A Common Sense Selection! Exploring stories of science discovery. Tumble is a science podcast created to be enjoyed by the entire family. Hosted & produced by Lindsay Patterson (science journalist) & Marshall Escamilla (teacher). Visit www.tumblepodcast.com for educational content.
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? Thatâs 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. Youâll hear from a puzzled veterinarian, a scientist who studied her catâs annoying purr, and the author of purring.org, the p...more
Why are sloths so slow? Weâll find out how one sloth scientist got crafty and discovered why slowness is a slothâs 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 Rebeccaâs slothsome adventures, listen to our bonus interv...more
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 i...more
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 o...more
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. Itâs available to Patrons who pledge just a dollar or more a month on patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Teachers! Find a toolkit to share polar bear ...more
This is a re-broadcast of one of our most popular episodes of season 7, The Science of Butts! What is a butt? Thatâs 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, âSometimes Butt.â Trust us, ...more
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!
How likely is it that weâll 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? Weâre 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....more
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
When you have to go, where does it go? Thatâs 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 whatâs âThe Great Stink?â Weâll be plunging into the past, present, and future of flushing to discover how toilets donât 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/TumbleTeach...more
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! Weâre participating in Nat Geo Kidsâ Podcast Party: Ancient Egypt in honor of the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tut...more
If thereâs too much gas in the atmosphere, who you gonna call? Gas Busters! Find out how a bacteria from a rabbitâs 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 Cons...more
Take the Kids Listen Survey! Tumbleâs Life Lab Show at the Cambridge Science Festival Spider silk? Mushroom leather? Discover whatâs 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...more
So far in Life Lab, weâve uncovered the power of synthetic biology. But with great power comes great responsibility! In this episode, weâll ask âIs this a good idea?â 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! Theyâre available to Tumble Patrons who pledge just a doll...more
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. Weâll 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 e...more
What does cheese have to do with technology? What does engineering have to do with biology? And why should we know about it? Weâll 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 c...more
Season 8 of Tumble begins September 16 with a special, five-part series called âLife Lab.â Life Lab will explore the incredible power of a new technology you probably havenât heard of. This technology could solve some of the biggest challenges on our planet, and beyond. But with great power, comes great responsibility. Weâll 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, weâll return to ou...more
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 s...more
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....more
Tumble presents one of our favorite podcasts from RTĂjr Radio: Cereal! Deception, Mystery and so much more in âCerealâ RTĂjr Radioâs (not really) True Crime Podcast for all the family. Picture the scene. A brand new TV talent show for kids called âThe Noviceâ. 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 whoâs invented âThe Bog Logâ a product that turns your poop into compost ...more
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.
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 wonât rest until heâs 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 youâve ever wondered what we can do when weâre anxious or if weâr...more
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 OâLantern Science Mystery Buckle up and enjoy this great selection of episodes.
