Science, life, and girl power! Exploring the most important topics in STEM and girl empowerment. Making this world a more equal and opportune place one girl at a time.
The Human Body – The Circulatory System – Part Two  The human body is fascinating! From blood to the brain to poop, we all want to know what makes us tick. Tune into the Universe in a Seashell for an in depth discussion on our bodies and how they work.  Today we are talking about the circulatory system! AKA what makes your heart beat? What makes your blood red? And should you be worried about vampires?  If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop m...more
The human body is fascinating! From blood to the brain to poop, we all want to know what makes us tick. Tune into the Universe in a Seashell for an in depth discussion on our bodies and how they work.  Today we are talking about the circulatory system! AKA what makes your heart beat? What makes your blood red? And should you be worried about vampires?  ** Click here for your downloadable heart diagram!  http://carabartek.com/2020/10/09/episode-51-the-h…-system-part-one/ **    If you ...more
The human body is fascinating! From blood to the brain to poop, we all want to know what makes us tick. Tune into the Universe in a Seashell for an in depth discussion on our bodies and how they work.  Today we are talking all about the digestive system! What is digestion? Why do we need to digest? How exactly does it work? Hang out for some laughs and facts all about your digestive system.  If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at uni...more
The human body is fascinating! From blood to the brain to poop, we all want to know what makes us tick. Tune into the Universe in a Seashell for an in depth discussion on our bodies and how they work.  Today we are talking all about the digestive system! What is digestion? Why do we need to digest? How exactly does it work? Hang out for some laughs and facts all about your digestive system.  If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at uni...more
The human body is fascinating! From blood to the brain to poop, we all want to know what makes us tick. Tune into the Universe in a Seashell for an in depth discussion on our bodies and how they work.  Today we are talking all about the digestive system! What is digestion? Why do we need to digest? How exactly does it work? Hang out for some laughs and facts all about your digestive system.  If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at uni...more
The human body is fascinating! From blood to the brain to poop, we all want to know what makes us tick. Tune into the Universe in a Seashell for an in depth discussion on our bodies and how they work.  Today we are talking all about the digestive system! What is digestion? Why do we need to digest? How exactly does it work? Hang out for some laughs and facts all about your digestive system.  If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at uni...more
Noticed anything different about me? Oh yeah – that’s just my mask!!!  Lately we have one fashion trend in common. Mask wearing! On this episode of the podcast we are going to talk all things mask. Why are we wearing them? How exactly are you supposed to wear them? What exactly does wearing a mask do?  If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at universeinaseashell@gmail.com.  Find me on Facebook @CaraBartekAuthor or on Instagram @Car...more
Ewww gross boogers!!! What exactly is the point of those terrible, green nose-berries? Everyone has them, but why? Join in for an enlightening discussion on BOOGERS!!!  If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at universeinaseashell@gmail.com.  Find me on Facebook @CaraBartekAuthor or on Instagram @CaraBartek  Thanks for listening!  Theme music is courtesy of Purple Planet. Check them out at https://www.purple-planet.com. Thanks P...more
Tune into today’s episode to find out why wombats have square poop.  If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at universeinaseashell@gmail.com.  Find me on Facebook @CaraBartekAuthor or on Instagram @CaraBartek  Thanks for listening!  Theme music is courtesy of Purple Planet. Check them out at https://www.purple-planet.com. Thanks Purple Planet!  Show logo art is provided by Flat Icon. Check out their amazing website at https:/...more
What is going on with this corona thing? Why aren’t we in school? Tune into today’s episode to explore what the corona virus is, how to prevent it, how to help around the house, and what we are doing at our home.  If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at universeinaseashell@gmail.com.  Find me on Facebook @CaraBartekAuthor or on Instagram @CaraBartek  Thanks for listening!  Theme music is courtesy of Purple Planet. Check them o...more
We all know unicorns are totally make-believe… But are they really? Join the girls and I for a fun discussion on the science of unicorns!  If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at universeinaseashell@gmail.com.  Find me on Facebook @CaraBartekAuthor or on Instagram @CaraBartek  Thanks for listening!  Theme music is courtesy of Purple Planet. Check them out at https://www.purple-planet.com. Thanks Purple Planet!  Show logo ar...more
