?
How To Be a Fossil Fixer
The Tale of The Hungry Koala [ENCORE]
Our Favorite Holiday Tradition (with The Secret Life of Plants ENCORE)
The Coronavirus Vaccine Race
The Bacteria Cookbook
What’s Inside of an Atom?
The Science of Candy Land
The Snot and the Whale
The Case of the Sleeping Trees (Interactive Episode)
The Poop Collector
Season 6 Starts September 18! + How To Keep Kids Engaged in Online Learning (For Parents!)
The Rise of the Dinosaurs [ENCORE]
How to Become an Astronaut [ENCORE]
The Wildlife of Your Home Podcourse: The First Suspect
Announcing The Wildlife Of Your Home Podcourse!
Tumble Presents: Mystery Recipe
Tumble Presents: Stoopkids Stories
Reinventing The Wheel
The Volcanic Eruption Adventure
The Tale of the Interstellar Visitor
Answering More Kids’ Coronavirus Questions
The Science of Smell
¿De Dónde Vienen Los Virus?
Where Do Viruses Come From?
Coronavirus: Preguntas y Respuestas Para Niños
Answering Kids’ Coronavirus Questions
The Physics of Basketball
The Kid Scientists' Galapagos Adventure
Decoding Dog DNA
Tumble Double Pack: Our Award-Winning Episodes!
Tumble Presents: But Why?
Tumble Presents: Fun Kids Science Weekly
How to Become an Astronaut
The Science of Snot
The Rise of the Dinosaurs
The Expedition of the Science Ship
The Science of Peregrines' Fast Flight
The Tale of the Hungry Koala
What Would Happen If There Was No Moon? [ENCORE]
The Secret Senses of Plants [ENCORE]
Tumble Presents: Earth Rangers
Tumble Presents: The Past & The Curious
The Explorer's Road Trip
Science of Poop with Mary Roach [EXTENDED CUT]
The Voyage of the Ocean Trash with Jenni Brandon [EXTENDED CUT]
Tumble Season 4 Favorites with The Show About Science!
The Butterflies of Paris
The Hurricane of the Future
The Launch of the Irish Satellite
The Science of Whiskers
The Tale of the High School Astronomer
The Secret to Cheetahs’ Super Speed
The Search at Edge of the Solar System
Hamster Versus Bacteria
The Superpower of the Secret Names
The Cave of the Underground Astronauts
The Animal Road Trip Adventure
Discover the Wildlife of Your Home
Inside the Bat Cave (BONUS EPISODE)
Tumble Presents: Becoming Mother Nature
The Mask of the Crow Scientist
Pluto and the Planetary Pandemonium
What Would Earth Be Like If Volcanoes Didn’t Exist?
The Journey to the Bat Cave
The Science Splash Jam! Live
The Case of the Shrinking Laboratory
The Girl Who Spoke Science
The Snapdragon Hunt
Mailbag Episode With Joe Hanson!
The Road Trip to Outer Space
Tumble Presents: Young Ben Franklin
The Barcelona Supercomputer Adventure
The Sleep Camp Experiment
What Would Happen If There Was No Moon?
The Power of Pika Scientists
The Weather Balloon, the Girl Scouts, and the Unicorn
Dinosaur Poop Part 2: The Coprolite Queen
Dinosaur Poop Part 1: Who Dung It?
Marshall's Mailbag: The Sequel
The Surprising Story of Sea Stars' Sticky Feet
The Secret Senses of Plants
How to Build a Robotic Eel
The Case of the Sparkly Mineral
Mission CO2 to Mars
Marshall's Mailbag Episode!
We Ain't Afraid of No Ghosts: A Tumble Halloween
BONUS EPISODE: Kidcast Sampler!
Why Words?! How We Learn Language
The Electric Detectives
The Solar System’s Wild Ride
The Magic Memory Molecule
Season 3 Starts September 8!
The Science of Poop with Mary Roach
The Call of the Antarctic Dinosaur with Julia Clarke
The Quest of the Alien Hunter with Seth Shostak
The Sign of the Ninja Virus with Jasdave Chahal and Omar Khan
The Skull of the Ancient Primate with Chris Kirk
The Puzzle of the Flipping Cats with Greg Gbur
The Case of the Whale Shark Party with Rafael de la Parra
A Year on Mars with Sheyna Gifford
The People of the Snow with Kelly Elder
The Secret Life of Your Shower with Noah Fierer
The Tower of the Vomiting Robot with Anna Rothschild
Journey to the Center of the Earth with Ta-Shana Taylor
Season 2 Coming Soon!
The Voyage of the Ocean Trash with Jenni Brandon [ENCORE]
The Secrets of Bugs and Bats [BONUS EPISODE]
The Case of the Invisibility Cloak with Andrea Alu [ENCORE]
The Quest for the Hidden Planets with Joel Green [ENCORE]
The Puzzle of the Friendly Dog with Mia Cobb and Krista McPherson [ENCORE]
The Laboratory of the Haunted House with Margee Kerr
The Hunt for Black Holes with Karl Gebhardt [ENCORE]
How to Interview a Scientist [BONUS EPISODE]
The Tale of the Bacteria Farmer with Sarah Richardson [ENCORE]
The Journey to the Deepest Part of the Ocean with Gaelin Rosenwaks [ENCORE]
The Charge of the Everlasting Battery with Mya Le Thai
The Tale of How Ants Conquered the Earth with Corrie Moreau
The Meow of the Misunderstood Cat with Brains On
The Code of the Flashing Firefly with Sara Lewis
The Tale of Darwin and the Beagle with Áki Jarl Láruson
The Voyage of the Ocean Trash with Jenni Brandon
The Case of the Invisibility Cloak with Andrea Alu
The Journey to the Deepest Part of the Ocean with Gaelin Rosenwaks
The Hunt for Black Holes with Karl Gebhardt
The Mystery of When Brains and Sports Collide with Kiki Sanford
The Adventure of The Explorers Club with Richard Garriott
The Quest for the Edge of the Universe with Katie Mack
The Puzzle of the Friendly Dog with Mia Cobb and Krista Macpherson
The Cave of the Upside Down Bat with Micaela Jemison
The Tale of the Bacteria Farmer with Sarah Richardson
The World Without Parasites with Carl Zimmer
[UPDATE] The Night of the Decoy Spider with Joe Hanson
The Secret of Dark Energy with Jeff Silverman
The Tale of The Brain Scoop with Emily Graslie
The Case of the Living Dinosaurs with Riley Black
Dinosaurs never went extinct. They're living in our backyards. How did scientists discover that birds are secretly dinosaurs? Science writer Riley Black tells us how some suspicious fuzz on a farmer's fossil find cracked open the biggest case in dinosaur paleontology. Note, Riley Black is referred to in this episode as Brian Switek. Music in this episode by Podington Bear, Noveller, and Johnny the Ripper, courtesy of the Free Music Archive.
The Mystery of the Exploding Star with Jeffrey Silverman
The Tale Of The Giant Toad with Sheril Kirshenbaum
The Night Of The Decoy Spider with Joe Hanson
The Quest for the Hidden Planets with Dr. Joel Green
The Case of the Missing Brains with Dr. Rachel Berman
The Mystery of the Barton Springs Salamander with Dr. Hayley Gillespie
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