Podcast
Tumble Science Podcast for Kids
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 more information and educational content.
Episodes
How To Be a Fossil Fixer
Jan 22 2021
Do you love fossils and dinosaurs? Let us introduce you to Myria Perez, a paleontology-obsessed kid who grew up to get her dream job! Myria is a 24 year old fossil preparator, which means she prepares fossils to study and display in museums. She shares her journey of how a visit to her local museum set her on the path to follow her dino dreams. Myria is an If/Then Ambassador. IF/THEN seeks to further advance women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) by empowering current innova...more
The Tale of The Hungry Koala [ENCORE]
Jan 08 2021
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
Our Favorite Holiday Tradition (with The Secret Life of Plants ENCORE)
Dec 25 2020
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!
The Coronavirus Vaccine Race
Dec 11 2020
How did scientists develop coronavirus vaccines in record time? New York Times science reporter Carl Zimmer is our guide to the coronavirus vaccine race - from the starting line, to the point when several teams are racing to the finish line. Find out how science gave the competitors a turbo boost that could save hundreds of millions of lives. The information in this episode is accurate as of its release on December 11, 2020. Looking for the latest vaccine information? Check out the links to th...more
The Bacteria Cookbook
Nov 27 2020
Bacteria are among the simplest forms of life on Earth. Each cell is identical to the one next to it, sharing the same DNA. So why do they all act so differently? Turns out, 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
Whatâs Inside of an Atom?
Nov 13 2020
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
The Science of Candy Land
Oct 30 2020
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
The Snot and the Whale
Oct 16 2020
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
The Case of the Sleeping Trees (Interactive Episode)
Oct 02 2020
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
The Poop Collector
Sep 18 2020
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
Season 6 Starts September 18! + How To Keep Kids Engaged in Online Learning (For Parents!)
Sep 04 2020
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
The Rise of the Dinosaurs [ENCORE]
Aug 21 2020
Tumble will return with Season 6 in September! In the meantime, please enjoy one of our favorite episodes from Season 5. Craving new Tumble? Check out our brand new audio course on Himalaya Learning at himalaya.com/tumble! 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
How to Become an Astronaut [ENCORE]
Aug 07 2020
New Tumble episodes are coming next month, in Season 6! For now, please enjoy one of our favorite episodes of Season 5, with NASA astronaut Dr. Serena Auñon-Chancellor. How do you become an astronaut? 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
The Wildlife of Your Home Podcourse: The First Suspect
Jul 24 2020
We're so excited to share the first episode of The Wildlife of Your Home Podcourse with you! We think of it as a true crime science story, happening in your own home. But don't be scared - this is definitely a kid-friendly who-dunnit! The Wildlife of Your Home is an interactive, educational audio experience - based on one of our favorite episodes of Tumble! Join me and scientist Rob Dunn for a 10 part series that will show your home in a whole - new - way. Youâll meet fascinating creatures and...more
Announcing The Wildlife Of Your Home Podcourse!
Jul 17 2020
Join Tumble for a first-of-its-kind, interactive, educational audio experience. The Wildlife of Your Home Podcourse is a 10 episode series that will train you to become an indoor wildlife investigator - a rare kind of scientist! 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
Tumble Presents: Tumble En Español
Jul 10 2020
Tumble En Español is Tumble in Spanish! Weâre so excited to share our brand new podcast for Spanish speakers, Spanish learners, and everyone in between. Tumble En Español features six of Tumbleâs most popular episodes translated into Spanish, and weâve got the first episode for you today. Hereâs where you can listen to ALL of the episodes! Tumble En Español is hosted by Nuria and Alvaro. Theyâre native Spanish speakers, and real-life friends of Lindsay and Marshall! They bring their own awesom...more
Tumble Presents: Mystery Recipe
Jun 26 2020
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
Tumble Presents: Stoopkids Stories
Jun 13 2020
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
Reinventing The Wheel
May 29 2020
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
The Volcanic Eruption Adventure
May 16 2020
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
The Tale of the Interstellar Visitor
May 01 2020
What happened when astronomers discovered the first alien from another solar system? This is a true story! In 2017, a telescope in Hawaii spotted a distant object in the night sky, behaving like nothing 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
Answering More Kidsâ Coronavirus Questions
Apr 24 2020
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
The Science of Smell
Apr 17 2020
Why do foods smell the way that they do? A would-be chef goes on a quest to find out, after she loses the ability to smell. Molly Birnbaum, editor of 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
ÂżDe DĂłnde Vienen Los Virus?
