Tumble Science Podcast for Kids

Episodes

• Why Do Cats Purr? (ENCORE)

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  Mar 17 2023

  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....more

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• Why Are Sloths Slow?

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  Mar 03 2023

  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....more

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• The Science of Ocean Sounds

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  Feb 17 2023

  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....more

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• The Hidden Histories of Plant Science

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  Feb 03 2023

  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....more

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• The Polar Bear Adventure

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  Jan 20 2023

  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...more

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• The Science of Butts [ENCORE]

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  Jan 06 2023

  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. ...more

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• Winter Road Trip Adventure!

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  Dec 23 2022

  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! 

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• Do Aliens Exist?

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  Dec 09 2022

  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! ...more

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• Thanksgiving Road Trip - Making a Difference

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  Nov 23 2022

  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

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• How Do Toilets Work?

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  Nov 11 2022

  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! ...more

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• The Tomb of the Animal Mummies

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  Oct 28 2022

  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. ...more

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• Gas Busters - Life Lab, Pt. 5

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  Oct 14 2022

  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. Find more of Basho’s educational music here....more

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• Fashion's New Spider Sense - Life Lab, Pt. 4

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  Oct 07 2022

  Take the Kids Listen Survey!  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....more

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• “Is This a Good Idea?” - Life Lab, Pt. 3

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  Sep 30 2022

  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....more

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• Moving to Mars? - Life Lab, Pt 2

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  Sep 23 2022

  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: National Children's Museum STEAM Daydream Podcast...more

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• More Cheese, Please - Life Lab Pt. 1

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  Sep 16 2022

  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....more

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• Tumble Season 8 Starts September 16!

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  Sep 09 2022

  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....more

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• The Biggest Space Telescope in the Universe (UPDATE!)

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  Sep 02 2022

  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. Hear more Webb sound here.  Watch the launch here.  See Webb's first images here. 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! ...more

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• Dinosaur Road Trip Adventure

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  Aug 19 2022

  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 ...more

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• Tumble Presents: Cereal

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  Aug 05 2022

  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. ...more

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• Road Trip: Journey to the Center of Your Brain

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  Jul 22 2022

  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. 

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• TUMBLE PRESENTS: Tai Asks Why

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  Jul 08 2022

  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...more

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• A Special Culinary Road Trip Adventure!

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  Jun 24 2022

  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. 

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• What If Oceans Didn't Exist?

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  Jun 10 2022

  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!...more

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• The Science of Bubbles

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  May 27 2022

  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....more

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• The Seed Treasure Map [UPDATE!]

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  May 13 2022

  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....more

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• Why Do Colors Exist?

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  Apr 29 2022

  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....more

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• What to Do About Trash?

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  Apr 15 2022

  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!...more

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• The Dinosaur Asteroid

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  Apr 01 2022

  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....more

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• Do Dreams Have Meaning?

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  Mar 18 2022

  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)...more

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• Why Do Cats Purr?

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  Mar 04 2022

  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....more

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• Do Bugs Have Elbows?

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  Feb 18 2022

  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....more

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• The Science of Butts

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  Feb 04 2022

  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....more

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• The Great Seal Count

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  Jan 21 2022

  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....more

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• Dinopoop Series Part 2 [ENCORE]

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  Jan 07 2022

  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. ...more

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• A Big Announcement and Dinopoop Series Part 1 [ENCORE]

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  Dec 24 2021

  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!...more

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• The Biggest Space Telescope in the Universe

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  Dec 10 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. 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!...more

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• Kids’ Vaccines Tackle COVID-19

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  Nov 26 2021

  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!!...more

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• The Cave of The Neanderthal Tools

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  Nov 12 2021

  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....more

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• The Jack O'Lantern Science Mystery

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  Oct 29 2021

  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!...more

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• Where Does Laughter Come From?

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  Oct 15 2021

  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....more

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• How to Be an Ocean Explorer

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  Oct 01 2021

  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....more

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• The Worst Sounds in the World

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  Sep 17 2021

  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....more

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• Tumble Season 7 Starts September 17!

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  Sep 13 2021

  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! 

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• What's Inside of An Atom? [ENCORE]

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  Sep 03 2021

  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....more

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• The Poop Collector [ENCORE]

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  Aug 20 2021

  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....more

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• Science Pirates Road Trip

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  Aug 06 2021

  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...more

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• Tumble Presents: Yoga Kids Adventure

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  Jul 23 2021

  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!...more

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• Yoga Kids Adventure - A new yoga podcast from Tumble Media!

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  Jul 16 2021

  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....more

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• Time Machine Animal Safari

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  Jul 09 2021

  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 ...more

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• The Volcano Eruption Adventure [ENCORE]

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  Jun 25 2021

  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....more

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• How To Be a Helping Scientist

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  Jun 11 2021

  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!!...more

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• The Science of Your Favorite Foods

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  May 28 2021

  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!...more

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• The Seed Treasure Map

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  May 14 2021

  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....more

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• The Hunt for the Alien Viruses

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  Apr 30 2021

  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....more

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• How To Name A Galaxy

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  Apr 16 2021

  How do you get a galaxy named for you? In this episode, we learn about the incredible life of Burçin Mutlu-Pakdil, who discovered a new type of galaxy now known as “Burçin’s Galaxy.” Since she was young, Burçin dreamed of studying the stars as an astrophysicist. But she faced many challenges to getting an education, because of what she wanted to wear. Burçin was determined to both be true to her beliefs, and become a scientist. Find out how she did it, and made a huge discovery that changes the way we think about the universe. Hear more from Burcin about her work on dark matter! Listen to our special bonus interview episode available for patrons who pledge $1 or more a month on patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Visit the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com, for more resources on this episode including videos, photos, and links to more galaxy science....more

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• What If Fish Had Legs?

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  Apr 02 2021

  Fish with legs? Crazy, right? Turns out, fish with legs are a lot more real than you might think! We teamed up with What If World, one of our favorite storytelling podcasts, to answer this question both scientifically and creatively! In our “science version,” we consult with the funniest fish biologist you’ll ever meet, Solomon David. He’s obsessed with creating puns for gars, the prehistoric fish that he studies. And he explains why fish are the reason that we have legs! Plus, you’ll meet fish that can “walk” on land. It’s nuts. On April 5 - three days after this episode is released - you’ll want to tune into fellow kidcast What If World to hear Marshall and Lindsay guest-star in a story about their pet gar who grows legs and puts them in a tank! It’s the “creative version” of the story, and What If World’s 200th episode! Wait, want more science? Listen to the bonus interview episode with Solomon David, when you support Tumble at the $1 level or higher on Patreon. You’ll also get an ad-free feed! Pledge at patreon.com/tumble podcast.  We’ll also have videos of gars, amphibious fish, and images of Tiktaalik on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com....more

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• Whooo Are Owls?

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  Mar 19 2021

  What are the origins of owls, and why do they stay up at night? We answer questions from two owl-curious Tumble listeners. with the help of Harvard ornithologist Dr. Scott Edwards. He takes us on a journey starting in the time of the dinosaurs, to unravel the secrets of what made owls WHOOOO they are today. This episode is brought to you with support from Turing Tumble! (Note: No relation to our podcast.)  Turing Tumble is an educational game where players build marble-powered computers to solve puzzles - with no screens necessary! Marshall and Lindsay tried it out with their son, and genuinely love it. Go to turingtumble.com/tumble to see how it works. Enter code TUMBLE for 10% off your order. Learn more about owls with Scott Edwards, in our bonus interview episode! It’s available to Patrons who pledge just $1/month. Support Tumble today at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Check out the bird family tree, and then draw your own version! It’s on our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com, along with other free educational resources. Click here to watch Marshall & Wingo’s “True or Poo” game show with Tumble listener Orla!...more

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• Music Meets Science

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  Mar 05 2021

  What happens when a scientist is also a musician? For Barbara McClintock, the combination may have led the way to a Nobel Prize in genetics. Science historian Jocelyn Bosley tells us the story of Barbara’s remarkable life, and how her experience playing banjo in a jazz band (yes) helped her discover “jumping genes.” This is a very musical episode, with special guest jazz banjoist Mick Sullivan of The Past & The Curious! We highly recommend his history podcast. Want to hear more from our interview with Jocelyn? Listen to our exclusive interview episode on Patreon, available to those who pledge just $1 or more a month! We have more resources to learn about Barbara McClintock on our website, as well as links to Jocelyn’s podcast, Science! With Friends. Just go to sciencepodcastforkids.com!...more

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• The Bird and The Balloon Telescope

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  Feb 19 2021

  What happens when a baby falcon meets a balloon telescope in an old Wild West town? An astrophysics animal adventure, of course! Erika Hamden is an astrophysicist who’s attempting to launch a space balloon telescope called FIREBall, an experiment to study distant galaxies. But her mission to the stratosphere leads her to wild nature, when a baby falcon falls out of its nest and onto the telescope. It turns out, launches don't always go as planned. To learn more about Erika and FIREBall, listen to our bonus interview episode on Patreon! It’s available to Tumble fans who pledge just $1 or more a month. Pledge today at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Plus, there are free educational resources for this episode on our blog, at sciencepodcastforkids.com....more

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• Do Trees Fart?

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  Feb 05 2021

  Do trees fart? It’s a question that stumped scientists, and sends us on a journey to some serious science! Come with us as we ponder if trees are butts, whether farts are defined by gas or digestive systems, and why “even the smallest fart counts.”  You’ll meet Mary Heskel, a plant biologist who wonders if she’s accidentally been studying tree farts, and Melinda Martinez, who studies climate change and identifies as a tree fart scientist. You’ll also hear from Tumble fans celebrating the fact that THIS IS OUR 100th ORIGINAL EPISODE! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for listening! We hope you’ll stick around for the next hundred science stories! Listen to our bonus interview episode about tree fart research with Melinda Martinez, available to Patrons who pledge $1/month on patreon.com/tumblepodcast.  Find more resources (including tree farts being set on fire!) on the blog about this episode on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com....more

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• How To Be a Fossil Fixer

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  Jan 22 2021

  Do you love fossils and dinosaurs? Let us introduce you to Myria Perez, a paleontology-obsessed kid who grew up to get her dream job! Myria is a 24 year old fossil preparator, which means she prepares fossils to study and display in museums. She shares her journey of how a visit to her local museum set her on the path to follow her dino dreams.  Myria is an If/Then Ambassador. IF/THEN seeks to further advance women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by empowering current innovators and inspiring the next generation of pioneers. This episode is supported by an If/Then mini grant. Curious to learn more about Myria’s journey and her work? Listen to our bonus interview episode with her on Patreon! Available for Patrons who support Tumble at the $1/ level or higher! Pledge at patreon.com/tumblepodcast Get Myria’s email address, see photos of her work and awesome dino outfits, plus watch her favorite paleontology YouTube channel - all on the blog on our website, sciencepodcast.com.  Our next episode is our 100th! We’re asking listeners to send messages to us to celebrate - and we may include them on this very special episode! Tell us your favorite moment or episode of Tumble, how you discovered us or how long you’ve been listening, whatever you want to tell us!  Record a video or voice memo and send it to tumblepodcast@gmail.com....more

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• The Tale of The Hungry Koala [ENCORE]

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  Jan 08 2021

  Tumble returns with all new episodes starting January 22! We’ll have stories about fossils, telescopes, and baby falcons getting into big trouble. How does a koala eat eucalyptus leaves? Eucalyptus is toxic to most animals, but they’re a koala’s only food. In this episode, we look past the cuddliness to discover how koalas manage to chow down on the Australian tree species. Biologist Michaela Blyton shares the story of how she convinced some extremely picky koalas to try new foods in the midst of a conservation crisis. Spoiler alert: It involves starting a koala hotel, and inventing a pill with an unusual ingredient....more

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• Our Favorite Holiday Tradition (with The Secret Life of Plants ENCORE)

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  Dec 25 2020

  A log that poops presents? Find out about Lindsay and Marshall’s favorite holiday tradition, Tió de Nadal! Followed by one of Tumble’s favorite-ever episode, The Secret Life of Plants. We’ll be back with brand new episodes in January. Thank you for listening to Tumble this year! Happy Holidays and see you in 2021!

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• The Coronavirus Vaccine Race

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  Dec 11 2020

  How did scientists develop coronavirus vaccines in record time? New York Times science reporter Carl Zimmer is our guide to the coronavirus vaccine race - from the starting line, to the point when several teams are racing to the finish line. Find out how science gave the competitors a turbo boost that could save hundreds of millions of lives. The information in this episode is accurate as of its release on December  11, 2020. Looking for the latest vaccine information? Check out the links to the CDC, WHO, and Johns Hopkins University on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com. Learn more about coronavirus vaccines with Carl Zimmer, in our special bonus interview episode for Tumble patrons. Pledge today on Patreon for just $1/ month, to get access to all of our scientist interviews....more

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• The Bacteria Cookbook

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  Nov 27 2020

  Bacteria are among the simplest forms of life on Earth. Each cell is identical to the one next to it, sharing the same DNA. So why do they all act so differently? Turns out, there’s a “cookbook” inside each teeny tiny bacteria cell, and every single bacteria has different ideas about the recipes it wants to make. Mary Dunlop is a biological engineer who’s a creative cook both in the kitchen and the lab - and she’s cooking up her own experiment of science discovery. Watch Mary’s “cell movie” on the blog post on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com. It’s really cool to see! You can learn more about synthetic biology in our interview with Mary, available for Patrons who pledge at the $1/level or higher, on patreon.com/tumblepodcast. This episode is supported by the National Science Foundation under award number MCB 2032357....more

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• What’s Inside of an Atom?