Happy St. Patty’s day! Join us for a discussion on the history, meaning, and how to celebrate St. Patrick’s day in your home.  If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at universeinaseashell@gmail.com.  Find me on Facebook @CaraBartekAuthor or on Instagram @CaraBartek  Thanks for listening!  Theme music is courtesy of Purple Planet. Check them out at https://www.purple-planet.com. Thanks Purple Planet!  Show logo art is provide...more
Mary Beth – this episode is for you!!! Today we discuss our favorite flying dino – the pterodactyl.  If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at universeinaseashell@gmail.com.  Find me on Facebook @CaraBartekAuthor or on Instagram @CaraBartek  Thanks for listening!  Theme music is courtesy of Purple Planet. Check them out at https://www.purple-planet.com. Thanks Purple Planet!  Show logo art is provided by Flat Icon. Check out ...more
Please join us on this episode to discuss the life and legacy of one of the most important people of our time – Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.  If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at universeinaseashell@gmail.com.  Find me on Facebook @CaraBartekAuthor or on Instagram @CaraBartek  Thanks for listening!  Theme music is courtesy of Purple Planet. Check them out at https://www.purple-planet.com. Thanks Purple Planet!  Show logo a...more
Australian Wildfires  *** This episode contains serious subject matter, which may not be suited for younger listeners. Parental discretion is advised. ***  There is a major natural disaster happening this very minute – wildfires are raging uncontrollably in Australia. The terrible losses are difficult to comprehend and the impact will last for years. On this episode we talk about the facts surrounding the wildfires and discuss what you can do to create a positive impact.  Nasa’s image o...more
The New Year is a time of renewal and setting goals. Join us for a discussion on how to make your new year great!  If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at universeinaseashell@gmail.com.  Find me on Facebook @CaraBartekAuthor or on Instagram @CaraBartek  Thanks for listening!  Theme music is courtesy of Purple Planet. Check them out at https://www.purple-planet.com. Thanks Purple Planet!  Show logo art is provided by Flat Ic...more
Merry Christmas from the Universe in a Seashell! We have a special reading of The Dinosaurs’ Night Before Christmas! I hope you enjoy. Make sure you stick around for a selection of Christmas songs from Baby Mozart!  To order your copy of The Dinosaurs’ Night Before Christmas click here: https://www.amazon.com/Dinosaurs-Night-Before-Christmas/dp/0811863220  And be sure you check our Reading is Succeeding on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpVkTpgOPFXGSuKdW-PXi9Q  Download your ...more
Penny has a burning question that must be answered… Tune in to find out why the mighty elephant is scared of the teeny-tiny mouse!  If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at universeinaseashell@gmail.com.  Find me on Facebook @CaraBartekAuthor or on Instagram @CaraBartek  Thanks for listening!  Theme music is courtesy of Purple Planet. Check them out at https://www.purple-planet.com. Thanks Purple Planet!  Show logo art is pr...more
Hey Ava – you asked and you received! This week’s episode is all about the brontosaurus! Did you know the brontosaurus isn’t really a brontosaurus? Tune into this episode to find out why and learn more interesting facts about our favorite long-necked dino.  If you want to check out the cartoon mentioned in this episode – Gertie the Dinosaur – follow this link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_c15oS5i5I  If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me ...more
My buddy Layton requested for us to talk about the Gorgosaurus – the terrible lizard! Find out what’s so terrible about this ancient reptile on this week’s episode.  If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at universeinaseashell@gmail.com.  Find me on Facebook @CaraBartekAuthor or on Instagram @CaraBartek  Thanks for listening!  Theme music is courtesy of Purple Planet. Check them out at https://www.purple-planet.com. Thanks Purp...more
On a recent road trip to the northeastern United States, Penny’s grandparents visited New Hampshire – or as Penny likes to say, “New Hamster.” Each day she grew increasingly concerned about the possibility of hamster attacks on her grandparents RV. Fortunately they survived without any rodent maulings. This event did, however inspire Penny to know more about the furry little guys menacing this northeastern state.  Check out this episode to learn all about the hamster!  If you have a questi...more