Apr 09 2020
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
Where Do Viruses Come From?
Mar 25 2020
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
Coronavirus: Preguntas y Respuestas Para Niños
Mar 19 2020
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
Answering Kidsâ Coronavirus Questions
Mar 13 2020
**Evidence about behavior and contagion has evolved since this podcast was released. Please refer to current reporting from trusted sources like Stat News for updated information about coronavirus.** Do you have questions about coronavirus? 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
The Physics of Basketball
Mar 06 2020
Can science make you better at sports? Sports scientist John Drazan says the answer is yes. John shares how losing a high school basketball game made him start thinking like a scientist. His high school physics teacher stepped in to explain how an idea called 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
The Kid Scientists' Galapagos Adventure
Feb 21 2020
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
Decoding Dog DNA
Feb 07 2020
Why do dogs look and act so different from each other? Listener Finley has two Chihuahuas named Peanut and Maggie, and she wants to know why they have different head shapes. She thinks it might have something to do with their DNA. It turns out scientists are studying what makes dogs the way they are, with the help of gigantic books of doggie DNA. Geneticist Jessica Hekman takes us on a journey through the history of dog breeding and into the cutting-edge science thatâs helping us understand what...more
Tumble Double Pack: Our Award-Winning Episodes!
Jan 24 2020
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 Presents: But Why?
Jan 10 2020
Tumble is on winter break! In the meantime, enjoy this episode from our friends at But Why?: A Podcast for Curious Kids. We know that our listeners are some of the most curious kids on the planet, so 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 Presents: Fun Kids Science Weekly
Dec 27 2019
Tumble is on winter break! In the meantime, enjoy this bonus-size pack of science from our friends at Fun Kids Science Weekly. In this British podcast, Dan takes a look at the 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 to Become an Astronaut
Dec 13 2019
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
The Science of Snot
Nov 29 2019
Why do we have snot? Do animals get stuffy noses, too? We delve into the world of thick secretions with the help of Dani Rabiaotti, zoologist and author of 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
The Rise of the Dinosaurs
Nov 15 2019
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
The Expedition of the Science Ship
Nov 01 2019
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
The Science of Peregrines' Fast Flight
Oct 18 2019
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
The Tale of the Hungry Koala
Oct 04 2019
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
What Would Happen If There Was No Moon? [ENCORE]
Sep 20 2019
Tumble returns for Season 5 on October 4, with all new episodes! In the meantime, enjoy one of our favorite-ever episodes. What would happen if our Moon suddenly disappeared? Would we still have tides? It turns out that the Moon has a much bigger influence on Earth than you might think. Without the Moon, life as we know it would not exist! Rocket scientist Miquel Sureda explains what happened before the Moon existed, and how we know that the Moon is slowly moving away from us. Love Tumble? Wa...more
The Secret Senses of Plants [ENCORE]
Sep 06 2019
Tumble will return with all new episodes starting October 5! Until then, listen to one of our favorite episodes. "Do plants feel pain?" Jude's question leads us to stunning discoveries about what plants feel, what theyhear, and even what they talk about! Biologist Heidi Appel reveals how scientists learned about plants' inner lives, and tell sus the story of how she discovered "listening" plants. You'll never look at plants the same way again. We rely on listener support to keep making the sh...more
Tumble Presents: Earth Rangers
Aug 23 2019
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
Tumble Presents: The Past & The Curious
Aug 09 2019
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
Tumble Presents: Circle Round
Jul 26 2019
Lindsay and Marshall welcomed their son Jamie in June! While we get adjusted to newborn life, we have some pod-friends filling in for us. First up: Our older 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
The Explorer's Road Trip
Jul 12 2019
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
Science of Poop with Mary Roach [EXTENDED CUT]
Jun 28 2019
Everybody poops. But why? To find out, science writer Mary Roach takes us on a journey into the alimentary canal - that's the tube that runs from our mouth to our rectum. Along the way, we learn about pooping in space, and how someone else's poop might one day save your life! We love all science here at Tumble, but poop science holds a special place in our hearts. We hope you enjoy this extended cut of âThe Secret Life of Poopâ where we learn more about why poop is not only funny, but important ...more
The Voyage of the Ocean Trash with Jenni Brandon [EXTENDED CUT]
Jun 14 2019
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a vast, swirling soup of trash, twice the size of Texas. Can we ever clean it up? 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
Tumble Season 4 Favorites with The Show About Science!