What would Earth be like if our oceans never existed? Thatâs what Charlie wants to know! We recruit Earth detective Lucia Perez-Diaz to help us track down clues hidden within our planetâs 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. Luciaâs also an illustrator, and will draw us an Earth without oceans. What will it look like? Listen to find out. Learn more about how Luc...more
Why do bubbles pop, and why do bubbles have shadows? Weâre in double bubble trouble with two listener questions. Luckily, Dr. Bubbles is here to save the day! Weâll 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, weâll discover the answers to our listenersâ bubbling curiosity. Hear from the inventor of edible bubbles, Li Wei Tan, in a bonus interview episode avai...more
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. Itâs 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 year...more
Why do colors exist in the world? Thatâs 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. Weâll discover what color is made of, why even plants can âseeâ 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...more
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 Earthâs biggest challenges - and how you can help. Learn how on...more
Where did the asteroid that killed the dinosaurs come from? Thatâs what our listener Lucian wants to know. Prepare to hear a âpodcast movieâ about the fateful impact, starting with an explosive collision in space that sent asteroids careening towards Earth. Then weâll 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 theor...more
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 âThe Oracle of Night.â Weâll 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, weâll send you off to sleep with the three steps to exploring the meaning o...more
Why and how do cats purr? Thatâs 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. Youâll hear from a puzzled veterinarian, a scientist who studied her catâs annoying purr, and the author of purring.org, the premier cat purr research website. Itâs a purr-fect episode for everyone whoâs curious about cats. Learn more about cat purrs - and cat smiles - in our bonus...more
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. Itâs on our ...more
What is a butt? Thatâs 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, âSometimes Butt.â Trust us, itâs a fun one! (And yes, we say the word âbuttâ and other butt-related words a lot.) Canât get enou...more
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, youâll 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 ...more
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 1800âs, 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 childrenâs science historian Melanie Keene, we dig into Mary Anningâs story and her place in the history of women in science. ...more
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 ...more
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 ColĂłn and NASA engineer Alphonso Stewart take us on a journey with the worldâs most complicated origami project....more
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 advi...more
What tools did Neanderthals use? Thatâs 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 mo...more
Why do carved pumpkins rot faster than uncarved pumpkins? Thatâs what Ari, an 11 year old podcast host, wants to know. To find out whatâs making good Jack OâLanterns 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 OâLantern last forever. Learn more about pumpkin science, like the shocking truth of whatâs in your can of pumpkin puree (spoiler alert: itâs not pumpkin), with the free resources on our ...more
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 theyâre 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. Itâs the silliest science youâve ever heard, but the discoveries will blow your mind. Learn more about laughter in ani...more
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, whoâs on her third trip on the ship! Weâll 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 nau...more
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 youâre sensitive to sounds, you may want to skip it. H...more
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!
Weâre only two weeks away from starting our new season, with all new episodes, on September 17! Weâre putting the finishing touches on the first episode as we speak, and we canât 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? Thatâs what listener Xander wants to know. Physics expert Aatish Bhatia takes us on a journey into the atom, and explains how scientists...more
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? Thatâs 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. ...more
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 t...more
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 todayâs adventure, weâll salute the sun, splash in the waves, and spot some ocean animals. Get ready to stretch your imagination and your body. You can...more
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 kidsâ 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 ...more
How did some animals start to walk on land? Why were dinosaurs so huge? What did our primate ancestors look like? Letâs 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...more
Would you fly to the top of a volcano thatâs 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 episod...more
How can science help people? Charita Castro is a scientist whoâs spent her life using science to make kidsâ lives better, all over the world. When she was little, she saw something that made her ask a big question: âWhy donât other kids have what I have?â She decided to dedicate her life to helping other people. But she didnât know how until she discovered social science. Follow Charitaâs journey to find out about a very special kind of science! Did you know: Saturday, June 12 is the World Day t...more
Whatâs your favorite food? Why does it taste so good? It turns out, what we think is tasty isnât just a matter of opinion. Itâs 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 ancestorsâ 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 fo...more
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. Itâs 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 donât go quite as planned. Find out what happens on this epic science quest, if seeds will sprout after 141 years underground,...more
Can viruses live in space? Thatâs what our listener Julian wants to know. It turns out, thatâs 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 âmessage in a bottleâ of alien life, and how you could become a real li...more
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 âBurçinâs Galaxy.â 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 ...more
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 âscience version,â we consult with the funniest fish biologist youâll ever meet, Solomon David. Heâs 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, youâll meet fish ...more
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.)Â Turing Tumble is an educational game where players build marble-powered computers to solv...more
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 Barbaraâs remarkable life, and how her experience playing banjo in a jazz band (yes) helped her discover âjumping genes.â 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 in...more
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 whoâs 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 ...more
Do trees fart? Itâs 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 âeven the smallest fart counts.â Youâll meet Mary Heskel, a plant biologist who wonders if sheâs accidentally been studying tree farts, and Melinda Martinez, who studies climate change and identifies as a tree fart scientist. Youâll also hear from Tumble fans celebrating the fact ...more
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 innova...more
Tumble returns with all new episodes starting January 22! Weâll 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 theyâre a koalaâs 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 ...more
A log that poops presents? Find out about Lindsay and Marshallâs favorite holiday tradition, TiĂł de Nadal! Followed by one of Tumbleâs favorite-ever episode, The Secret Life of Plants. Weâll be back with brand new episodes in January. Thank you for listening to Tumble this year! Happy Holidays and see you in 2021!