Tune into this week’s episode to learn all about our favorite three-horned dinosaur – the triceratops!  If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at universeinaseashell@gmail.com.  Find me on Facebook @CaraBartekAuthor or on Instagram @CaraBartek  Thanks for listening!  Theme music is courtesy of Purple Planet. Check them out at https://www.purple-planet.com. Thanks Purple Planet!  Show logo art is provided by Flat Icon. Check o...more
Happy Thanksgiving! I hope everyone is enjoying time with friends and family, savoring delicious food, AND traveling safely. If you and your family are spending lots of time in the car this holiday season, check out my new book on audio - Plastic Probs! You can find it here:Â https://www.audible.com/pd/Plastic-Probs-Audiobook/B081BC9QF9?qid=1574701315&sr=1-1&pf_rd_p=e81b7c27-6880-467a-b5a7-13cef5d729fe&pf_rd_r=DYR2NRT7DVSW2RR3B1PA&ref=a_search_c3_lProduct_1_1Â and sign up for audible here:Â htt...more
What dinosaur was warm-blooded, covered in feathers, and the size of a chicken? Tune into this episode to discover amazing facts about one of our favorite dinosaurs – the raptor!  This episode is dedicated to our friend Tripp! Tripp loves raptors! To see a picture of the fossil of the velociraptor and protoceratops fighting click here: http://www.bhigr.com/catalog/product_pages/BHIGR_FightingDinos.pdf  If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a...more
What does a walnut, roofing tiles, and giant ancient lizards have in common? Tune into this episode of the podcast to find out! If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at universeinaseashell@gmail.com Find me on Facebook @CaraBartekAuthor or on Instagram @CaraBartek Thanks for listening! Theme music is courtesy of Purple Planet. Check them out at https://www.purple-planet.com. Thanks Purple Planet! Show logo art is provided by Flat Ico...more
They are enough to make people scream, cry, and do that horrible hoppy-stompy-jumpy dance all over your house – SPIDERS! On this episode we discuss what spiders are, what they are not, and how they fit nicely into our planet’s ecosystem. If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at universeinaseashell@gmail.com. Find me on Facebook @CaraBartekAuthor or on Instagram @CaraBartek  Thanks for listening! Theme music is courtesy of Purple Pla...more
I hope you enjoy a sneak peak of Plastic Probs - the third book in the Serafina Loves Science! series. Plastic Probs releases on 11-11-19 and will be available in paperback, ebook, and audio.Â
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!!! Science is all about laws – or is it? For our Halloween celebration on the Universe in a Seashell, we will cover the top ten rule-breaking, mind-bending, and reality-shifting concepts in science! If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at universeinaseashell@gmail.com. Find me on Facebook @CaraBartekAuthor or on Instagram @CaraBartek Thanks for listening! Theme music is courtesy of Purple Planet. Check them out at h...more
What would you rather eat? Boogers? A dog-toenail sandwich? Or a big juicy bug? Bugs are not only packed with protein but also considered a tasty delicacy in many places around the globe. Check out this week’s episode to discover which are the tastiest, healthiest, most amazing bugs ever to be coated in caramel and roasted on a stick. Get your fork and grab the salt! You are going on a culinary adventure with the Universe in a Seashell. If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or ju...more
Just in time for Halloween we explore nature’s very own vampires – blood sucking insects! Just like Dracula, they want to suck your blood! If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at universeinaseashell@gmail.com. Find me on Facebook @CaraBartekAuthor or on Instagram @CaraBartek Thanks for listening! Theme music is courtesy of Purple Planet. Check them out at https://www.purple-planet.com. Thanks Purple Planet! Show logo art is provide...more
Insects can be scary what with their poison and stingers and predilection for eating the heads off their mates. Thanks to Mother Nature, they just got scarier. Tune in this week for a little Halloween warm up as we explore zombie insects! Are you playing Bug Bingo yet? Remember to share and tag three of your friends for our super-huge bug promotion video and I will send you your very own BUG BINGO BOARD!!! I will also enter you in a chance to win your very own bug collecting kit! Visit my FB@ca...more
Have you ever felt small? Maybe people take you for granted or underestimate your strength? You’re not alone! Ants are one of the tiniest creatures on Earth yet have one of the greatest footprints. Tune in this week to find out just how mighty the tiny ant really is. Are you playing Bug Bingo yet? Remember to share and tag three of your friends for our super-huge bug promotion video and I will send you your very own BUG BINGO BOARD!!! I will also enter you in a chance to win your very own bug c...more