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  Nov 13 2020

  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 piñatas in massive tunnels. You can learn more about how particle colliders work in our interview with Aatish, available for Patrons who pledge at the $1/level or higher, on patreon.com/tumblepodcast. We have free resources available on the blog post on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com....more

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• The Science of Candy Land

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  Oct 30 2020

  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! Visit our website to see photos and videos of the candy daggers, and find out what a stone forest looks like. Plus, follow Leif’s special recipe for “research-grade candy.” Check it out on the blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com!...more

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• The Snot and the Whale

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  Oct 16 2020

  How do whales use their blowholes to breathe, and what keeps them from filling up with water? There’s no better way to find out than getting up close and personal with whales! That’s what marine mammal biologist Justine Hudson did when she collected whale snot from belugas. Snot or “blow” is the watery cloud that sprays up when whales exhale. Justine shares her incredible snotty adventure in the Arctic, and tells us how blowholes work. Want to watch beluga whales chasing a boat of scientists trying to collect their snot? We have a video from Justine herself, on the blog on our website! Plus, more educational resources about studying whales. Visit sciencepodcastforkids.com. Scientists have a few other surprising ways to study whales. Find out more in our bonus interview episode with Justine, available to Patreon subscribers for just $1 or more a month. Pledge today on patreon.com/tumblepodcast. During October 2020, pledges at $10/month or more get a special PuppetGram with our awesome puppet friends!...more

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• The Case of the Sleeping Trees (Interactive Episode)

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  Oct 02 2020

  Why do some trees go dormant? You’ll discover the answer for yourself in this interactive episode, with the help of tree scientist Nalini Nadkarni! Nalini has loved trees since she was little, and dreamed of inventing a special tree microphone to ask them questions. But she found the scientific process was a way to get answers, no special equipment needed. Nalini will guide you through making observations, asking questions, and discovering why trees shut down for the winter.  Special resources for this episode are available on the blog for this episode, at sciencepodcastforkids.com. Do you wonder how trees know WHEN to go dormant? We answer this question on a special mini episode, available to Tumble Patrons who pledge just $1/month or higher. Go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast to support the show and get access to all our audio extras....more

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• The Poop Collector

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  Sep 18 2020

  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. This is the first episode of Season 6, and we’re so glad to be back! We’ve got so many great science stories to share with you. 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....more

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• Season 6 Starts September 18! + How To Keep Kids Engaged in Online Learning (For Parents!)

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  Sep 04 2020

  All new episodes of Tumble are starting on Friday, September 18! We have a preview of what’s coming (for kids!) and helpful advice from a teacher (for parents!). Our co-host Marshall has been a teacher for almost 17 years. He’s putting together a podcast mini-series for parents on Patreon called, “Tumble Teaching Tips.” In this first episode, he answers a BIG question: “How do I keep my kid(s) engaged in online learning?” You’ll learn about two research-based ideas to keep your child motivated - both in school, and in life. We hope this gives Tumble families some tools to navigate this unusual school year. Marshall will be doing more “Tumble Teaching Tips” on our special Patreon feed. If you’d like to sign up to listen, and receive all our other great rewards, pledge $1 or more a month at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.  We can’t wait to share what’s to come!...more

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• The Rise of the Dinosaurs [ENCORE]

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  Aug 21 2020

  Tumble will return with Season 6 in September! In the meantime, please enjoy one of our favorite episodes from Season 5. Craving new Tumble? Check out our brand new audio course on Himalaya Learning at himalaya.com/tumble! “The Wildlife Of Your Home” has new episodes every week. Use code TUMBLE at checkout for a free 14 day trial. “What’s the oldest dinosaur?” “How did dinosaurs come alive?” We tackle two listener questions in one epic story of dinosaur domination. Scientist Jessica Whiteside takes us back in time to the dawn of the dinosaurs, 230 million years ago. The story involves fascinating fossils, intense lava eruptions, climate craziness, and dinosaurs doubling in size. We’re going to find out what happened, and how scientists discovered it all. Hear more from our interview with Jessica Whiteside and discover the bizarre ancestor of the dinosaurs! You can listen to our bonus episode (and many more!) when you pledge just $1/month or more to support Tumble on Patreon, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Learn more about dino-tastic topics covered in the show on our blog, at sciencepodcastforkids.com....more

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• How to Become an Astronaut [ENCORE]

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  Aug 07 2020

  New Tumble episodes are coming next month, in Season 6! For now, please enjoy one of our favorite episodes of Season 5, with NASA astronaut Dr. Serena Auñon-Chancellor. How do you become an astronaut? That’s what Tumble listener Margaret wants to know. We go straight to the source to get an answer: A NASA astronaut! Dr. Serena Auñon-Chancellor shares her journey to outer space with us. Starting from being a kid watching shuttle launches, to her school’s Astronaut Club, all the way to NASA’s Astronaut Candidate program, and finally to the International Space Station. Serena also shares the surprising truth about doing science research in space. Join us on her path to the stars!...more

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• The Wildlife of Your Home Podcourse: The First Suspect

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  Jul 24 2020

  We're so excited to share the first episode of The Wildlife of Your Home Podcourse with you! We think of it as a true crime science story, happening in your own home. But don't be scared - this is definitely a kid-friendly who-dunnit!  The Wildlife of Your Home is an interactive, educational audio experience - based on one of our favorite episodes of Tumble! Join me and scientist Rob Dunn for a 10 part series that will show your home in a whole - new - way. You’ll meet fascinating creatures and solve the mystery of what lives inside your home. Better yet, you’ll get the tools to do real science - starting a journey that can continue long after you finish the course. If you’ve ever enjoyed hunting for bugs, this course is for you. Go to learning.himalaya.com/tumble and enter promo code TUMBLE at checkout to get your first 14 days free....more

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• Announcing The Wildlife Of Your Home Podcourse!

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  Jul 17 2020

  Join Tumble for a first-of-its-kind, interactive, educational audio experience. The Wildlife of Your Home Podcourse is a 10 episode series that will train you to become an indoor wildlife investigator - a rare kind of scientist! You’ll learn about ecosystems, by discovering the unknown creatures you wake up with every day. As you listen, you’ll be writing, observing, and getting on your hands and knees to explore. And best of all, you’ll be doing REAL SCIENCE - contributing to a worldwide scientific effort to study indoor ecosystems. The Wildlife of Your Home is coming to you this July, exclusively on the Himalaya Learning Platform. Himalaya Learning provides bite-sized courses from world-class thinkers and industry experts for you to enjoy in the app, on the go. Not only will you receive all of our premium episodes, but you’ll also have access to educational PDFs to guide and expand your discovery. To listen to this audio course and others like it, go to learning.himalaya.com/tumble and sign up to pre-enroll and get your early bird discount....more

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• Tumble Presents: Mystery Recipe

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  Jun 26 2020

  Mystery Recipe is a children’s podcast about cooking from America’s Test Kitchen Kids. Hosted by Molly Birnbaum (our guest on “The Science of Smell”), the series is a journey through different ingredients, all leading up to a grand finale cook along! The recipe is a MYSTERY—will you be able to guess what it is? Today we’re featuring the first episode. If you like what you hear, the first season is available wherever you get your podcasts. Tumble is working on exciting new projects, and we’ll be sharing them with you soon! Stay tuned for more!...more

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• Tumble Presents: Stoopkids Stories

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  Jun 13 2020

  Stoopkids Stories is a storytelling podcast about Black characters navigating and overcoming different obstacles with family, friends and community. It’s hosted and written by performer Melly Victor. This episode, called “The BB Twins” is all about dance. It’s about two twins who hit it big with a dance they upload to the internet. Their success opens a big new opportunity - but is it one they want to take? We hope you enjoy the story, and maybe it will start some important conversations! You can subscribe to Stoopkids Stories wherever you listen to podcasts. To find more podcasts featuring Black voices and Black creators, check out the podcasts on this list by the School Library Journal. Tumble is taking a break from regular episodes, but we’ll be back with some VERY SPECIAL PROJECTS we have in the works, throughout the summer! And don’t worry, birthday shoutouts are still in effect! To get one, just pledge at the $5 level or higher at patreon.com/tumblepodcast....more

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• Reinventing The Wheel

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  May 29 2020

  How would you reinvent something that’s been used for thousands of years, by millions of people? In this episode, we discover the process of invention with Rory Cooper, an engineer who revolutionized the wheelchair. He’s our guide to time traveling back to the kings and queens who used wheelchairs, and to the future of rideable robots. Anyone want a ride on a Mars rover?! Listen to more of our interview with Rory Cooper, when you become a member on Patreon! Just $1/month gets you access to our special bonus interview episodes with all our scientists. Pledge at patreon.com/tumblepodcast.  Watch videos of Rory’s wheelchairs (including the waterpark wheelchair in action!) at our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com....more

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• The Volcanic Eruption Adventure

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  May 16 2020

  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!  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. For more volcano episodes, check out one of our favorites: “What Would Earth Be Like If Volcanoes Didn’t Exist?”...more

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• The Tale of the Interstellar Visitor

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  May 01 2020

  What happened when astronomers discovered the first alien from another solar system? This is a true story! In 2017, a telescope in Hawaii spotted a distant object in the night sky, behaving like nothing we’d ever seen before. They named it ‘Oumuamua, and an astronomical chase began! Join astronomer Jane Luu on her quest to track it down and figure out how the first interstellar visitor arrived in our solar system. We have another great episode with Jane Luu, about her breakthrough discovery of the Kuiper Belt! Listen to The Search at the Edge of the Solar System. You can also listen to an extended interview with Jane Luu about Oumuamua when you pledge to support Tumble on our Patreon, for just $1/month. Learn more about ‘Oumuamua on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com....more

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• Answering More Kids’ Coronavirus Questions

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  Apr 24 2020

  We’re back with a new set of kids’ questions about COVID19, as well as some important updates on questions from our first coronavirus episode. Dr. Juan Dumois, infectious disease pediatrician, answers some tricky questions like, “If you were the coronavirus, what would life feel like?” and “Can I play with my friend?”  * *Our interview with Dr. Dumois was recorded on April 17, 2020. If you’re listening weeks later, the situation and the science might have evolved, and Dr. Dumois’ answers might be outdated - information that feels old or incorrect. In that case, look for more recently updated information from trusted sources, like the Centers for Disease Control, the World Health Organization, and follow guidelines from your local government. You can also keep sending us questions at tumblepodcast@gmail.com! Do you love Tumble? Support us on Patreon.com/tumblepodcast with a pledge! Find more information about some of the answers in this episode at our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com....more

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• The Science of Smell

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  Apr 17 2020

  Why do foods smell the way that they do? A would-be chef goes on a quest to find out, after she loses the ability to smell. Molly Birnbaum, editor of America’s Test Kitchen Kids and host of the podcast, Mystery Recipe, navigates us through the olfactory organs and the startling chemistry of food. Join us to discover the science of smell, and how your nose helps you cook and taste. Want to hear more from our interview with Molly? We have a special bonus interview episode available to all our patrons! Just pledge $1 or more a month at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. We’re sharing more resources about the science of smell and cooking on our blog at our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com....more

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• ¿De Dónde Vienen Los Virus?

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  Apr 09 2020

  Los virus son como los ninjas más pequeños del planeta. Tienen infinidad de trucos y misterios. ¿Cómo adquieren los animales los virus y cómo se lo pasan a los humanos? Esa era la pregunta de uno de nuestros oyentes. Para averiguar la respuesta, nos adentramos en la ciencia de la virología, el estudio de los virus. El Dr. Jasdave Chahal es un virólogo y nos explica cómo el coronavirus saltó por dos especies hasta los humanos, y de dónde salió. Además, averiguamos cómo los científicos descubrieron los virus aún antes de poder verlos, y cómo cómo crearon las herramientas para protegernos de estos sigilosos ninjas. Esta es una versión especial en español de Tumble, producida por Nuria Net y Alex García de La Coctelera Music. ¡Gracias a todos los que ayudaron con este episodio! Para más recursos (en inglés) sobre el coronavirus visita nuestra página web, sciencepodcastforkids.com. También te puede interesar este episodio con las preguntas de nuestros oyentes: Coronavirus: Preguntas y Respuestas para Niños y este otro episodio sobre los virus y las vacunas (en inglés): The Sign of the Ninja Virus....more

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• Where Do Viruses Come From?