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 th...more
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, thereâs a âcookbookâ 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 whoâs a creative cook both in the kitchen and the lab - and sheâs cooking up her own experiment of science discovery. Watch Maryâs âcell movieâ on ...more
What are protons, neutrons, and electrons made out of? Thatâs 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. Youâll 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 ...more
Happy Halloween! Weâre 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 letâs 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 Leifâs experiments? Listen to our bonus interview episode, available for Patrons at t...more
How do whales use their blowholes to breathe, and what keeps them from filling up with water? Thereâs no better way to find out than getting up close and personal with whales! Thatâs what marine mammal biologist Justine Hudson did when she collected whale snot from belugas. Snot or âblowâ 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 tr...more
Why do some trees go dormant? Youâll 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 ...more
If someone asked you to collect your poop every day for a year, would you say yes? Thatâs 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 weâre so glad to be b...more
All new episodes of Tumble are starting on Friday, September 18! We have a preview of whatâs coming (for kids!) and helpful advice from a teacher (for parents!). Our co-host Marshall has been a teacher for almost 17 years. Heâs putting together a podcast mini-series for parents on Patreon called, âTumble Teaching Tips.â In this first episode, he answers a BIG question: âHow do I keep my kid(s) engaged in online learning?â Youâll learn about two research-based ideas to keep your child motivated ...more
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! âThe Wildlife Of Your Homeâ has new episodes every week. Use code TUMBLE at checkout for a free 14 day trial. âWhatâs the oldest dinosaur?â âHow did dinosaurs come alive?â We tackle two listener questions in one epic story of dinosaur domination. Scientist Jessica Whiteside t...more
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? Thatâs 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 schoolâs Astronaut Club, all the way to NASAâs Ast...more
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. Youâll meet fascinating creatures and...more
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! Youâll learn about ecosystems, by discovering the unknown creatures you wake up with every day. As you listen, youâll be writing, observing, and getting on your hands and knees to explore. And best of all, youâll be doing REAL SCIENCE - contributing to a worldwide scient...more
Mystery Recipe is a childrenâs podcast about cooking from Americaâs Test Kitchen Kids. Hosted by Molly Birnbaum (our guest on âThe Science of Smellâ), the series is a journey through different ingredients, all leading up to a grand finale cook along! The recipe is a MYSTERYâwill you be able to guess what it is? Today weâre 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 weâll be...more
Stoopkids Stories is a storytelling podcast about Black characters navigating and overcoming different obstacles with family, friends and community. Itâs hosted and written by performer Melly Victor. This episode, called âThe BB Twinsâ is all about dance. Itâs 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 ...more
How would you reinvent something thatâs 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. Heâs 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 ...more
Would you fly to the top of a volcano thatâs 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.sciencep...more
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 weâd ever seen before. They named it âOumuamua, 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 ...more
Weâre back with a new set of kidsâ 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, âIf you were the coronavirus, what would life feel like?â and âCan I play with my friend?â * *Our interview with Dr. Dumois was recorded on April 17, 2020. If youâre listening weeks later, the situation and the science might have evolved, and Dr. Dumoisâ answers might ...more
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 Americaâs 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 pat...more