Bees are super important pollinators, make super awesome honey, but are also disappearing! Tune in to learn some facts about bees! Are you playing Bug Bingo yet? Remember to share and tag three of your friends for our super-huge bug promotion video and I will send you your very own BUG BINGO BOARD!!! I will also enter you in a chance to win your very own bug collecting kit! Visit my FB@carabartek and IG@carabartek page for details. If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just w...more
We all know that butterflies are beautiful and prefer the nectar of flowers, but did you know they also like to drink mud? Tune into this week’s episode to learn about all things butterfly! Are you playing Bug Bingo yet? Remember to share and tag three of your friends for our super-huge bug promotion video and I will send you your very own BUG BINGO BOARD!!! I will also enter you in a chance to win your very own bug collecting kit! Visit my FB@carabartek and IG@carabartek page for details. If ...more
On today’s episode we discuss whether or not a ladybug is truly a bug, what carnivorous reptile baby ladybugs look like, and find out whether or not a ladybug is actually poisonous. Are you playing Bug Bingo yet? Remember to share and tag three of your friends for our super-huge bug promotion video and I will send you your very own BUG BINGO BOARD!!! I will also enter you in a chance to win your very own bug collecting kit! Visit my FB@carabartek and IG@carabartek page for details. If you hav...more
What bug is related to cockroaches, can turn its head 180 degrees, has murderous spines on its legs, and has a penchant for biting the head of their partner? Are you playing Bug Bingo yet? Remember to share and tag three of your friends for our super-huge bug promotion video and I will send you your very own BUG BINGO BOARD!!! I will also enter you in a chance to win your very own bug collecting kit! Visit my FB@carabartek and IG@carabartek page for details. If you have a question, topic sugge...more
The animal kingdom is filled with music from the song of a bird, to the cry of a wolf, to the call of a monkey. But did you ever think of bugs as being musical creatures? Tune into this week’s episode to learn all about the most musical bug in the whole buggy world. Are you playing Bug Bingo yet? Remember to share and tag three of your friends for our super-huge bug promotion video and I will send you your very own BUG BINGO BOARD!!! I will also enter you in a chance to win your very own bug co...more
A bug that is responsible for more deaths than any other animals including sharks, tigers, and bears must have poison and venom and super-sharp fangs – right. RIGHT? What if I told you the world’s deadliest bug was actually very slow, small, and technically classified as a fly. Tune into this week’s episode to find out everything you need to know about the world’s deadliest bug. If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want to say hi – drop me a line at universeinaseashell@g...more
Who else is having a hard time seeing the Perseids meteor shower with the full moon? It’s a major bummer – but this podcast isn’t! Join in for our top three meteor impact stories and lots of silliness! Guide to finding active meteor showers: https://www.amsmeteors.org/meteor-showers/meteor-shower-calendar/ Don’t forget to download your very own summer sky activity kit! Sign up for the mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/dGh5VH If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want...more
One of the greatest mysteries of our time is the answer to the question, “Are we alone?” In a universe as vast as ours it seems entirely plausible other life should exist. But where is it? On this episode of the podcast we will explore the possibility, viability, and tangibility of extra-terrestrial life! Don’t forget to download your very own summer sky activity kit! Sign up for the mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/dGh5VH If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or just want t...more
There is nothing stranger in the universe than the black hole. Light, matter, and even time stop when approaching this strange cosmic structure. Black holes have inspired countless science fiction books and films but these dense objects are not fiction. In fact the reality of black holes is much stranger than any science fiction. Hang out with us this episode to find out what has been captivating the world’s leading scientist for centuries. Let’s talk about black holes. Guide to finding active ...more
Carl Sagan once famously said, “We’re made of star stuff,” but what does that really mean? One this episode of the podcast we will talk about what stars are really made of and the different type of stars you might be able to see in the night sky. Guide to finding active meteor showers: https://www.amsmeteors.org/meteor-showers/meteor-shower-calendar/ Don’t forget to download your very own summer sky activity kit! Sign up for the mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/dGh5VH If you have a questi...more