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  Mar 25 2020

  How do animals get viruses to pass on to humans? That’s what listener Ian wanted to know. To find out, we’re exploring the science of virology - the study of viruses. Virologist Dr. Jasdave Chahal explains how coronavirus jumped through two species into humans, and where they came from in the first place. Plus, we’ll find out how scientists discovered viruses before even seeing them, and how they built the tools to fight back. We have more virology resources on the blog for this episode on our website, www.sciencepodcastforkids.com. Want to hear more from our interview with Jasdave? We have a bonus interview episode available for Patreons, when you pledge $1/month or more at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Do you have questions about coronavirus? Send them to us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com. Correction: A previous version of this episode stated that viruses were first discovered in rabies. They were discovered in tobacco mosaic virus. The new version makes the correction that viruses were first hypothesized in rabies, but discovered later in tobacco plants....more

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• Coronavirus: Preguntas y Respuestas Para Niños

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  Mar 19 2020

  Si tienes preguntas sobre el coronavirus, tenemos las respuestas. El coronavirus nos está afectando a todos y puede parecer peligroso y difícil de entender. Por esta razón, Tumble reunió preguntas de sus oyentes y contactó con un experto para responderlas. Le preguntamos al Dr. Juan Dumois, un médico pediátrico de enfermedades infecciosas, lo que todos nos estamos preguntando, especialmente los niños:**** He escuchado que el coronavirus empezó con unos murciélagos y quería saber si esto es cierto. Y si fue así, ¿qué pasó?  ¿De dónde proviene el nombre del coronavirus? ¿Cómo se transmite el coronavirus de persona en persona? ¿Por qué el coronavirus parece ser más peligroso para la gente mayor que para los niños? ¿Puedo darle besos y abrazos a mi abuela? ¿Le puede dar coronavirus a mi mascota? ¿Cómo puede la ciencia ayudar a frenar este brote? Esta es una versión especial en español de Tumble, producida por Nuria Net y Alex García de La Coctelera Music. ¡Gracias a todos los que ayudaron con este episodio! Para más recursos (en inglés) sobre el coronavirus visita nuestra página web, sciencepodcastforkids.com. También te puede interesar este episodio sobre los virus y las vacunas (en inglés): The Sign of the Ninja Virus.  Si estás buscando actividades, también tenemos materiales educativos para acompañar algunos de nuestros episodios. Si utilizas el código COVID, puedes descargarlos de forma gratuita durante la cuarentena del coronavirus. Solo tienes que ir a “Teacher Store” en nuestra página web y poner COVID al finalizar la compra.  Esperamos que este episodio especial te ayude a entender el coronavirus desde un punto de vista científico y que durante estos tiempos inciertos, ayude a los niños y a sus familias a proteger a sus seres queridos más susceptibles....more

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• Answering Kids’ Coronavirus Questions

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  Mar 13 2020

  **Evidence about behavior and contagion has evolved since this podcast was released. Please refer to current reporting from trusted sources like Stat News for updated information about coronavirus.** Do you have questions about coronavirus? We’ve got answers. Coronavirus is probably affecting your life right now, and it can seem scary and complicated to understand. That’s why we collected questions from listeners, and got an expert to answer them. We asked Dr. Juan Dumois, an infectious disease pediatrician, these questions and more: Did coronavirus really originate from bats, because that’s what I heard? If so, how did it happen? How did coronavirus get its name? How does coronavirus travel to different people? Why does coronavirus seem more dangerous for the elderly than it is for kids? Can I still hug and kiss my grandma? Can my pet get coronavirus? What will it take to end the outbreak? How can science help? Thanks to everyone who contributed to this episode! We’ll have more resources for kids about coronavirus on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com. You might also want to listen to our episode about viruses and vaccines: The Sign of the Ninja Virus. If you’re looking for activities, we also have educational materials to go along with some of our episodes. We are making them free during the coronavirus outbreak with the code COVID. Just go to our “Teacher Store” on our website and enter COVID at checkout. We hope this special episode helps you understand the science behind the coronavirus, and how kids and families can help keep vulnerable people safe during this uncertain time....more

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• The Physics of Basketball

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  Mar 06 2020

  Can science make you better at sports? Sports scientist John Drazan says the answer is yes. John shares how losing a high school basketball game made him start thinking like a scientist. His high school physics teacher stepped in to explain how an idea called “mechanical advantage” could have saved the last point of the game - and changed his life forever. Join us to hear John’s aha moment, and hear his tips on how science can make you better at the things you love to do.  Want to hear more about sports and science? We have a bonus interview episode with John, where he shares how he used physics to learn how to dunk. You can listen to this and all our other scientist interview episodes when you pledge just $1/month on patreon, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast We have some great resources on science and sports available on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com....more

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• The Kid Scientists' Galapagos Adventure

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  Feb 21 2020

  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....more

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• Decoding Dog DNA

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  Feb 07 2020

  Why do dogs look and act so different from each other? Listener Finley has two Chihuahuas named Peanut and Maggie, and she wants to know why they have different head shapes. She thinks it might have something to do with their DNA. It turns out scientists are studying what makes dogs the way they are, with the help of gigantic books of doggie DNA. Geneticist Jessica Hekman takes us on a journey through the history of dog breeding and into the cutting-edge science that’s helping us understand what makes our pups so special. Come explore genetics through dog breeds! Learn more about dog breeds and behavior in our interview with Jessica Hekman, available to our Patreon supporters! To get access with a pledge of just $1/month and up, go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Get more information about dog genetics and Darwin’s Ark on the blog post on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com....more

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• Tumble Double Pack: Our Award-Winning Episodes!

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  Jan 24 2020

  Tumble has won a big award for two episodes: “The Cave of the Underground Astronauts” and “The Science of Whiskers.” You’ll hear them both in this twin pack of awesome stories of science discovery.  Tumble is the 2019 Gold Award winner of the AAAS Kavli Science Journalism Award, in the category of Children’s Science News. It’s an international prize that “recognizes distinguished science reporting for a general audience.”   “The originality and creativity that went into these two pieces is remarkable,” said Christine Dell’Amore, a *National Geographic *editor. “These podcasts taught kids a ton about science in a fun and engaging way.”  Lindsay will be traveling to Seattle in February to receive the awards, and give a free public talk about how to make science podcasts, for both kids and adults! If you’re in the Seattle area, come to her “Meet a Scientist” talk on February 15 at 12 pm. She’d love to meet you!  The talk is part of AAAS Family Days - a weekend filled with science activities at the Seattle Sheraton Grand Hotel. It’s free to attend on February 15 and 16. More information and registration link here....more

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• Tumble Presents: But Why?

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  Jan 10 2020

  Tumble is on winter break! In the meantime, enjoy this episode from our friends at But Why?: A Podcast for Curious Kids. We know that our listeners are some of the most curious kids on the planet, so you’re sure to love it. If you enjoy this episode, check out over 100 more episodes by subscribing to But Why? wherever you get your podcasts. Tumble will be back with all new episodes on February 7. We can’t wait to share what we’ve been working on!

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• Tumble Presents: Fun Kids Science Weekly

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  Dec 27 2019

  Tumble is on winter break! In the meantime, enjoy this bonus-size pack of science from our friends at Fun Kids Science Weekly. In this British podcast, Dan takes a look at the week’s best science stories. And they gave us the year’s best stories, all rolled up into one giant episode! Enjoy while you travel, and find out more about the show on FunKidsLive.com.  Tumble will be back with all new episodes on February 7. While you travel, enjoy our road trip compilations: The Animal Road Trip Adventure, The Road Trip to Outer Space, and The Explorer’s Road Trip.  Happy New Year, from all of us at Tumble!...more

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• How to Become an Astronaut

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  Dec 13 2019

  How do you become an astronaut? That’s what Tumble listener Margaret wants to know. We go straight to the source to get an answer: A NASA astronaut! Dr. Serena Auñon-Chancellor shares her journey to outer space with us. Starting from being a kid watching shuttle launches, to her school’s Astronaut Club, all the way to NASA’s Astronaut Candidate program, and finally to the International Space Station. Serena also shares the surprising truth about doing science research in space. Join us on her path to the stars! Want to hear more from our interview with Serena about training to become an astronaut? Listen to our special bonus interview episode. It’s available when you pledge just $1/month on Patreon! patreon.com/tumblepodcast We have resources to learn more about Serena and the NASA astronaut training program on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com....more

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• The Science of Snot

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  Nov 29 2019

  Why do we have snot? Do animals get stuffy noses, too? We delve into the world of thick secretions with the help of Dani Rabiaotti, zoologist and author of “Believe it or Snot: The Definitive Field Guide to Earth’s Slimy Creatures.” You’ll find out why we make so much mucus, and meet the slimiest animals on the planet. Plus, you’ll discover why scientists study slime, even though it’s super gross. Want buckets more of slime info? We’ve got a BONUS EPISODE with Dani Rabiaotti! You can listen to our scientist interview (and many more!) when you pledge just $1/month or more to support Tumble on Patreon, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Learn more about slimey topics covered in the show on our blog, at sciencepodcastforkids.com....more

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• The Rise of the Dinosaurs

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  Nov 15 2019

  “What’s the oldest dinosaur?” “How did dinosaurs come alive?” We tackle two listener questions in one epic story of dinosaur domination. Scientist Jessica Whiteside takes us back in time to the dawn of the dinosaurs, 230 million years ago. The story involves fascinating fossils, intense lava eruptions, climate craziness, and dinosaurs doubling in size. We’re going to find out what happened, and how scientists discovered it all. Hear more from our interview with Jessica Whiteside and discover the bizarre ancestor of the dinosaurs! You can listen to our bonus episode (and many more!) when you pledge just $1/month or more to support Tumble on Patreon, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Learn more about dino-tastic topics covered in the show on our blog, at sciencepodcastforkids.com....more

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• The Expedition of the Science Ship

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  Nov 01 2019

  Ship ahoy! We’re taking you on an expedition at sea, to do science on a research ship! With the help of geochemist Jeanine Ash, we’re climbing on board the JOIDES Resolution, a one-of-a-kind vessel that travels the seven seas, exploring what lies beneath the seafloor. The ship is equipped to find clues to Earth’s history, geology, biology, and even… alien life. So get your sea legs (and ears) ready, and let’s chart a course for science. Hear more from on board the ship, and our interview with Jeanine Ash on a special bonus episode. It’s available to Tumble fans who pledge just $1 or more a month to our Patreon campaign at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Want to learn more about JOIDES Resolution? We’ve got tons of multimedia educational resources linked up on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com/blog. See what the ship looks like, watch it in action, learn more about Jeanine’s expedition, and even arrange a video visit for your classroom!...more

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• The Science of Peregrines' Fast Flight

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  Oct 18 2019

  How do peregrine falcons dive so fast? That’s what listener Henry wants to know. Peregrines hit speeds of over 200 mph, making them the fastest animal on the planet. Even faster than cheetahs! Mathematical biologist Graham Taylor studies the science of animal flight, and peregrines are his most impressive subjects. Find out how peregrines win the ultimate animal race, and how scientists are revealing the hidden physics and math behind fast flight. Want to learn more about fast birds, bio-inspired engineering and mathematical biology? Check out our special bonus interview episode with Dr. Graham Taylor. It’s available on Patreon when you pledge for just $1 or more a month, along with all of our scientist bonus episodes. Pledge here: patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Go to our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com to check out the falcon’s-eye-view videos from Graham’s study, as well as more resources on peregrines and fast flight....more

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• The Tale of the Hungry Koala

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  Oct 04 2019

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

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• What Would Happen If There Was No Moon? [ENCORE]

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  Sep 20 2019

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

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• The Secret Senses of Plants [ENCORE]

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  Sep 06 2019

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

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• Tumble Presents: Earth Rangers

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  Aug 23 2019

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

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• Tumble Presents: The Past & The Curious

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  Aug 09 2019

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

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• Tumble Presents: Circle Round

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  Jul 26 2019

  Lindsay and Marshall welcomed their son Jamie in June! While we get adjusted to newborn life, we have some pod-friends filling in for us. First up: Our older son’s personal favorite podcast, Circle Round! Circle Round is a storytelling podcast that tells carefully selected folktales from around the world, adapted for today’s families. You’ll hear “The Great Ball Game” featuring the voice of William Jackson Harper, who stars in NBC’s “The Good Place.” Love what you heard? There’s plenty more! Subscribe to Circle Round wherever you listen to podcasts. We’re on summer baby break, but Season 5 is coming in Fall 2019! We rely on listener support to keep making the show. Pledge on Patreon for bonus interview episodes, birthday shoutouts, and more!...more

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• The Explorer's Road Trip

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  Jul 12 2019

  If you have a long trip this summer, Tumble has the perfect fuel to inspire exploration along the way! Marshall’s off exploring the deepest, darkest part of the jungle, and he put together the perfect playlist of Tumble’s favorite exploration-themed episodes. Starting at the world-famous Explorer’s Club in New York City, we’ll take you traveling to the depths of the ocean, into caves, and even to outer space. Real life explorers and scientists share their own breathtaking tales of scientific adventure. By the time you get to where you’re going, you’ll be totally ready to explore! Want to support Tumble? Pledge to our Patreon and get special bonus interview episodes! We’re also posting exclusive blog posts all summer, featuring our recommendations for great science content, children’s books, and even our favorite spots to visit in Barcelona! We’ll be back with Season 5 in September, so hang tight and enjoy!...more

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• Science of Poop with Mary Roach [EXTENDED CUT]

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  Jun 28 2019

  Everybody poops. But why? To find out, science writer Mary Roach takes us on a journey into the alimentary canal - that's the tube that runs from our mouth to our rectum. Along the way, we learn about pooping in space, and how someone else's poop might one day save your life! We love all science here at Tumble, but poop science holds a special place in our hearts. We hope you enjoy this extended cut of “The Secret Life of Poop” where we learn more about why poop is not only funny, but important to our health....more

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• The Voyage of the Ocean Trash with Jenni Brandon [EXTENDED CUT]

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  Jun 14 2019

  The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a vast, swirling soup of trash, twice the size of Texas. Can we ever clean it up? That’s what 8 year old Ila wants to know. She lives in Hawaii and likes to pick up trash whenever she goes to the beach. She lives closer to the garbage patch than most of us. Finding the answer to her question, led us to create one of our favorite episodes of Tumble. We talk to Jenni Brandon about how she learned about the garbage patch, what it is like to be there, and what can be done about it. We’re on summer baby break, but Season 5 is coming in Fall 2019! We rely on listener support to keep making the show. Pledge on Patreon for bonus interview episodes, birthday shoutouts, and more!...more

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• Tumble Season 4 Favorites with The Show About Science!