May 31 2019
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
The Butterflies of Paris
May 17 2019
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
The Hurricane of the Future
May 03 2019
Why are hurricanes so powerful? Every year, monster storms develop in the Atlantic Ocean from June until November. It seems like they come out of nowhere. But scientists are working to predict them months, years, and even decades before they start. 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
The Launch of the Irish Satellite
Apr 19 2019
How does a country start its own space program? Come with us to Ireland to find out, and meet one of the students whose childhood dreams of launching a satellite are about to come true. Lana Salmon is part of a team from University College Dublin building 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
The Science of Whiskers
Apr 05 2019
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
The Tale of the High School Astronomer
Mar 22 2019
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
The Secret to Cheetahsâ Super Speed
Mar 08 2019
How do cheetahs get their super speed? We talk to a cheetah scientist to find out why a spotted cat is the fastest animal on Earth. Cheetahs are literally built for speed! Anne Hilborn spent months scoping out cheetahs on the hunt in the grasslands of the Serengeti. 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
The Search at Edge of the Solar System
Feb 22 2019
Is there a hard edge to the solar system? This question led to a big, breakthrough discovery that changed the way we picture the solar system - and every other solar system in the universe. The Kuiper Belt is a gigantic field of small, icy objects beyond Neptune, 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
Hamster Versus Bacteria
Feb 08 2019
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
The Superpower of the Secret Names
Jan 25 2019
How do species get their scientific names? To find out, Lindsay and Marshall take a field trip behind the scenes at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. 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
The Cave of the Underground Astronauts
Jan 11 2019
Do you love fossils, adventure, and spending time in small spaces? If so, you could become an underground astronaut! Marina Elliot, Becca Peixotto, and Kenni Molopyane found this unusual job description through a Facebook ad, and landed deep inside a cave that few people can access. The team of archeologists talked to Tumble in the middle of excavating Homo Naledi, one of the biggest recent discoveries on the human family tree. Find out how they squeeze through a 7 inch gap on their daily commut...more
The Animal Road Trip Adventure
Dec 21 2018
Join us for a journey through Tumble's favorite animal episodes! Swim with whale sharks in Mexico, climb mountains with pikas, travel back in time to discover our earliest primate relatives, and more. Download two hours of stories of animal science discovery, and you'll be all set to turn your road trip into an animal adventure. For a collection of episodes about astronomy, check out The Road Trip To Outer Space. We'll be back January 11 with brand new episodes. Have a great holiday!
Discover the Wildlife of Your Home
Dec 07 2018
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
Inside the Bat Cave (BONUS EPISODE)
Nov 23 2018
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
Tumble Presents: Becoming Mother Nature
Nov 09 2018
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
The Mask of the Crow Scientist
Oct 26 2018
Not a true crime story, but a true science story! Starring a murder of crows, a person in a creepy mask, and one very curious scientist named Kaeli Swift. We unravel the mystery of what appears like scene from a Halloween fright night, but is actually an experiment designed to reveal the reasons for some very weird crow behavior. Turns out, you can get a lot of strange looks on the road to science discovery. NOTE: This episode is about the scientific study of death in animals. No animals die in...more
Pluto and the Planetary Pandemonium
Oct 12 2018
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
What Would Earth Be Like If Volcanoes Didnât Exist?
Sep 28 2018
A volcanologist imagines a world without volcanoes, and tells us how her recipe for homemade lava bombs might lead to discoveries about ancient volcanoes in outer space! It turns out that volcanoes do more for planets than create natural pyrotechnic displays. 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
The Journey to the Bat Cave
Sep 14 2018
Join us on a field trip to the biggest bat colony in the world! Bracken Cave is home to 15 million Mexican free-tailed bats. 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
The Science Splash Jam! Live
Aug 31 2018
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
The Case of the Shrinking Laboratory
Aug 17 2018
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
The Girl Who Spoke Science
Aug 03 2018
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
The Snapdragon Hunt
Jul 20 2018
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
Mailbag Episode With Joe Hanson!
Jul 06 2018
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
The Road Trip to Outer Space
Jun 22 2018
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
Tumble Presents: Young Ben Franklin
Jun 08 2018
**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
The Barcelona Supercomputer Adventure
Jun 01 2018
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
The Sleep Camp Experiment
May 18 2018
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 There Was No Moon?