Los virus son como los ninjas mĂĄs pequeños del planeta. Tienen infinidad de trucos y misterios. ÂżCĂłmo adquieren los animales los virus y cĂłmo 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 virologĂa, el estudio de los virus. El Dr. Jasdave Chahal es un virĂłlogo y nos explica cĂłmo el coronavirus saltĂł por dos especies hasta los humanos, y de dĂłnde saliĂł. AdemĂĄs, averiguamos cĂłmo los cientĂficos descubriero...more
How do animals get viruses to pass on to humans? Thatâs what listener Ian wanted to know. To find out, weâre 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, weâll 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 ...more
Si tienes preguntas sobre el coronavirus, tenemos las respuestas. El coronavirus nos estĂĄ afectando a todos y puede parecer peligroso y difĂcil de entender. Por esta razĂłn, Tumble reuniĂł preguntas de sus oyentes y contactĂł con un experto para responderlas. Le preguntamos al Dr. Juan Dumois, un mĂ©dico pediĂĄtrico de enfermedades infecciosas, lo que todos nos estamos preguntando, especialmente los niños:**** He escuchado que el coronavirus empezĂł con unos murciĂ©lagos y querĂa saber si esto es cier...more
**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? Weâve got answers. Coronavirus is probably affecting your life right now, and it can seem scary and complicated to understand. Thatâs why we collected questions from listeners, and got an expert to answer them. We asked Dr. Juan Dumois, an infectious disease...more
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 âmechanical advantageâ could have saved the last point of the game - and changed his life forever. Join us to hear Johnâs aha moment, and hear his tips on how science can make you better at the things you love to do. Want to hear more abo...more
Whatâs 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 Darwinâs footsteps. With help from their parents, they conducted their own research and got it published in a scient...more
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 thatâs helping us understand what...more
Tumble has won a big award for two episodes: âThe Cave of the Underground Astronautsâ and âThe Science of Whiskers.â Youâll 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 Childrenâs Science News. Itâs an international prize that ârecognizes distinguished science reporting for a general audience.â  âThe originality and creativity that went into these two pieces is rem...more
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 youâre 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 canât wait to share what weâve been working on!
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 weekâs best science stories. And they gave us the yearâs 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 Advent...more
How do you become an astronaut? Thatâs 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 schoolâs Astronaut Club, all the way to NASAâs 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 pa...more
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 âBelieve it or Snot: The Definitive Field Guide to Earthâs Slimy Creatures.â Youâll find out why we make so much mucus, and meet the slimiest animals on the planet. Plus, youâll discover why scientists study slime, even though itâs super gross. Want buckets more of slime info? Weâve got a BONUS EPISODE with Dani Rabiaotti! You can listen to...more
âWhatâs the oldest dinosaur?â âHow did dinosaurs come alive?â 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. Weâre going to find out what happened, and how scientists discovered it all. Hear more from our interview with Jessica Whiteside and discover th...more
Ship ahoy! Weâre taking you on an expedition at sea, to do science on a research ship! With the help of geochemist Jeanine Ash, weâre 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 Earthâs history, geology, biology, and even⊠alien life. So get your sea legs (and ears) ready, and letâs chart a course for science. Hear more from on board the ship, and our interview with J...more
How do peregrine falcons dive so fast? Thatâs 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-inspir...more
How does a koala eat eucalyptus leaves? Eucalyptus is toxic to most animals, but theyâre a koalaâs 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. Todayâs episode is a ...more
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? Wa...more
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 sh...more