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  May 31 2019

  We’re taking a listen back to some of our favorite moments from Season 4 of Tumble, with help from our friend Nate! Nate is the 9 year old host of fellow kids science podcast, “The Show About Science.” Nate interviews Lindsay and Marshall about the stories behind the science. This episode features clips from Rob Dunn (“Discover the Wildlife of Your Home”), Anne Hilborn (“The Secret to Cheetahs’ Super Speed”), Erika Rader (“What Would Earth Be Like If Volcanoes Didn’t Exist?”), and Robyn Grant (“The Science of Whiskers”). To hear the FULL episodes, listen in your favorite podcast app or check out our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com! Super special thanks today to Nate and his dad Eric. Nate is a superstar interviewer and you should listen to BOTH his shows, The Show About Science and The Show About Politics. You can also hear him on our Season 1 episode, “The Case of the Invisibility Cloak.” We’re taking a break for the summer! We’re having a baby and we’ll be taking some time to adjust to our new life! We’ll be back with Season 5 in the fall. But keep listening - we’re lining up treats for you all summer! And we still rely on your support on Patreon - listen for fresh Patreon shoutouts and birthday messages!...more

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• The Butterflies of Paris

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  May 17 2019

  This is the last episode of Season 4, but stay tuned for our special summer lineup! We’ll be back for Season 5 in fall 2019. Why are butterflies so colorful? That’s what Zed, from The Petit Punk Podcast, wants to know. So we went on a family podcast field trip to the Museum of Natural History in Paris, where we met Zed, his mom Dana, and a butterfly scientist named Marianne Elias. Come with us as we visit the museum’s private “butterfly library,” and find out why some butterflies are toxic! Plus, we’ll learn why Marianne climbs trees when she’s not in her office. Also, a special original butterfly song from Dana & The Petit Punks! Love Tumble? Supporting us on Patreon is a great way to show it! Pledge at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. $5 a month gets you a shoutout and birthday greeting on the show, plus special messages from Lindsay & Marshall! Just $1/month gets you our bonus interview episodes featuring scientists on the show. Don’t worry, summer birthdays - we’d never forget you! (One of us has a summer birthday, so we know how it can be.) Listen for your shoutout airing across ALL episodes this summer....more

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• The Hurricane of the Future

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  May 03 2019

  Why are hurricanes so powerful? Every year, monster storms develop in the Atlantic Ocean from June until November. It seems like they come out of nowhere. But scientists are working to predict them months, years, and even decades before they start. We’ll discover what makes hurricanes so destructive, and why they might become even more intense in the future. Might it have something to do with gnomes that ride on hamsters? Listen and find out! To hear more from our interview with Suzana Camargo, listen on Patreon or our Castbox premium channel! It’s just $1 to sign up at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. New patron and birthday shoutouts will be coming at our $5 Patreon supporters all summer long, even while we’re on break, as well as special blogs and updates. We have free educational resources on the science of hurricanes on our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com. Think others should know about Tumble? Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or spread the word any way you like!...more

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• The Launch of the Irish Satellite

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  Apr 19 2019

  How does a country start its own space program? Come with us to Ireland to find out, and meet one of the students whose childhood dreams of launching a satellite are about to come true. Lana Salmon is part of a team from University College Dublin building Ireland’s first-ever satellite. We get to step inside the lab and learn what it takes to design, engineer, and launch experiments into space. Want to learn more about EIRSAT-1? Visit our website at sciencepodcastforkids.com for great educational materials. We’ll have more from our visit and interview with Lana on our Patreon and Castbox Premium Channels. Subscribe at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Our episode is brought to you this week with help from Pact, which makes super-soft organic clothing for kids. Use code TUMBLE at wearpact.com for 20% off your first apparel purchase....more

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• The Science of Whiskers

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  Apr 05 2019

  Why do seals have whiskers? Listener Karah’s question dives into the wonderful world of whisker science. Robyn Grant, a self-described “whisker biologist” shares her discoveries of how whiskers work, from training a friendly seal named Moe to making slow-mo movies of super speedy “whisking.” (You will find no cuter field of research… but if you do, tell us about it!) Listen to learn about humans’ hidden whisker muscles and find out to rank whiskers like the pros! Want to learn more about whisker science? We have more from our interview with Robyn on our Patreon podcast feed! Subscribe for $1/month at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. You can also tune in on the Castbox podcast app by tuning into our Premium Channel. Find more whiskery educational resources on our blog, at sciencepodcastforkids.com....more

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• The Tale of the High School Astronomer

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  Mar 22 2019

  Meet Ana Humphrey. She hasn’t graduated from high school yet, but she’s already discovered 560 places outside our solar system where we could find hidden planets. Ana won the 2019 Regeneron Science Talent Search with her project that used a mathematical model to pinpoint locations for exoplanet search parties. But Ana’s story is more than a successful science fair project. Find out how Ana’s love for science, math, and making a difference in her community helped her become a high school astronomer! You can hear our full interview with Ana on our Patreon and Castbox Premium channel. She has a great perspective to share on how science and math can be used to understand the world - and more on how her early concern for the environment helped lead her into space. Pledge now at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. A $1/month donation gives you access to all our bonus audio! Here are this week’s new $5+ Patrons: Brynlee, Elijah, Nehemiah, Azariah, Lena, Izzy, Sevy, and Alex. Happy birthday to Anlin and Oren Mack, Ben (aka Benny Boo) Lena, Izzy, and Harley! For more, check out the blog on our website at sciencepodcastforkids.com....more

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• The Secret to Cheetahs’ Super Speed

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  Mar 08 2019

  How do cheetahs get their super speed? We talk to a cheetah scientist to find out why a spotted cat is the fastest animal on Earth. Cheetahs are literally built for speed! Anne Hilborn spent months scoping out cheetahs on the hunt in the grasslands of the Serengeti. We’ll discover how cheetahs’ incredible speed is linked to their survival - and what they do when being fast isn’t enough. **** On our special bonus interview episode - available to our Patreon & Castbox supporters - Anne shares the amazing story of how being photographed while dropping cheetah poop on herself became both her most embarrassing and her proudest moment. Photos on the blog! Pledge at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Only $1/month gets you double the Tumble, and $5/month comes with a shoutout on the show, a birthday greeting, and opportunities to be on the show! Castbox is an awesome listening app, and we’ve partnered with Castbox to launch Tumble Premium, a channel on the Castbox app featuring every episode and all our bonus interview episodes too! It’s $1.35/month through the app, or $16/year. Want to learn more about cheetah science, and reputable conservation organizations? Check out our blog at www.sciencepodcastforkids.com....more

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• The Search at Edge of the Solar System

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  Feb 22 2019

  Is there a hard edge to the solar system? This question led to a big, breakthrough discovery that changed the way we picture the solar system - and every other solar system in the universe. The Kuiper Belt is a gigantic field of small, icy objects beyond Neptune, “planet scraps” left over from the formation of the planets. For many, many years, no one believed it might exist. Until astronomers Jane Luu and David Jewitt decided to see what was out there. Jane Luu tells the story of how she helped discover the Kuiper Belt. We have an exciting announcement! We’ve partnered with Castbox to launch Tumble Premium, a channel on the Castbox app featuring ad-free episodes and all our bonus interview episodes too! It’s $1.35/month through the app, or $16/year. You’ll be helping support the show while listening on a great podcast app! Don’t worry, we’ve still got the same great audio extras available on Patreon, too. This week, we have more from our interview with Jane Luu on ‘Oumuamua, the mysterious, weirdly shaped, potentially alien (yes, THAT kind of alien!) space object. Pledge at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Want to learn more about the Kuiper Belt? Check out our blog at www.sciencepodcastforkids.com....more

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• Hamster Versus Bacteria

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  Feb 08 2019

  Who would win in a competition, a hamster or bacteria? Place your bets, because we’re going to tell the story of this epic science showdown. Danielle Tullman-Ercek is a synthetic biologist trying to find a better way to make life-saving medicine. To do it, she’s engineering a bacteria cell to compete with a medicine-making hamster cell. Listen to find out what if Danielle and her bacteria have what it takes to win. What’s a hamster cell doing making medicine, anyway?! If you engineered your own bacteria, what would it make and why? Draw a picture and email it to us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com! To learn more about synthetic biology, check out our blog. Want to learn more about cell biology and engineering bacteria? We have a special bonus interview episode with Danielle for our Patreon members! For only $1/month, you’ll get twice the Tumble goodness to dive deeper into all our new episodes. Pledge here: patreon.com/tumblepodcast....more

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• The Superpower of the Secret Names

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  Jan 25 2019

  How do species get their scientific names? To find out, Lindsay and Marshall take a field trip behind the scenes at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. That’s where we meet Chris Mah, a sea star scientist who has discovered and named over 50 new species! (You might remember him from “The Surprising Story of Sea Stars’ Sticky Feet.”) Chris shows us next season’s hottest new sea stars, shows off his amazing toy collection, and shares the secrets behind his super naming super powers. What would you name a new species, and why? Tell us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com. See Marshall’s photos from our trip, including Chris’ amazing office and the giant not-so-giant sea star he shows us in the episode. It’s on our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com. Hear a bonus “interview episode” with Chris Mah when you support Tumble on Patreon! Plus, hear from scientists from all our recent episodes! Pledge here: patreon.com/tumblepodcast...more

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• The Cave of the Underground Astronauts

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  Jan 11 2019

  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. Hear more from inside the cave with Marina, Becca, and Kenni when you pledge $1/month on Patreon! Support Tumble and get bonus interview episodes of new episodes. Find out more about Homo Naledi, and how you can explore the cave in virtual reality, with resources on our blog....more

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• The Animal Road Trip Adventure

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  Dec 21 2018

  Join us for a journey through Tumble's favorite animal episodes! Swim with whale sharks in Mexico, climb mountains with pikas, travel back in time to discover our earliest primate relatives, and more. Download two hours of stories of animal science discovery, and you'll be all set to turn your road trip into an animal adventure.  For a collection of episodes about astronomy, check out The Road Trip To Outer Space.  We'll be back January 11 with brand new episodes. Have a great holiday!

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• Discover the Wildlife of Your Home

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  Dec 07 2018

  We're going on an indoor expedition to discover the species in our own home! You’ll never look at the bugs in your house the same way again. Ecologist and author Rob Dunn is our guide to exploring what he calls, “the unknown we wake up in every morning.” We’ll find out how many species live in the average home (it’s more than you think!) and tell you how you can conduct your own scientific survey inside your house. It’s an activity that could help scientists discover indoor wildlife all around the world. To learn how you can sign up for Rob’s citizen science project, Never Home Alone, check out our blog at www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/blog. Our friend Science Mom has created a downloadable coloring book and indoor bug guide, special for this episode! It’s available to our Patreon members at all levels. To get it, just pledge any amount to support the show at https://www.patreon.com/tumblepodcast....more

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• Inside the Bat Cave (BONUS EPISODE)

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  Nov 23 2018

  What’s it like to go inside the world’s largest bat colony? In this special bonus episode, we’re sharing part of our interview with Jessica Dreyer, modern day Bat Woman and biologist. (Remember her from “The Journey to the Bat Cave”?!) Find out why a cave just outside San Antonio, Texas is home to 15 million bats - the largest gathering of mammals anywhere on the planet! Want to get behind-the-scenes of our stories of science discovery? Join our Patreon campaign to get bonus interview episodes with every new episode of Tumble! Starting at only $1 a month, you’ll get access to a special podcast feed with all of our regular episodes, PLUS interviews! A Patreon subscription is a great holiday gift for any Tumble fan. Better yet, your support helps us keep making the show! Here’s the rest of our great Patreon rewards: \$5 a month: A shoutout when you join, a special birthday greeting, and the chance to answer OUR science questions on the podcast. \$10 a month: All that plus a Tumble t-shirt. \$20 a month: Superfan level! We send you everything plus a handwritten postcard from Barcelona! Pledge now at patreon.com/tumblepodcast to pledge at any level. Every little bit helps! We can’t wait to share more stories of science discovery with you....more

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• Tumble Presents: Becoming Mother Nature

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  Nov 09 2018

  Today we’re presenting the first episode of Becoming Mother Nature, a show from our friends at Gen-Z Media. It’s recommended for listeners 9 and up. For the rest of our listeners, we’ll be back with a new Tumble episode next month! When Chloe is sent off to live with her mysterious and eccentric grandmother, she learns an unbelievable secret. Grandma Ivy is none other than Mother Nature herself! And Chloe is next in line to assume the power and responsibility of the job. Can a twelve-year-old learn to balance the entire world’s ecosystem while just trying to fit in at her new school? Only Mother Nature knows....more

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• The Mask of the Crow Scientist

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  Oct 26 2018

  Not a true crime story, but a true science story! Starring a murder of crows, a person in a creepy mask, and one very curious scientist named Kaeli Swift. We unravel the mystery of what appears like scene from a Halloween fright night, but is actually an experiment designed to reveal the reasons for some very weird crow behavior. Turns out, you can get a lot of strange looks on the road to science discovery. NOTE: This episode is about the scientific study of death in animals. No animals die in this story, but listeners uncomfortable with this topic might want to skip it. Other Halloween episodes are “We Ain’t Afraid of No Ghosts!” and “The Laboratory of the Haunted House.” To see a photo of someone wearing the mask, and watch a video of Kaeli’s study, visit our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com. We have more from our interview with Kaeli, on our special ad-free Patreon feed! Learn about how Kaeli followed her curiosity from this experiment, to fascinating studies on what crows might actually be thinking during a crow funeral. Pledge starting at $1/month today, at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Send us your science questions, and tell us about your Halloween-inspired experiments! Email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com. Happy Halloween!...more

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• Pluto and the Planetary Pandemonium

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  Oct 12 2018

  It’s a scientific controversy of planetary proportions! Is Pluto a planet, or not? You decide, after we present two sides of an epic astronomy argument. Back in 2006, the International Astronomer’s Union voted on a definition of the word “planet” that excluded Pluto and other newly dubbed “dwarf planets” from planethood status. Astronomers - and everybody else - quickly chose sides. We dive deep into the debate and learn that Pluto’s not the only Space Object Formerly Known As A Planet. Then we’ll ask you to weigh in with your opinion, and see if you can find “consensus” on what should be called a planet. Featuring planetary astronomer Kirby Runyon. We have a present for your birthday!! We’ll be doing birthday shoutouts for our Patreon members, beginning next month. Want to hear a message on the podcast just for your special day? Pledge at the $5 level at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. You’ll be helping us make the show, and we also have extra audio goodies for you. Hear more from our interviews with scientists! For this episode, Kirby Runyon expands on the different types of planets, and the fascinating features you can find on each one. There’s more about planets, on our website at sciencepodcastforkids.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to Tumble and tell your friends!...more

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• What Would Earth Be Like If Volcanoes Didn’t Exist?