I love watching the sky just to see a falling star. But what exactly is a falling star? What is a meteor shower? What’s the difference anyway? We answer these questions and others on this episode of the podcast. Guide to finding active meteor showers: https://www.amsmeteors.org/meteor-showers/meteor-shower-calendar/ Don’t forget to download your very own summer sky activity kit! Sign up for the mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/dGh5VH If you have a question, topic suggestion, show idea, or...more
To celebrate the 50th anniversary of man landing on the moon, we have a moon-landing extravaganza for you! Ava’s recommendation of the pulsing moon - http://www.astronomy.com/magazine/stephen-omeara/2016/11/the-pulsing-moon Proof of quantum entanglement - https://phys.org/news/2019-07-scientists-unveil-first-ever-image-quantum.html Archived footage of the lunar landing - https://www.cbsnews.com/video/playlist/apollo-11-moon-landing-50th-anniversary/ Don’t forget to download your very own su...more
Did you know the moon affect the oceans, animals, and even your brain? On today’s episode we explore the connection between the moon and the Earth! Don’t forget to download your very own summer sky activity kit! Sign up for the mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/dGh5VH Check out these super cool resources about the moon and how it affects our planet and our lives: https://oceanservice.noaa.gov/education/kits/tides/tides01_intro.html https://moon.sleepfoundation.org/articles/what-circadian-...more
How many times have you seen the man on the moon? Do you know what causes that scary face? On today’s episode we are talking all things moon! We are discussing the phases of the moon, the “seas” of the moon, and even how the moon was formed. Get ready to learn a thing or two about that pie in the sky! Don’t forget to download your very own summer sky activity kit! Sign up for the mailing list here: http://eepurl.com/dGh5VH Check out these amazing maps of the moon! https://www.google.com/moon...more
One of my favorite things to do in the summer is to watch the sky. From the stars, to the moon, to the meteor showers, nature projects its best entertainment right above our heads. From now until the Perseid’s Meteor shower peak happing in mid-August, the podcast will be dedicated to all things summer sky! On today’s episode, we are covering the basics of how to watch the sky. Ask your parent or guardian’s permission! Find the perfect watching place Watch out for light pollution and high fenc...more
*Happy 8th Birthday Caroline!!!! I love you!!!!* What’s more summer than the smell of sunscreen, the taste of watermelons – and the itchy, scratchy, creepy-crawly feeling of a June bug landing in your hair? June bugs are the antiheroes of the summer season. They hold a place in our hearts right below an escaped diaper in the pool and mosquitos. But what do you really know about these summer pests? On this episode, CC explores the science of June bugs! For more information about June Bugs: htt...more
Did you know by 2050 the population of Earth is predicted to be between 9.5 and 10 billion people strong? That’s a lot of hungry people. We have to ensure everyone has access to safe and healthy food. The only problem is every year we have less water, less farming acres, more complex diseases, and some really nasty bugs. On Episode 4 of the podcast I will be joined by Matthew Bartek, PhD – a plant breeder and geneticist. Matt specializes in a crop called sorghum. We will be discussing all thing...more
Have you ever smelled really stinky breath? Have you ever had really stinky breath? In this episode we are exploring the causes of terrible breath including medical, social, and dietary factors that cause bad breath. PEEE EEEEEW! PS – Happy belated Father’s Day to all the super cool dads out there!!!! Daddy, I love you For all that you do. I'll kiss you and hug you 'Cause you love me, too. You feed me and need me To teach you to play, So smile 'cause I love you On this Father's Day. Poem by ...more
Did Dinosaurs have Feathers? Have you ever wondered what the dinosaurs really looked like? We have all those dinosaur bones aka fossils, but we won’t really know what was covering those bones. Today we are exploring the different looks the dinosaurs may have had – including being covered in feathers! Here are some really cool links to learn more about how the dinosaurs actually looked. https://www.natgeokids.com/za/teacher-category/dinosaurs/ https://video.nationalgeographic.com/video/101-v...more
Girls. Science. Life. And the Ocean! This week’s episode is all science, life, and girl power! We will take a deep look into girls and science and the plastic problem in our oceans. We find answers to why and how plastic has become a problem in our oceans and what some really cool lady scientists are doing to find a solution. We take a look at the numbers of women in STEM and outline some practical girls can stay engaged in STEM. For more information about this weeks episode, check out the fol...more