What are Earthâs top ten biggest animals? Youâll find that out, and more, with the help of Earth Ranger Emma! Weâre 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, weâre sure youâll love this show. Want to hear more Earth Rangers? Subscribe to Earth Rangers wherever you listen to podcasts, or check out bestrobotever.com, where youâll find more great Gen Z shows (including Tumb...more
Today, weâre sharing one of our personal favorite podcasts, The Past & The Curious! Itâs 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 Rol...more
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 sonâs personal favorite podcast, Circle Round! Circle Round is a storytelling podcast that tells carefully selected folktales from around the world, adapted for todayâs families. Youâll hear âThe Great Ball Gameâ featuring the voice of William Jackson Harper, who stars in NBCâs âThe Good Place.â Love what you heard? Thereâs plenty more! Su...more
If you have a long trip this summer, Tumble has the perfect fuel to inspire exploration along the way! Marshallâs off exploring the deepest, darkest part of the jungle, and he put together the perfect playlist of Tumbleâs favorite exploration-themed episodes. Starting at the world-famous Explorerâs Club in New York City, weâll 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 adv...more
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 âThe Secret Life of Poopâ where we learn more about why poop is not only funny, but important ...more
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a vast, swirling soup of trash, twice the size of Texas. Can we ever clean it up? Thatâs 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 ...more
Weâre 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, âThe Show About Science.â Nate interviews Lindsay and Marshall about the stories behind the science. This episode features clips from Rob Dunn (âDiscover the Wildlife of Your Homeâ), Anne Hilborn (âThe Secret to Cheetahsâ Super Speedâ), Erika Rader (âWhat Would Earth Be Like If Volcanoes Didnât Exist?â), and Robyn Grant (...more
This is the last episode of Season 4, but stay tuned for our special summer lineup! Weâll be back for Season 5 in fall 2019. Why are butterflies so colorful? Thatâs 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 museumâs private âbutterfly library,â and find out why some butterflies are toxic! Plu...more
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. Weâll 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,...more
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 Irelandâs 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 educatio...more
Why do seals have whiskers? Listener Karahâs question dives into the wonderful world of whisker science. Robyn Grant, a self-described âwhisker biologistâ shares her discoveries of how whiskers work, from training a friendly seal named Moe to making slow-mo movies of super speedy âwhisking.â (You will find no cuter field of research⊠but if you do, tell us about it!) Listen to learn about humansâ hidden whisker muscles and find out to rank whiskers like the pros! Want to learn more about whiske...more
Meet Ana Humphrey. She hasnât graduated from high school yet, but sheâs 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 Anaâs story is more than a successful science fair project. Find out how Anaâs love for science, math, and making a difference in her community helped her become a high school astronom...more
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. Weâll discover how cheetahsâ incredible speed is linked to their survival - and what they do when being fast isnât enough. **** On our special bonus interview episode - available to our Patreon & Castbox supporters - Anne shares...more
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, âplanet scrapsâ 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...more
Who would win in a competition, a hamster or bacteria? Place your bets, because weâre 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, sheâs 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. Whatâs a hamster cell doing making medicine, anyway?! If you engineered your own...more
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. Thatâs where we meet Chris Mah, a sea star scientist who has discovered and named over 50 new species! (You might remember him from âThe Surprising Story of Sea Starsâ Sticky Feet.â) Chris shows us next seasonâs hottest new sea stars, shows off his amazing toy collection, and shares the secrets behind his super naming super powers...more
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 commut...more
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!