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  Sep 28 2018

  A volcanologist imagines a world without volcanoes, and tells us how her recipe for homemade lava bombs might lead to discoveries about ancient volcanoes in outer space! It turns out that volcanoes do more for planets than create natural pyrotechnic displays. You’re guarenteed to be blown away by volcanologist Erika Rader’s EXTREME VOLCANO SCIENCE PROJECT. Spoiler alert: It involves a huge cauldron of molten rock, an aircannon, and a forklift. Tell Erika what YOU would do with a lava machine: Email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com with a drawing or recording, and we’ll pass your ideas on! Join our Patreon campaign to hear more from our interview with Erika, on our ad-free podcast feed: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Special thanks to Rob Griffiths for his help with this episode! Check out his podcast, Bedtime.FM and Peace Out on the Kids Listen app - kidslisten.org....more

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• The Journey to the Bat Cave

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  Sep 14 2018

  Join us on a field trip to the biggest bat colony in the world! Bracken Cave is home to 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats. It’s the largest concentration of mammals on the planet, and it’s made up of only mothers and their babies. On our visit, we’ll meet a real-life Batwoman. Jessica Dreyer is a bat biologist who is studying how bats learn to be bats. Now… TO THE BAT CAVE! To see photos from our trip, as well videos of “bat rain” and the evening “batnado,” check out our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com/blog. We’ll also have information about how you can visit Bracken Cave in person, with Bat Conservation International. This week, our Patreon members are getting exclusive audio bonus content from our interview with Jessica! Hear her describe what it’s like to go inside the cave, as she shares tons of other stunning bat facts. Pledge today at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. You’ll also get an ad-free feed, when you sign up at just $1/month!...more

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• The Science Splash Jam! Live

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  Aug 31 2018

  This summer, Tumble went live!! and we want to share the science magic with all our listeners. In this episode, you’ll hear our favorite parts of our Back-to-School Science Splash Jam from the Scottish Rite Theater in Austin, Texas. Get ready for a sea star song written by listeners, jellyfish trivia, and amazing science questions from fans. A super huge thanks and shoutout to everyone who came to our events! If you’re curious about Tumble live events, email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com. Our guests were SaulPaul, Elizabeth McQueen, and Juli Berwald. Sara and Michael Lentz recorded the Science Splash Jam. Thanks to our sponsors: The Headwaters School, Austin Family Magazine, Spare the Rock, Spoil the Child, and Listenwise. Our kid contestants were Adele, Liesel, and Finn. Our question askers were Amery, Amara, and Leela....more

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• The Case of the Shrinking Laboratory

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  Aug 17 2018

  What if you could shrink your technology down to a size that’s 100,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair? It sounds like sci-fi, but it’s not. Romain Quidant shows us how he helped shrink an entire medical laboratory down to the size of a computer chip. The “lab on a chip” uses molecular mini-detectives to track down diseases hiding within a tiny drop of blood. We’ll find out how it works, and why a tiny particle could make a big difference for human health. To see a photo of Romain holding the lab on the chip, check out our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com/blog. Tumble is brought to you with support from KiwiCo. KiwiCo is offering Tumble listeners the chance to try them for free - to redeem this offer and learn more about their projects for kids, visit kiwico.com/tumble. Love Tumble? Support us on Patreon! All you need to do is go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast and sign up to pledge. Listener support makes a HUGE difference in helping us make the show. We’d also love to give you a shoutout on our next episode!...more

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• The Girl Who Spoke Science

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  Aug 03 2018

  Meet 11-year-old Sarah Galvani-Townsend! She’s our first ever kid science expert. In many ways, Sarah is a regular kid who loves science. But she’s got an unusual hobby. Sarah tells us why studying dogs and rabies is one of her favorite extracurricular activities, and how she translates “science language” into “kid language.” To read Sarah’s paper and find out more about Science Journal for Kids, visit our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.org/blog. The original paper is called “One Health approach to cost-effective rabies control in India” and the lead author is Meagan C. Fitzpatrick. Tumble is brought to you with support from KiwiCo. KiwiCo is offering Tumble listeners the chance to try them for free - to redeem this offer & learn more about their projects for kids, visit kiwico.com/tumble    Love Tumble? Support us on Patreon! Go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast and pledge today. Even just a $1/month means a lot to us! We love hearing from you. Email us your questions, comments and feedback at tumblepodcast@gmail.com....more

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• The Snapdragon Hunt

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  Jul 20 2018

  It’s the tale of an epic science adventure. It’s the drama of the hunt for a dragon… a snapdragon! This isn’t the kind of dragon that breathes fire. It’s a flower! And biologists have been hunting for them every summer, in an ongoing quest to understand how species evolve and separate. We tag along with biologist Carina Baskett on her very first day of the snapdragon hunt, in the Pyrenees mountains of Spain. Join us as we get excited about “fieldwork” - one of the coolest (and most adventurous) parts of the scientific process! You can see photos from the snapdragon hunt and learn about fieldwork all over the world, on our blog. We’re doing it live! Check out Tumble’s live events coming up in August, on our website. Tumble is brought to you with help from KIND Snacks. Complete offer details are available at: https://www.kindsnacks.com/kidsoffer Our Patrons make a WORLD of difference to us! Pledge to support at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Rewards include ad-free episodes, free educational materials, chances to appear on the show, and more....more

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• Mailbag Episode With Joe Hanson!

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  Jul 06 2018

  Joe Hanson is a scientist who hosts PBS Digital Studio’s It’s Okay to Be Smart and Hot Mess, a new YouTube show about climate change. He’s been a longtime friend of Tumble’s, so it was a no-brainer to ask him to help answer listener questions! Joe tells us why penguins can’t fly, how animals breathe underwater, what’s beyond the universe, and why our teeth get wobbly and fall out. Plus, find out what we think Tumble: Aquatic Edition would sound like! Watch some of our favorite of Joe’s videos on our website: sciencepodcastforkids.com/blog. Don’t forget, a great way to support Tumble is to pledge on Patreon. You can also tell five friends about the show! Either way, we’ll love you. We’ve got a special offer for you to try KIND Kids Bars! Go to KindSnacks.com/science and enter code SCIENCE at checkout to receive 20% off of your order of KIND Kids Bars....more

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• The Road Trip to Outer Space

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  Jun 22 2018

  Got a long trip coming up? Turn it into an adventure into outer space! Marshall’s headed out on an intergalactic journey. He’s lined up the best episodes on astronomy for your road trip! See what it’s like to spend a year on Mars, take a wild ride through the solar system, find out if it’s possible to ship Co2 off our planet, search for alien life, and investigate black holes with the world’s top black hole hunter. You’ll be there in no time when time is flying by at warp speed! When we get to 150 Patrons, Marshall will do something very silly. So if you can, please pledge today: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Hope you’re having a great summer! We’ll be back with new episodes soon....more

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• Tumble Presents: Young Ben Franklin

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  Jun 08 2018

  **Recommended for listeners age 8 and up** This week, we’re presenting a new show from our friends at Gen Z Media! It’s called Young Ben Franklin, and it’s a mystery-adventure series about the 14 year old kid who went on to become one of America’s most famous founding fathers. If you enjoy this show, you can find more like it at bestrobotever.com. Subscribe at Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen to podcasts, so that you won’t miss an episode of Young Ben Franklin. The full series premiers on July 4. Independence Day! Younger listeners might want to skip this story, due to some dramatic situations and language. We’ll be back with more Tumble soon. Don’t forget, we’re in the middle of our Patreon pledge drive! Your support makes our show possible. Not kidding! If you value what we do, please consider making a donation at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. The first 10 fans to pledge will receive a Detective Dot megapack! Want another option? Review us on Apple Podcasts. It really helps other people find our show!...more

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• The Barcelona Supercomputer Adventure

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  Jun 01 2018

  This week, we’re taking you to visit one of most powerful computers in the world! It’s called MareNostrum 4, and it’s housed in a former chapel in Barcelona, Spain. We’ll find out how scientists are using supercomputers to tackle some of the world’s biggest problems. Researchers Eduard Porta and Claudia Rosas explain what it’s like to work with one of the fastest machines in the world. See photos from Lindsay’s visit to MareNostrum 4, and learn more about supercomputers on our blog. It’s the best time ever to support Tumble on Patreon! For the first ten fans who pledge $5 or more to our Patreon campaign, you’ll receive a Detective Dot megapack, along with all of our regular rewards. Check out Detective Dot here: https://www.detectivedot.org/ Then, pledge at patreon.com/tumblepodcast Don’t forget, to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! It really helps other people find out about our podcast....more

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• The Sleep Camp Experiment

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  May 18 2018

  You’ve never heard of a summer camp like this before. It’s a science camp, but the campers ARE the science! Imagine playing volleyball with electrode helmets, going to bed attached to sleep machines, and having scientists study popsicles made of your spit (“spitsicles”). We talk to the scientist who started Sleep Camp, a study that’s been going on for over 30 years. Join us as we learn what Sleep Camp has taught us about why sleep is so important for kids and teens. Our question from JoJo is, “Why do we need sleep?” Find out more about the science of sleep on our [blog post](http:// http://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/single-post/2018/05/17/The-Crazy-Science-of-Sleep) about the Sleep Camp Experiment. And check out our NEW TRAVEL BLOG! Tumble Travels is written for both kids and adults. Follow our adventures on Instagram, too! This episode features music (about sleep science!) from The Pop Ups. Check out their new album, GIANTS OF SCIENCE, with songs about science and innovation. If you’re eager to gear up for summer with more great podcasts for kids, check out the Kids Listen app at app.kidslisten.org! It’s recently been approved by Common Sense Media, and you can find summer-themed episodes from great shows like Book Club for Kids and Buttons & Figs! Don’t forget - Your support on Patreon means EVERYTHING to us. Get a shoutout on the blog, receive special opportunities to be on the show, and get access to all our educational materials....more

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• What Would Happen If There Was No Moon?

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  May 04 2018

  What would happen if our Moon suddenly disappeared? Would we still have tides? It turns out that the Moon has a much bigger influence on Earth than you might think. Without the Moon, life as we know it would not exist! Rocket scientist Miquel Sureda explains what happened before the Moon existed, and how we know that the Moon is slowly moving away from us. Plus, we have a special treat for you - we made up a story about the Moon’s disappearance with our friends from What If World! For more information and resources about the science in this episode, check out our blog post. If you love Tumble, please consider pledging to our Patreon campaign. It makes a HUGE difference for us! Have you written a review on iTunes yet? This also helps more people find our show! Looking for more podcasts for kids, including What If World? Listen and discover on the Kids Listen app, a podcast listening app designed just for kids!...more

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• The Power of Pika Scientists

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  Apr 20 2018

  For Earth Day, we’re discovering how the tiny, adorable pika is helping scientists study climate change! Temperatures in their mountain habitat are getting warmer, and rain and snow isn’t as predictable as it used to be. Scientists have discovered that the number of pikas in certain areas are shrinking – or even disappearing. But some populations are doing just fine. A scientist named Pika Jo wants to find out why. An unexpected disaster leads her to a surprising discovery. To find out more about pikas and climate change, check out our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com/blog! Has Tumble contributed something meaningful to your family? Please consider pledging to our Patreon campaign at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. It makes a huge difference in making it possible for us to do the show, and we’re planning even more awesome stuff for the future! Our Patrons are the first to know - and, you get access to all the educational materials in our teacher store! Pledge today. Want more Earth Day podcasts? Check out eco-themed episodes from our Kids Listen friends What If World, Ear Snacks, Cool Facts about Animals, Little Stories for Tiny People, and Wow in the World! Find them on the Kids Listen app at app.kidslisten.org....more

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• The Weather Balloon, the Girl Scouts, and the Unicorn

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  Apr 06 2018

  What happens when a Brownie Troop goes to a weather balloon launch? One Brownie guesses that they’ll make contact with unicorns in the sky. Atmospheric scientist Gary Morris shows us what it takes to launch the biggest balloon you’ve ever seen to the very top of Earth’s atmosphere. Along the way, we’ll learn why weather balloons are the best way to find out about air pollution. And who knows? Maybe we’ll discover unicorns, too! This story came together when a Brownie troop leader emailed Tumble to see if we could do an activity with the girls. We’re always open to new experiences, so don’t hesitate to reach out to us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com. Do you love what we do, and want to make sure there’s more episodes of Tumble forevermore? Support us on Patreon at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Each pledge makes a HUGE difference to us, and we really appreciate it! Plus, you get sweet rewards - like access to our entire catalog of educational resources! To learn more about Tumble, visit our website at tumblepodcast.com. Or, you could swing by bestrobotever.com and find our podcast friends from Gen Z Media! They have great audio fiction like Mayan Crystal, The Alien Adventures of Finn Caspian, and more....more

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• Dinosaur Poop Part 2: The Coprolite Queen

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  Mar 23 2018

  This is #2 in a series on dinosaur coprolites, AKA fossilized feces! 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. After you listen to this episode, check out our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com/blog for books about Mary Anning and an amazing website where you can explore the stories of other pioneering female paleontologists. Find a new favorite and tell us why she’s awesome, at tumblepodcast@gmail.com! Make sure you listen to our first episode in the series, “Who Dung It?” featuring modern-day coprolite scientist Karen Chin. To hear more from Riley about dinosaurs, subscribe to Kidosaurus at kidosaurus.com. Or you could listen on the Kids Listen app and discover other great podcasts for kids as well! Want to support Tumble? Pledge to our Patreon campaign! It’s a huge part of how we keep the show going. Plus, you get awesome monthly rewards, like free access to everything in the teacher store when you pledge $5 a month! Go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast to pledge today....more

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• Dinosaur Poop Part 1: Who Dung It?

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  Mar 09 2018

  Call it fossil feces, dinosaur dung, or preserved poo. This is the first of a two part series on dinosaur poop! We kick it off with the modern-day science of coprolites. Paleontologist Karen Chin shares how she cracked the case of a mysterious coprolite, and discovered a different dinosaur diet. STAY TUNED for the next episode in the series, about a pioneering female paleontologist and a very unusual family of scientists, who discovered that funny looking rocks were actually ancient dung. The Tumble Teacher Store is now open! Find curriculum packages, activities, graphic organizers, transcripts, and even music. Go to sciencepodcastforkids.com/materials to check it out. Want to support Tumble? Pledge to our Patreon campaign! It’s a huge part of how we keep the show going. Plus, you get awesome monthly rewards, like free access to everything in the teacher store when you pledge $5 a month! Go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast to pledge today. Oh, and here’s a new place you can find Tumble and three brand new podcasts for kids: bestrobotever.com Check out quiz show Pants on Fire, and fiction podcasts Six Minutes and The Mayan Crystal, from our partners at Gen Z!...more

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• Marshall's Mailbag: The Sequel

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  Feb 23 2018

  Return of the mailbag! The Tumble inbox is filling up with questions, and Marshall scrambles to answer them while Lindsay relaxes with a glass of lemonade. We find out why rainbows don’t fall down, why naked mole rats are naked, whether you can sneeze with your eyes open, why we have dreams, and how scientists studied tickling with a tickle robot. Want to learn more (and see what naked mole rats look like)? Visit our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com/blog. We’re on Instagram now! Follow us at @tumblepodcast for behind-the-scenes, cool science facts, and our travels in Europe. If you have questions you’d like us to answer, send them to tumblepodcast@gmail.com! Our podcast relies on your support. When you pledge $5 on Patreon, you’ll receive free access to all the materials on our teacher store, including activities, worksheets, transcripts, and ad-free episodes! Pledge now at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Thanks for listening, and stay tuned for more stories of science discovery....more

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• The Surprising Story of Sea Stars' Sticky Feet

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  Feb 09 2018

  “How do sea stars grip onto rocks?” That’s what listener Chloe wants to know. To find out, we take a trip to an aquarium to see sea stars’ tiny tube feet in action, and call up sea star expert Chris Mah. What we learn is a surprising story of how scientists made a big mistake when it came to studying to sea stars’ spectacular grip - and how they finally got it right. There’s some amazing science behind these starry creatures! What’s your favorite animal fact? Can you find out how scientists know it’s true? Let us know what you discover by sending us an email, drawing, or recording to tumblepodcast@gmail.com. Tumble’s Teacher Store is coming! We’re getting NGSS-aligned materials ready for your homes and classrooms! Science activities, graphic organizers, lessons, transcripts, and more will be available this month. Patrons who pledge $5 or more will have access for FREE! Pledge today at www.patreon.com/tumblepodcast, or www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/materials to visit the store. Thanks for listening!...more

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• The Secret Senses of Plants

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  Jan 26 2018

  “Do plants feel pain?” Jude’s question leads us to stunning discoveries about what plants feel, what they hear, and even what they talk about! Biologist Heidi Appel reveals how scientists learned about plants’ inner lives, and tells us the story of how she discovered “listening” plants. You’ll never look at plants the same way again. What can YOU observe about your houseplants? How do they react to changes in light, water, or other variables? Tell us -- and send in your science questions -- at tumblepodcast@gmail.com. Want to learn more about plant communication? Check out our blog at www.sciencepodcastforkids.com. Tumble is brought to you with help from our sponsor, GoGoSqueeZ! Find these yummy, healthy snacks in the applesauce aisle. Tumble’s Teacher Store is coming! We’re getting NGSS-aligned materials ready for your homes and classrooms! Science activities, graphic organizers, lessons, transcripts, and more will be available starting February 1st. Patrons who pledge $5 or more will have access for FREE! Pledge today at www.patreon.com/tumblepodcast, or www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/materials to visit the store. Thanks for listening!...more

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• How to Build a Robotic Eel

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  Dec 22 2017

  Meet Envirobot, a robotic eel who slithers along the surface of the water, seeking the source of water pollution. The future is here, and it's full of swimming robots! We meet members of the team behind Envirobot, Bezhad Bayat and Alessandro Crespi. They tell us what it takes to turn a swimming animal into a robot - the twists, the turns, the technology, and the math. If you could design a robot based on a swimming animal, what would it be and why? What would it do? We want to hear your ideas, and see your designs! Email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com. Check out a video of Envirobot and terrifying photos of lampreys on our blog, at sciencepodcastforkids.com! Looking for transcripts of our episodes? They're now available at http://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/materials. They're 50% off through the New Year! Want to support Tumble and get access to ALL our educational materials, plus special opportunities to be on the show? Pledge to our Patreon campaign at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Happy Holidays and have a great New Year to all our listeners!!...more

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• The Case of the Sparkly Mineral

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  Dec 08 2017

  "How are minerals made?" "What makes rocks sparkly?" Mary Lou and Tilly are curious about minerals, the chemical compounds that make up rocks! Get ready for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Field Museum in Chicago! Collections manager Jim Holstein opens cabinets containing some of the most exceptional minerals in the world. Find out how scientists have classified minerals for hundreds of years, and why some minerals glow in the dark. Do you have a rock collection? Or any kind of collection? How do you organize, or "classify" it? Check out photos and videos from our tour on the blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com Want to support Tumble, and hear your name on the show? Pledge on our Patreon campaign at patreon.com/tumblepodcast! We LOVE our supporters....more

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• Mission CO2 to Mars

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  Nov 24 2017

  “Could we ship Earth’s extra carbon dioxide to Mars?” Our listener Ilan has come up with a brilliant plan to stop climate change in its tracks, and make Mars a place we can live - AT THE SAME TIME. Your intrepid Tumble hosts attempt to lift his idea off the ground, with help from Czech environmental scientist Kristina Zackuciova, and NASA astrophysicist Scott Guzewich. Join us, to find out how a scientific journey starts - and whether Ilan has discovered how to save two worlds with one simple plan. Tumble is brought to you with help from Homer. Try Homer, the only learn to read method powered by your child’s interests and shown to increase early reading scores by 74%. As a Tumble fan, you’ll get two months free by visiting learnwithhomer.com/tumble. Wonderbly supports Tumble too! Get a preview of a book starring your child (great for gifts, too!) at www.wonderbly.com. Enter TUMBLE at checkout to get 15% off your order! Want to support Tumble yourself? Pledge at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. At the $5 level, we’ll shoutout your child on the show, and you’ll get access to our growing folder of educational resources - along with an AD-FREE version of the show! Are you using Apple Podcasts right now? Great news! It’s easier than ever to write a review of Tumble. Every positive reviews sends a rainbow directly into our hearts (don’t worry, it’s healthy). Check out resources on our website at sciencepodcastforkids.com, and email us YOUR questions at tumblepodcast@gmail.com...more

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• Marshall's Mailbag Episode!

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  Nov 10 2017

  It's a mail bag episode! While Lindsay is away, Marshall is going through a bunch of listener questions and answering them as best he can. Do monkeys get ice cream headaches? Why is Play-doh so salty? Listen to find out the answer to this and more in this special episode of Tumble. If you want to submit a question for Marshall & Lindsay to answer, go visit our website at http://sciencepodcastforkids.com.

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• We Ain't Afraid of No Ghosts: A Tumble Halloween

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  Oct 27 2017

  Why do people believe in ghosts? And can science ever prove that they don’t exist? We take a road trip with Dennis Waskul, a sociologist who traveled to graveyards and “haunted” houses to hear ghost stories, from the people who lived them. He wanted to find out why 50% of Americans believe in ghosts. What he discovered might spook you - in a good way! (Note: This episode is NOT scary.)

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• BONUS EPISODE: Kidcast Sampler!

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  Oct 25 2017

  We often talk about how there are so many great kid podcasts out there to discover. Now, we're bringing those podcasts directly to you, in this sampler pack of a bonus episode! Find these podcasts and more at applepodcasts.com/kids You'll hear some of our favorite podcasts for kids. We really believe that listening to podcasts for kids with our son has brought something truly special into our lives, that we couldn't get with any other type of media. We've heard from listeners that Tumble has turned trips to the park into dinosaur fossil hunts, fort-building into a submarine adventure, and boring car rides into a time for interesting conversation. What have podcasts done for your family? Tell us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com. Enjoy!...more

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• Why Words?! How We Learn Language

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  Oct 20 2017

  Children are the best language learners, says psycholinguist Evan Kidd. But how do children learn languages so easily, and why is learning another language so hard when you're an adult? It's something we've been wondering since we moved to Barcelona, Spain this summer. Evan Kidd shares his quest to put together the complex puzzle of how humans learn language. What he's discovered might change the way you think about your own native tongue. To join us on our adventures in Barcelona, plus get access to an ad-free version of the show and educational materials, pledge at patreon.com/tumblepodcast Listen to Tumble on the Kids Listen app! app.kidslisten.org If you have any questions about science that you'd like Lindsay and Marshall to help answer, go to our website - www.sciencepodcastforkids.com - and use the contact form. While you're there, you can also find a blog with lots of great resources about this episode....more

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• The Electric Detectives

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  Oct 06 2017

  Where does electricity come from? That's what listener Ati wants to know. Lindsay and Marshall get on the case of a massive blackout that plunged 50 million people into darkness Scientist and engineer Mike Legatt helps us solve the mystery. We made a cool electric grid scavenger hunt for this episode that you can download for free on our Patreon Page! Subscribe at the $5 level (or higher!) to find more great activities like this one. You can also listen to Tumble on the BRAND NEW Kids Listen App! If you have any questions about science that you'd like Lindsay and Marshall to help answer, go to our website - www.sciencepodcastforkids.com - and use the contact form. While you're there, you can also find a blog with lots of great resources about this episode....more

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• The Solar System’s Wild Ride

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  Sep 22 2017

  Do solar systems move? That’s what Levan wants to know. NASA astronomer Stefanie Milam shares how technology has allowed humans to see the course our solar system has charted through space – and how a powerful new telescope will widen our view even more. Want to learn more, and see photos of the James Webb Space Telescope? Check out our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com. Help us take Tumble to the next level (outer space?)! Support the podcast you love at on our Patreon campaign at patreon.com/tumblepodcast....more

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• The Magic Memory Molecule

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  Sep 08 2017

  How does our brain remember things? Neuroscientist Andre Fenton found that question has no easy answers. Andre has spent years experimenting with PKMZeta, a tiny molecule he believes is the key to forming memories. But what if he’s wrong? This is a personal story of the scientific process, and the bumps along the journey that lead to knowledge. Welcome back to Season 3 of Tumble! We're so excited to be back with all new episodes - from Barcelona, Spain! To kick it off right, we're doing a Patreon pledge drive to get to 100 Patrons! You can donate any amount to vote on where we'll go in Barcelona and what we'll share with you on our Patreon blog. To pledge, go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Send your questions, drawings, and recordings to tumblepodcast@gmail.com...more

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• Season 3 Starts September 8!

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  Aug 21 2017

  Tumble will be back with all new episodes this fall! Make sure you're subscribed to Tumble to get the first episode on September 8. This season, expect more great stories about science discovery, from around the world! Thanks to listeners Kinnari, Ash, Liesel, Caroline, and Rosemary for helping us record our message. Have a science question? Want to send us a drawing? Know of a scientist we should interview? Email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com. To support the show, go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast and pledge! Your donation helps make Tumble possible....more

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• The Science of Poop with Mary Roach

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  Jun 16 2017

  Everybody poops. But why? To find out, science writer Mary Roach takes us on a journey into the alimentary canal - that's the tube that runs from our mouth to our rectum. Along the way, we learn about pooping in space, and how someone else's poop might one day save your life! Have you been looking for an easy way to find more great podcasts for kids like Tumble? Or maybe you want a place for your kids to listen and discover podcasts on their own. We have great news for you! With Kids Listen, we’ve made the first ever listening app for kids at app.kidslisten.org. Go there and you’ll find all kinds of awesome shows by some of our friends like Brains On, Stories Podcast, and NPR’s new podcast for kids, Wow in the World. Check it out! Thanks to everyone who listened this season! Make sure to STAY SUBSCRIBED so you can get updates from us over the summer - especially on our journey to Barcelona! We're already getting started on episodes for the fall. Send us your science questions, your drawings and recordings! Do you live in Europe? Do you know of any cool scientists and science going on that we should check out? Let us know! We're excited to explore! As always, leave us a review on iTunes if you like the show. Email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com, and check out our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com. To support the show and get educational materials as well as an ad-free version of the show, pledge at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Thanks for listening!...more

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• The Call of the Antarctic Dinosaur with Julia Clarke

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  Jun 02 2017

  Dinosaurs didn’t roar. What?! Paleontologist Julia Clarke has been uncovering clues to how dinosaurs sounded, in ancient bird fossils from Antarctica. She shares the story of her groundbreaking fossil find that revealed the surprising sounds of the dinosaur world! Come on an expedition to Antarctica and into Julia’s lab on her quest for discovery. Now is the time to send us your science questions! Record your name, age, and your question. Tell us what you think the answer is, and how scientists might find out! Then email it to tumblepodcast@gmail.com. Want an ad-free version of Tumble? It’s only $1 each month. Pledge on Patreon to get access to this special podcast feed, including Marshall’s original music. Let us know how you use Tumble. Send us your questions and drawings! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Thanks for listening!...more

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• The Quest of the Alien Hunter with Seth Shostak

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  May 19 2017

  Are we alone in the universe, or are there other life forms out there? That's what Daniel, a listener from New Zealand, wants to know. Scientists have been searching for the answer with a surprising tool: radio. But this isn't any old radio. Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, shares the story of how the search for intelligent life got started, and where it's headed. Are you a teacher or homeschooling parent? Tell us how you use Tumble! Email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com. We love hearing from you! Want an ad-free version of Tumble? It’s only $1 each month. Pledge on Patreon to get access to this special podcast feed, including Marshall’s original music. Let us know how you use Tumble. Send us your questions and drawings! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Thanks for listening!...more

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• The Sign of the Ninja Virus with Jasdave Chahal and Omar Khan

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  May 05 2017

  Brothers Ian, Sam, and Eli want to know, “How do vaccines keep our bodies healthy?” We meet two scientists, Omar Khan and Jasdave Chahal, who have teamed up to tackle the world’s most dangerous diseases with a new technique for developing vaccines. They tell the story of how they came together in a quest to battle biological “ninjas” that want to invade our bodies and make us sick. Are you a teacher or homeschooling parent? Tell us how you use Tumble! Email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com. We love hearing from you! Want an ad-free version of Tumble? It’s only $1 each month. Pledge on Patreon to get access to this special podcast feed, including Marshall’s original music. Let us know how you use Tumble. Send us your questions and drawings! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Thanks for listening!...more