We're going on an indoor expedition to discover the species in our own home! Youâll 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, âthe unknown we wake up in every morning.â Weâll find out how many species live in the average home (itâs more than you think!) and tell you how you can conduct your own scientific survey inside your house. Itâs an activity that could help scientists discover indoor wildlife all around t...more
Whatâs it like to go inside the worldâs largest bat colony? In this special bonus episode, weâre sharing part of our interview with Jessica Dreyer, modern day Bat Woman and biologist. (Remember her from âThe Journey to the Bat Caveâ?!) 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 ...more
Today weâre presenting the first episode of Becoming Mother Nature, a show from our friends at Gen-Z Media. Itâs recommended for listeners 9 and up. For the rest of our listeners, weâll 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 l...more
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...more
Itâs 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 Astronomerâs Union voted on a definition of the word âplanetâ that excluded Pluto and other newly dubbed âdwarf planetsâ from planethood status. Astronomers - and everybody else - quickly chose sides. We dive deep into the debate and learn that Plutoâs not the only Space Object Formerly Known As A Planet. Then weâ...more
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. Youâre guarenteed to be blown away by volcanologist Erika Raderâs 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: E...more
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. Itâs the largest concentration of mammals on the planet, and itâs made up of only mothers and their babies. On our visit, weâll 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 âbat rainâ and the evening âbatnado,â check out our blog at sciencepodcas...more
This summer, Tumble went live!! and we want to share the science magic with all our listeners. In this episode, youâll 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 youâre curious about Tumble live events, email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com. Our ...more
What if you could shrink your technology down to a size thatâs 100,000 times smaller than the width of a human hair? It sounds like sci-fi, but itâs not. Romain Quidant shows us how he helped shrink an entire medical laboratory down to the size of a computer chip. The âlab on a chipâ uses molecular mini-detectives to track down diseases hiding within a tiny drop of blood. Weâll find out how it works, and why a tiny particle could make a big difference for human health. To see a photo of Romain ...more
Meet 11-year-old Sarah Galvani-Townsend! Sheâs our first ever kid science expert. In many ways, Sarah is a regular kid who loves science. But sheâs got an unusual hobby. Sarah tells us why studying dogs and rabies is one of her favorite extracurricular activities, and how she translates âscience languageâ into âkid language.â To read Sarahâs paper and find out more about Science Journal for Kids, visit our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.org/blog. The original paper is called âOne Health approac...more
Itâs the tale of an epic science adventure. Itâs the drama of the hunt for a dragon⊠a snapdragon! This isnât the kind of dragon that breathes fire. Itâs 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 âfieldworkâ - one of the coolest (and most adventurous)...more
Joe Hanson is a scientist who hosts PBS Digital Studioâs Itâs Okay to Be Smart and Hot Mess, a new YouTube show about climate change. Heâs been a longtime friend of Tumbleâs, so it was a no-brainer to ask him to help answer listener questions! Joe tells us why penguins canât fly, how animals breathe underwater, whatâs 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 Joeâs videos ...more
Got a long trip coming up? Turn it into an adventure into outer space! Marshallâs headed out on an intergalactic journey. Heâs lined up the best episodes on astronomy for your road trip! See what itâs like to spend a year on Mars, take a wild ride through the solar system, find out if itâs possible to ship Co2 off our planet, search for alien life, and investigate black holes with the worldâs top black hole hunter. Youâll be there in no time when time is flying by at warp speed! When we get to ...more
**Recommended for listeners age 8 and up** This week, weâre presenting a new show from our friends at Gen Z Media! Itâs called Young Ben Franklin, and itâs a mystery-adventure series about the 14 year old kid who went on to become one of Americaâs 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 wonât miss an episode of Young Ben Franklin. The full series premiers on ...more
This week, weâre taking you to visit one of most powerful computers in the world! Itâs called MareNostrum 4, and itâs housed in a former chapel in Barcelona, Spain. Weâll find out how scientists are using supercomputers to tackle some of the worldâs biggest problems. Researchers Eduard Porta and Claudia Rosas explain what itâs like to work with one of the fastest machines in the world. See photos from Lindsayâs visit to MareNostrum 4, and learn more about supercomputers on our blog. Itâs the ...more
Youâve never heard of a summer camp like this before. Itâs 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 (âspitsiclesâ). We talk to the scientist who started Sleep Camp, a study thatâs 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, âW...more
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 Moonâs disappearance with our friends from What If World! For more inf...more
For Earth Day, weâre discovering how the tiny, adorable pika is helping scientists study climate change! Temperatures in their mountain habitat are getting warmer, and rain and snow isnât as predictable as it used to be. Scientists have discovered that the number of pikas in certain areas are shrinking â 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 ab...more
What happens when a Brownie Troop goes to a weather balloon launch? One Brownie guesses that theyâll make contact with unicorns in the sky. Atmospheric scientist Gary Morris shows us what it takes to launch the biggest balloon youâve ever seen to the very top of Earthâs atmosphere. Along the way, weâll learn why weather balloons are the best way to find out about air pollution. And who knows? Maybe weâll discover unicorns, too! This story came together when a Brownie troop leader emailed Tumble...more
This is #2 in a series on dinosaur coprolites, AKA fossilized feces! In the 1800âs, 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 childrenâs science historian Melanie Keene, we dig into Mary Anningâs 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 ...more
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. Th...more
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 donât 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. Weâre on Instagram now! Follow us at...more
âHow do sea stars grip onto rocks?â Thatâs what listener Chloe wants to know. To find out, we take a trip to an aquarium to see sea starsâ 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 starsâ spectacular grip - and how they finally got it right. Thereâs some amazing science behind these starry creatures! Whatâs your favorite animal fact? Can you find out how scientists kno...more
âDo plants feel pain?â Judeâs 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 plantsâ inner lives, and tells us the story of how she discovered âlisteningâ plants. Youâll 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...more
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,...more
"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...more
âCould we ship Earthâs extra carbon dioxide to Mars?â 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 pl...more
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.
Why do people believe in ghosts? And can science ever prove that they donât exist? We take a road trip with Dennis Waskul, a sociologist who traveled to graveyards and âhauntedâ 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.)
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 t...more
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 ac...more
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...more
Do solar systems move? Thatâs 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 â 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.co...more
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 heâs 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 Pat...more
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/tumblepod...more
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...more
Dinosaurs didnât 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 Juliaâs 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 scientis...more
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. W...more
Brothers Ian, Sam, and Eli want to know, âHow do vaccines keep our bodies healthy?â We meet two scientists, Omar Khan and Jasdave Chahal, who have teamed up to tackle the worldâs 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 âninjasâ 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 lov...more
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 ...more
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 explanatio...more
Imagine this: Youâre in the middle of the Gulf of Mexico with a big fish on the line. But suddenly, youâre surrounded by whale sharks, the biggest fish in the world. What do you do?! If youâre 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-130âs new name to tumblepodcast@gmail.com. Check out our blog to see photos of her, find out about ...more
What would you bring on a trip to Mars? Thatâs 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 thatâs 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 kid...more
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, education...more
Something is living in your showerhead. Scientists need your help to figure out what it is, and why itâs 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 partici...more
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 con...more
What is the Earth made of? Thatâs 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. Youâll be wanting to âGet Down to the Mohoâ after listening! Thanks to listeners Brody and Liam for sending in their questions. This is our first episode of Tumble, Season 2! Weâve got much more in store, including educational resources! Check out our blog at tumblepodcast.com and Patreon at patre...more
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!
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 your...more
In this special bonus episode, some of our favorite guest scientists answer listener questions! Itâs 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 âencore showsâ left to play while we get ready for the new season. You might have noticed weâve had listeners introduce their favorite shows. Next wee...more
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 answ...more
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...more
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 dogsâ 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!
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 d...more
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 thi...more
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...more
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 s...more
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 ...more
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 wonât 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 forev...more
Why are there so many different species of ants? Thatâs 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 Corrieâs 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 t...more
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 iTu...more
Why do fireflies flash their lights on and off, on and off? Thatâs what four curious kids want to know. Biologist Sara Lewis has studied fireflies for decades, and sheâs 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 âspoke fireflyâ and learned that female fireflies are surprisingly hard to please. To learn more about fireflies, see Saraâs website and book at www.silentsparks.com. ...more
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. Â Ăki Jarl LĂĄruson tells the story, at a meeting of evolutionary biologists in Austin, Texas. Â ...more
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a vast, swirling soup of trash, twice the size of Texas. Can we ever clean it up? Thatâs 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 t...more
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 ...more
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 ...more
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...more
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 brai...more
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 â 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 Explorerâs Club history, watch video tours on our blog at http://www.tumblepodcast...more
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 Es...more
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 dogsâ 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.
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 t...more
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...more
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.
[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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.