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• The Skull of the Ancient Primate with Chris Kirk

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  Apr 21 2017

  Who is the oldest primate, and is it our great-great-great grandfather? Listener Elena's question takes us into a laboratory chock full of fossils, and brings us back to the impact that killed most of the dinosaurs. Anthropologist Chris Kirk introduces us to our very ancient - and very tiny - ancestors. Visit our blog at tumblepodcast.com to see photos of Rooneyia and Mahgarita, as well as a tour of the Vertebrate Paleontology Lab! We have resources to get started with your own fossil hunt. If you've been inspired to fossil hunt, let us know what you found! Are you a teacher or homeschooling parent? Tell us how you use Tumble! Email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com. We love hearing from you! Want an ad-free version of Tumble? It’s only $1 each month. Pledge on Patreon to get access to this special podcast feed, including Marshall’s original music. Let us know how you use Tumble. Send us your questions and drawings! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Stitcher. Thanks for listening!...more

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• The Puzzle of the Flipping Cats with Greg Gbur

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  Apr 07 2017

  Wonder why a cat always lands on its feet? It's a question that stumped scientists for over a hundred years. Some suspected that mischievous cats were breaking the laws of physics! Was it the catnip? Or was it a mystery of physics? Physicist Greg Gbur helps us break the case... with the first ever cat video. Check out the original flipping cat photos and film, as well as a video of cats weightless in zero gravity (!!) on our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com. You'll also find visual explanations from Greg Gbur and YouTube channel Smarter Every Day. Want an ad-free version of Tumble? It’s only $1 each month. Pledge on Patreon to get access to this special podcast feed, including Marshall’s original music. Let us know how you use Tumble. Send us your questions and drawings! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks for listening!...more

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• The Case of the Whale Shark Party with Rafael de la Parra

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  Mar 24 2017

  Imagine this: You’re in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico with a big fish on the line. But suddenly, you’re surrounded by whale sharks, the biggest fish in the world. What do you do?! If you’re a scientist, you get curious. Marine biologist Rafael de la Parra tells us how and why he got a headcount of the biggest whale shark party ever seen. We adopted a whale shark! Send your suggestions for MXA-130’s new name to tumblepodcast@gmail.com. Check out our blog to see photos of her, find out about her favorite hangs and hobbies, and learn how to adopt your own whale shark (with none of the hassle of living with one), at sciencepodcastforkids.com. Want an ad-free version of Tumble? It’s only $1 each month. Pledge on Patreon to get access to this special podcast feed, including Marshall’s original music. Don’t forget to share the magic of podcasts with someone you know. Tell us what you suggested by tagging @tumblecast on Twitter, and use the hashtag TRYPOD. For more kids podcasts, check out kidslisten.org/members. Let us know how you use Tumble. Send us your questions and drawings! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks for listening!...more

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• A Year on Mars with Sheyna Gifford

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  Mar 10 2017

  What would you bring on a trip to Mars? That’s a question Sheyna Gifford had to ask herself when she packed to live on Mars for a year. Wait, what?! We find out about a NASA experiment on top of a volcano that’s getting astronauts prepared for a real-life mission to Mars. Learn how to apply for a trip to Mars - in sim or in space - on our blog at tumblepodcast.com This month, we are asking listeners to recommend podcasts to friends who have not yet discovered them! For #trypod, check out kidslisten.org/members for plenty of great podcasts for kids! For an ad-free version of the podcast, educational materials, a Tumble t-shirt, and a shoutout on the show, support us at patreon.com/tumblepodcast Let us know how you use Tumble. Send us your questions and drawings! Email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks for listening!...more

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• The People of the Snow with Kelly Elder

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  Feb 24 2017

  The People of the Snow with Kelly Elder Why does it snow, where does it snow, and why are snowflakes not the same size or shape? We jump into a pile of snow questions, and find a very different kind of science in the snowy Arctic. Kelly Elder, a snow hydrologist, tells the story of how scientists work with the Inuit people to understand how snow is changing in a warming world. More information about this episode on our blog at tumblepodcast.com For an ad-free version of the podcast, educational materials, a Tumble t-shirt, and a shoutout on the show, support us at patreon.com/tumblepodcast Let us know how you use Tumble. Send us your questions and drawings! Email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks for listening!...more

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• The Secret Life of Your Shower with Noah Fierer

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  Feb 10 2017

  Something is living in your showerhead. Scientists need your help to figure out what it is, and why it’s there. Biologist Noah Fierer is enlisting people around the country to search out the tiny, microscopic life in showers. Find out what happens when Lindsay and Marshall sign up as citizen scientists, and turn their bathroom into a lab. To find out more about the Showerhead Microbiome Project, visit http://robdunnlab.com/projects/showerheads For more citizen science projects you can participate in, check out https://scistarter.com More information about this episode on our blog at tumblepodcast.com For educational materials, support us at patreon.com/tumblepodcast or email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com We want your questions and drawings! What do you think lives in your showerhead? Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks for listening!...more

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• The Tower of the Vomiting Robot with Anna Rothschild

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  Jan 27 2017

  We dive into the gross side of science with Anna Rothschild, host of the PBS/NOVA series Gross Science! Anna tells us how a robot named Vomiting Larry helped scientists discover how to stop the spread of a potentially deadly sickness. Plus, fourth graders tell us what they think is gross, and we learn why talking about poop can be important for your health. What do YOU think is gross? What does Vomiting Larry look like? Send your questions and drawings to tumblepodcast@gmail.com, or use our contact form on our website! Check out our blog post on this episode for kids, and a special lesson plan for teachers from Ms. Gustafson on our blog at www.sciencepodcastforkids.com. Join us on Patreon for more educational materials, music downloads, and extras from our interviews! www.patreon.com/tumblepodcast Don’t forget to subscribe and leave us a review on iTunes or Stitcher. Thanks for listening!...more

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• Journey to the Center of the Earth with Ta-Shana Taylor

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  Jan 13 2017

  What is the Earth made of? That’s the question at the core (pun intended!) of this episode. Geologist Ta-Shana Taylor shares the fascinating story behind a decades-long quest to drill into the Earth. You’ll be wanting to “Get Down to the Moho” after listening! Thanks to listeners Brody and Liam for sending in their questions. This is our first episode of Tumble, Season 2! We’ve got much more in store, including educational resources! Check out our blog at tumblepodcast.com and Patreon at patreon.com/tumblepodcast for additional information and a complete list of resources to stoke your curiosity! Like Tumble? Tell the world! Leave us a review on iTunes, Stitcher, or share on social media. Your enthusiasm means EVERYTHING to us - and helps more people discover our podcast! And don’t forget to fill out our partner survey for Wondery at wondery.com/survey. In this episode, we mentioned that we love Stories Podcast. Check them out, and our other friendcasts, at kidslisten.org. It’s an organization we started to advocate for more high quality children’s audio! #kidslisten...more

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• Season 2 Coming Soon!

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  Jan 06 2017

  It's almost here! We've got brand new episodes of Tumble starting January 13. Here's a quick sample of what's to come. Subscribe now on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Have an Android? Try our partner Wondery's new app on Google Play!

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• The Voyage of the Ocean Trash with Jenni Brandon [ENCORE]

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  Dec 16 2016

  Our friends Andrew & Polly from the podcast Ear Snacks introduce their favorite Tumble episode. Listener Ilya asks if there's a way to remove all the trash from the ocean. Scientist Jenni Brandon helps us investigate the Great Pacific Garbage Patch - a vast, swirling soup of trash, twice the size of Texas. Stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear how listeners suggested solving this huge environmental problem. Tumble t-shirts are now available in kid's, men's, and women's sizes. Get yours at sciencepodcastforkids.com/shop! Is Tumble a part of your daily routine? Show your love by pledging to our Patreon at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Lastly, we could use your help with an audience survey for our partner, Wondery! Go to wondery.com/survey and answer a couple quick questions about your listening habits. We'll be forever grateful to your anonymous contribution!...more

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• The Secrets of Bugs and Bats [BONUS EPISODE]

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  Dec 09 2016

  In this special bonus episode, some of our favorite guest scientists answer listener questions! It’s like a Tumble reunion! Learn about the bugs you can find near your home, how ants let each other know about food finds, and if bats fly at night so they can eat more bugs. Thanks to Paloma, Liesel, and Bella for your questions! We still have a few “encore shows” left to play while we get ready for the new season. You might have noticed we’ve had listeners introduce their favorite shows. Next week, that could be you! Send us a recording telling us your favorite episode and why you like it, to tumblepodcast@gmail.com. Or upload your recording to the "Contact" form on our website at www.sciencepodcastforkids.com. Tumble has a few holiday shopping tips for you. First, don't procrastinate. Second, don't go to the mall. It is crazy there. Instead, go to seedling.com and order their fantastic activity kits, then use the code TUMBLE at checkout for $10 off a $30 purchase! So much better than going to the mall. Third, get a brand new Tumble tee, sent to you by Marshall's mom, at our website for only $19.50! sciencepodcastforkids.com/shop As always, we appreciate reviews on iTunes and emails! We read and respond to every single one. Lastly, we need your help with an audience survey for our partner, Wondery! Go to wondery.com/survey and answer a couple quick questions about your listening habits. We'll be forever grateful to your anonymous contribution!...more

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• The Case of the Invisibility Cloak with Andrea Alu [ENCORE]

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  Dec 02 2016

  Invisibility cloaks: Not just for wizards? Listener Quinn introduces his favorite Tumble episode, where we explore the very real science behind invisibility! Tumble t-shirts are now available in kid's, men's, and women's sizes. Get yours at sciencepodcastforkids.com/shop! Is Tumble a part of your daily routine? Show your love by pledging to our Patreon at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Lastly, we could use your help with an audience survey for our partner, Wondery! Go to wondery.com/survey and answer a couple quick questions about your listening habits. We'll be forever grateful to your anonymous contribution!...more

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• The Quest for the Hidden Planets with Joel Green [ENCORE]

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  Nov 18 2016

  Our listener Griffin picked an exciting tale of outer space for this week's episode! Astronomer Joel Green explains how scientists discover and photograph planets outside our solar system. Have a few spare minutes? Fill out our listener survey at wondery.com/survey. Ask us a question, listen to more episodes, and donate at tumblepodcast.com. Subscribe to Tumble Science Podcast for Kids and review on iTunes. Follow on Facebook and Twitter. Join our Patreon at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Thanks for listening!...more

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• The Puzzle of the Friendly Dog with Mia Cobb and Krista McPherson [ENCORE]

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  Nov 04 2016

  What makes dogs loyal? This question comes from Amalia, a sixth grade student. We ask two different dog scientists, and their answers will surprise you. We learn about an experiment that tests dogs’ loyalty - or does it? Get ready to get inside the head of a dog! We want to hear about your dogs! Ask us a question, listen to more episodes, and donate at tumblepodcast.com. Subscribe to Tumble Science Podcast for Kids and review on iTunes. Follow on Facebook and Twitter. Thanks for listening!

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• The Laboratory of the Haunted House with Margee Kerr

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  Oct 31 2016

  Why do people get scared and how? We ask Dr. Margee Kerr, a scientist who studies the science of fear. She once set up a basement lab in a Halloween haunted house to understand why people sign up to get scared. She found out that going to a house of horror is actually a lot like doing yoga! Find out why, and how to scare a scientist. Correction: On this episode, we referred to the woman in Sebastin's recording as his mom. She is his step-mom. Ask us a question, listen to more episodes, and donate at tumblepodcast.com. Subscribe to Tumble Science Podcast for Kids and review on iTunes. Follow on Facebook and Twitter. Thanks for listening!...more

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• The Hunt for Black Holes with Karl Gebhardt [ENCORE]

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  Oct 21 2016

  A fan favorite episode, now with new black hole discoveries! We answer our first listener question, how do black holes work? We talk to Dr. Karl Gebhardt, who has helped discover over half of the black holes that astronomers have ever found. Light cannot escape from a black hole, which means that they are impossible to see. We find out the secret to finding black holes, and how what happens inside might explain mysteries of gravity. Astronomy adventures are ahead in this episode! Music in this episode is by Secret Agent 23 Skidoo from his newest album, Infinity Plus One. Ask us a question, listen to more episodes, and donate at tumblepodcast.com. Subscribe to Tumble Science Podcast for Kids and review on iTunes. Follow on Facebook and Twitter. Thanks for listening!...more

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• How to Interview a Scientist [BONUS EPISODE]

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  Oct 19 2016

  Send us your interviews with scientists, and they might end up on our show! In this special bonus episode, we'll teach you how to interview a scientist. It's easier than you might think, and it's super fun. You might learn something that changes your life, or at least your outlook on science! Plus, our listener Vida finds out for us if you can send a robot into a black hole. Check out our blog on www.tumblepodcast.com for step-by-step instructions on how to interview a scientist, with expanded tips and resources. Send your interviews to us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com Don't forget to tell your friends about Tumble, write a review on iTunes, and support us on patreon.com/tumblepodcast...more

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• The Tale of the Bacteria Farmer with Sarah Richardson [ENCORE]

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  Oct 07 2016

  Sarah Richardson, a biologist, dreams of being of a farmer. Instead of tending to barns full of cows making milk, she'll have petri dishes full of bacteria. We're taking a break until 2017 to create more stories of science discovery. But we're not going away! Far from it. We'll be hard at work dreaming and making new awesome stuff for you. Stay in touch with us by Facebook, Twitter, and tumblepodcast.com, where you can send us questions, comments, drawings, and videos!  This is a great time to show your support for our new season by pledging on Patreon: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Subscribe & leave a review on iTunes: itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tumble-podcast/id984771479 Thanks for listening!...more

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• The Journey to the Deepest Part of the Ocean with Gaelin Rosenwaks [ENCORE]

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  Sep 23 2016

  Where is the deepest part of the ocean, and have we been there in person? Ocean explorer Gaelin Rosenwaks answers with an amazing story of the first explorers to dive to a mysterious place called Challenger Deep. It's filled with awesome adventure, incredible risk, and awe-inspiring reward. This is a journey that changed the way we understand the ocean. We're working on a bunch of exciting new stuff for you this week, so we are re-playing one of our favorite episodes.  Love Tumble? Subscribe on iTunes! itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-t…cast/id984771479 and write us a review. Support us on Patreon! www.patreon.com/tumblepodcast And visit us on our website,www.sciencepodcastforkids.com...more

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• The Charge of the Everlasting Battery with Mya Le Thai

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  Sep 12 2016

  Why do batteries - even rechargeable ones - die? What if there was a battery that lasted forever? Mya Le Thai, a young scientist, was sick of recharging her phone. So she set out make make a longer lasting battery. What she created was better than she had ever thought possible - a battery that won’t die. It lasts 100 times longer than the typical phone battery. Find out what goes on inside a battery, and how Mya came to her eureka moment. Tell us what you would do with a battery that lasts forever! Email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com Subscribe on iTunes! itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tumble-podcast/id984771479 Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/tumblepodcast And visit us on our website, www.sciencepodcastforkids.com...more

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• The Tale of How Ants Conquered the Earth with Corrie Moreau

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  Aug 26 2016

  Why are there so many different species of ants? That’s what entomologist Corrie Moreau wants to know. There are more species of ants than there are species of mammals and birds - combined! Her quest starts in the jungle and ends in a lab, where she unravels the story of ants conquering the earth. Plus, listeners tell us what THEY know about ants! Take Corrie’s advice: Get outside and play with bugs! Then tell us about it. What did you see and observe? Take photos and make drawings. Email them to us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com Subscribe on iTunes! itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tumble-podcast/id984771479 Support us on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/tumblepodcast And visit us on our website, www.sciencepodcastforkids.com Photo from Wikipedia...more

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• The Meow of the Misunderstood Cat with Brains On

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  Aug 13 2016

  Are cats evil, or just misunderstood? That's what our friends at Brains On debate for a panel of kid judges. Find out what they decide in this special guest episode! Plus, Lindsay and Marshall weigh in on their conclusions.  What do you want to know about cats? Let us know on our Facebook or Twitter pages, or email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com. Support Tumble on Patreon, and you can have your name read on the show (and get more great stuff!) Pledge at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Subscribe on iTunes and leave us a review! itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tumble-podcast/id984771479...more

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• The Code of the Flashing Firefly with Sara Lewis

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  Jul 29 2016

  Why do fireflies flash their lights on and off, on and off? That’s what four curious kids want to know. Biologist Sara Lewis has studied fireflies for decades, and she’s cracked the code of their spectacular light displays. She explains why fireflies light up at night with a story of an undercover experiment. Sara tells us how she “spoke firefly” and learned that female fireflies are surprisingly hard to please. To learn more about fireflies, see Sara’s website and book at www.silentsparks.com. We're proud that Tumble is a free podcast! But we need your support to keep it going and growing. We’ve launched a Patreon campaign to offer you awesome rewards in exchange for a monthly pledge! Find out what our next episode is about in advance, get notified of opportunities to be on the show, receive exclusive educational content and so much more. Find the link on our website, www.tumblepodcast.com. Subscribe and review Tumble on iTunes, like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter. We want to hear from you at tumblepodcast@gmail.com. Firefly photo by Terry Priest used with permission from Sara Lewis....more

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• The Tale of Darwin and the Beagle with Áki Jarl Láruson

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  Jul 15 2016

  We have a short and sweet summer episode for you! Charles Darwin is known as the father of evolution, but he got his start as a naturalist as a young man. He took an ambitious five year journey around the year, studying thousands of species of plants and animals. Many years after his return to England, he wrote The Origin of Species, one of the most famous and influential scientific books ever written.  Áki Jarl Láruson tells the story, at a meeting of evolutionary biologists in Austin, Texas.   Learn more at tumblepodcast.com   Have you answered our listener survey? Help shape the future of Tumble at bit.ly/tumblesurvey    Subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcatcher! Like us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter!...more

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• The Voyage of the Ocean Trash with Jenni Brandon

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  Jul 01 2016

  The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a vast, swirling soup of trash, twice the size of Texas. Can we ever clean it up? That’s what 8 year old Ila wants to know. She lives in Hawaii and likes to pick up trash whenever she goes to the beach. She lives closer to the garbage patch than most of us. We talk to Jenni Brandon, a researcher who has been to the Great Pacific Garbage Patch - a place where few people will visit, but where we all have an impact. She tells us how surreal it is to sail through trash, why the garbage patch exists, and what scientists are doing about it. To find out more, visit tumblepodcast.com Marine debris photo courtesy of Jenni Brandon....more

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• The Case of the Invisibility Cloak with Andrea Alu

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  Jun 17 2016

  What are invisibility cloaks made of, and when can we buy them in gift shops? That's right, invisibility cloaks are not just for wizards anymore. We get into the very real science of invisibility with Dr. Andrea Alu. Dr. Alu is one of the leading scientists working on "cloaking." We learn how scientists are playing with the laws of physics and optics to turn fantasy into scientific reality.  Have a question for Tumble? Send us a recording with your name, age, question, what you think the answer is, and how scientists might find out. Email it to tumblepodcast@gmail.com! If you love Tumble, support us by writing a review on iTunes or donating on our website. For more about Kids Listen, a new awesome organization for kids podcasts, visit kidslisten.org....more

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• The Journey to the Deepest Part of the Ocean with Gaelin Rosenwaks

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  Jun 01 2016

  Where is the deepest part of the ocean, and have we been there in person? Ocean explorer Gaelin Rosenwaks answers with an amazing story of the first explorers to dive to a mysterious place called Challenger Deep. It's filled with awesome adventure, incredible risk, and awe-inspiring reward. This is a journey that changed the way we understand the ocean. Love Tumble? Leave us a review on iTunes! Want to be on the show? Send us a question! Record yourself asking the question, and tell us what you think the answer is and how scientists might find the answer. Would you support Tumble? Donate on our website, www.tumblepodcast.com....more

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• The Hunt for Black Holes with Karl Gebhardt

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  May 18 2016

  How do black holes work? And how do we learn about them, if they're impossible to see? We talk to Dr. Karl Gebhardt, who has helped discover over half of the black holes that astronomers have ever found. Light cannot escape from a black hole, which means that they are impossible to see. We find out the secret to finding black holes, and how what happens inside might explain mysteries of gravity. Astronomy adventures are ahead in this episode!    Music in this episode is by Secret Agent 23 Skidoo from his upcoming album, Infinity Plus One.   Ask us a question, listen to more episodes, and donate at tumblepodcast.com. Subscribe to Tumble Science Podcast for Kids and review on iTunes. Follow on Facebook and Twitter. Thanks for listening!...more

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• The Mystery of When Brains and Sports Collide with Kiki Sanford

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  May 04 2016

  What happens to your brain when you get a concussion? It's common to get hit in the head when you play rough or risky sports. Everyone knows a concussion makes you woozy for a while. But the impacts of repeated concussions can last much longer. Learn how American football players have helped scientists unravel a mystery that could change the way that sports are played. With Dr. Kiki Sanford, host of the wonderful podcast This Week in Science. We want to see your ideas about how to keep your brain safe while playing sports or walking down the street! Email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com. Enjoy the show? Rate us on iTunes, find us on Facebook, and follow us on Twitter....more

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• The Adventure of The Explorers Club with Richard Garriott

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  Apr 13 2016

  We take you inside the famed Explorers Club in New York City, where we meet a real explorer! Richard Garriott de Cayeux has been around the world and into space on scientific expeditions. He shares the stories of famous explorers and his own family expeditions – beginning with his astronaut dad. Plus, he explains on how to find a real meteorite near your house! If you want to see some of the amazing collections of Explorer’s Club history, watch video tours on our blog at http://www.tumblepodcast.com We’re looking for your questions for ocean explorer Gaelin Rosenwaks. Send a recording of your question to tumblepodcast@gmail.com by April 26, 2016. Love our show? Leave us a review on iTunes! https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tumble-podcast/id984771479...more

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• The Quest for the Edge of the Universe with Katie Mack

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  Mar 30 2016

  Does the universe go on forever? Or does it have an edge? Jack and Kate have a few ideas about how to find out, involving a GoPro and a rocket. We ask astrophysicist Katie Mack if the universe is infinite and if a robot explorer will ever send us a selfie from the very edge of its expansion. Her answer will boggle your mind. Visit tumblepodcast.com to learn more! Subscribe on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tumble-podcast/id984771479, and leave us a review. Music by Marshall Escamilla and Podington Bear. Photo of a distant galaxy cluster courtesy of NASA, ESA, CXC, NRAO/AUI/NSF, STScI, and R. van Weeren (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics)....more

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• The Puzzle of the Friendly Dog with Mia Cobb and Krista Macpherson

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  Mar 17 2016

  What makes dogs loyal? This question comes from Amalia, a sixth grade student. We ask two different dog scientists, and their answers will surprise you. We learn about an experiment that tests dogs’ loyalty - or does it? Get ready to get inside the head of a dog! We want to hear about your dogs! Email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com, visit us at tumblepodcast.com, and like us on Facebook. Photo courtesy of Mia Cobb.

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• The Cave of the Upside Down Bat with Micaela Jemison

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  Mar 02 2016

  Why do bats hang upside down? That's what fifth graders living in the Bat Capital of the World - Austin, Texas - want to know. We visit Micaela Jemison at the world headquarters of Bat Conservation International to figure out why bats have such weird sleep habits. Plus, why would bats walk on treadmills? They're mysterious creatures. This is the first in a series of shows featuring kids' questions. We want to hear what you think! Email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com, message us on Facebook, and tweet us on Twitter. Send us your bat t-shirt designs and we'll share them!...more

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• The Tale of the Bacteria Farmer with Sarah Richardson

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  Feb 10 2016

  Sarah Richardson, a biologist, dreams of being of a farmer. Instead of tending to barns full of cows making milk, she'll have petri dishes full of bacteria. They'll be making a brand new kind of fuel that could replace gas we put in our cars. But just like the first human to milk a cow, Sarah has a difficult job to do. In this episode, she explains how she's trying to convince bacteria to make the things we need - but will they listen? Learn more about Sarah's story at www.tumblepodcast.com, and sign up for our weekly kid-friendly podcast recommendation newsletter. Subscribe on iTunes and leave us a review. Want to ask a question on Tumble? Connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, or email and ask away. Photo credit: Microbe World...more

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• The World Without Parasites with Carl Zimmer

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  Jan 06 2016

  What would the world be like if there were no parasites? You might actually miss those mind-controlling blood suckers. Science writer Carl Zimmer tells us how scientists are discovering the hidden importance of parasites' dirty work.

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• [UPDATE] The Night of the Decoy Spider with Joe Hanson

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  Dec 16 2015

  [Now, with new information on decoy spider research!] One dark night in the Amazon, three guys stumble face first into a new discovery - and capture it all on video. Joe Hanson, from It's Okay to Be Smart, tells the story. Music in this episode by Broke for Free.

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• The Secret of Dark Energy with Jeff Silverman

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  Nov 16 2015

  No one knows what dark energy is or why it exists. So how did astronomers discover the mysterious force that's pulling the universe apart? Astronomer Jeff Silverman explains one of the universe's biggest mysteries. Learn more at www.tumblepodcast.com! Subscribe on iTunes and leave us a review. Music by Noveller and YACHT, courtesy of the Free Music Archive.

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• The Tale of The Brain Scoop with Emily Graslie

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  Oct 19 2015

  Emily Graslie, host of the YouTube science show The Brain Scoop, explains how an encounter with a dead mouse at a natural history museum steered her toward one of the most important discoveries of her life. (This episode contains references to preserving dead animals.) Music in this episode is by Podington Bear. Brain Scoop clips used with permission

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• The Case of the Living Dinosaurs with Riley Black

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  Sep 03 2015

  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.

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• The Mystery of the Exploding Star with Jeffrey Silverman

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  Jul 16 2015

  A mystery that began with an unusual star spotted in the year 1054 took almost a thousand years to solve. In this episode, supernova expert Jeffrey Silverman explains how astronomers cracked the case and discovered what happened in the ancient night sky. Hint: It involves a massive explosion. Music by Podington Bear and Broke For Free.

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• The Tale Of The Giant Toad with Sheril Kirshenbaum

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  May 14 2015

  When a tiny beetle starts destroying farmers' fields in Australia, scientists decide to bring in a giant toad to bite back. But they never predicted what would happen next. In this episode, science writer Sheril Kirshenbaum tells a story of science gone wild. Music in this episode is by Podington Bear.

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• The Night Of The Decoy Spider with Joe Hanson

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  Apr 26 2015

  What does the moment of discovery sound like? In this episode, Joe Hanson of It's Okay to Be Smart shares the story of a fellow YouTuber who stumbles upon an incredible new species while filming in the Peruvian rainforest. Music in this episode is by Broke For Free. Video still is from from Smarter Every Day.

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• The Quest for the Hidden Planets with Dr. Joel Green

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  Apr 10 2015

  Science fiction is full of adventures to distant planets outside our solar system. But it wasn't until 20 years ago that astronomers were able to confirm that they exist. Dr. Joel Green explains how astronomers discover and photograph planets in galaxies far, far away. Music in this episode is by Podington Bear.

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• The Case of the Missing Brains with Dr. Rachel Berman

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  Feb 24 2015

  One man's very, very unfortunate accident made him one of the most famous patients of all time. Dr. Rachel Berman shares the story of how this man helped scientists figure out what the brain does. Music in this episode is by Podington Bear. Photo of Phineas Gage from the collection of Jack and Beverly Wilgus.

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• The Mystery of the Barton Springs Salamander with Dr. Hayley Gillespie

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  Feb 24 2015

  Dr. Hayley Gillespie, an ecologist, tells us how she cracked the case of the Barton Springs Salamander's mysterious meals. Music by YACHT, courtesy of the Free Music Archive and Creative Commons. Photo courtesy of Dr. Hayley Gillespie.

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