May 04 2018
What would happen if our Moon suddenly disappeared? Would we still have tides? It turns out that the Moon has a much bigger influence on Earth than you might think. Without the Moon, life as we know it would not exist! Rocket scientist Miquel Sureda explains what happened before the Moon existed, and how we know that the Moon is slowly moving away from us. Plus, we have a special treat for you - we made up a story about the Moonâs disappearance with our friends from What If World! For more inf...more
The Power of Pika Scientists
Apr 20 2018
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
The Weather Balloon, the Girl Scouts, and the Unicorn
Apr 06 2018
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
Dinosaur Poop Part 2: The Coprolite Queen
Mar 23 2018
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
Dinosaur Poop Part 1: Who Dung It?
Mar 09 2018
Call it fossil feces, dinosaur dung, or preserved poo. This is the first of a two part series on dinosaur poop! We kick it off with the modern-day science of coprolites. Paleontologist Karen Chin shares how she cracked the case of a mysterious coprolite, and discovered a different dinosaur diet. STAY TUNED for the next episode in the series, about a pioneering female paleontologist and a very unusual family of scientists, who discovered that funny looking rocks were actually ancient dung. Th...more
Marshall's Mailbag: The Sequel
Feb 23 2018
Return of the mailbag! The Tumble inbox is filling up with questions, and Marshall scrambles to answer them while Lindsay relaxes with a glass of lemonade. We find out why rainbows 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
The Surprising Story of Sea Stars' Sticky Feet
Feb 09 2018
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
The Secret Senses of Plants
Jan 26 2018
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
How to Build a Robotic Eel
Dec 22 2017
Meet Envirobot, a robotic eel who slithers along the surface of the water, seeking the source of water pollution. The future is here, and it's full of swimming robots! We meet members of the team behind Envirobot, Bezhad Bayat and Alessandro Crespi. They tell us what it takes to turn a swimming animal into a robot - the twists, the turns, the technology, and the math. If you could design a robot based on a swimming animal, what would it be and why? What would it do? We want to hear your ideas, ...more
The Case of the Sparkly Mineral
Dec 08 2017
"How are minerals made?" "What makes rocks sparkly?" Mary Lou and Tilly are curious about minerals, the chemical compounds that make up rocks! Get ready for a behind-the-scenes tour of the Field Museum in Chicago! Collections manager Jim Holstein opens cabinets containing some of the most exceptional minerals in the world. Find out how scientists have classified minerals for hundreds of years, and why some minerals glow in the dark. Do you have a rock collection? Or any kind of collection? How ...more
Mission CO2 to Mars
Nov 24 2017
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
Marshall's Mailbag Episode!
Nov 10 2017
It's a mail bag episode! While Lindsay is away, Marshall is going through a bunch of listener questions and answering them as best he can. Do monkeys get ice cream headaches? Why is Play-doh so salty? Listen to find out the answer to this and more in this special episode of Tumble. If you want to submit a question for Marshall & Lindsay to answer, go visit our website at http://sciencepodcastforkids.com.
We Ain't Afraid of No Ghosts: A Tumble Halloween
Oct 27 2017
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.)
BONUS EPISODE: Kidcast Sampler!
Oct 25 2017
We often talk about how there are so many great kid podcasts out there to discover. Now, we're bringing those podcasts directly to you, in this sampler pack of a bonus episode! Find these podcasts and more at applepodcasts.com/kids You'll hear some of our favorite podcasts for kids. We really believe that listening to podcasts for kids with our son has brought something truly special into our lives, that we couldn't get with any other type of media. We've heard from listeners that Tumble has t...more
Why Words?! How We Learn Language
Oct 20 2017
Children are the best language learners, says psycholinguist Evan Kidd. But how do children learn languages so easily, and why is learning another language so hard when you're an adult? It's something we've been wondering since we moved to Barcelona, Spain this summer. Evan Kidd shares his quest to put together the complex puzzle of how humans learn language. What he's discovered might change the way you think about your own native tongue. To join us on our adventures in Barcelona, plus get acc...more
The Electric Detectives
Oct 06 2017
Where does electricity come from? That's what listener Ati wants to know. Lindsay and Marshall get on the case of a massive blackout that plunged 50 million people into darkness Scientist and engineer Mike Legatt helps us solve the mystery. We made a cool electric grid scavenger hunt for this episode that you can download for free on our Patreon Page! Subscribe at the $5 level (or higher!) to find more great activities like this one. You can also listen to Tumble on the BRAND NEW Kids Listen A...more
The Solar Systemâs Wild Ride
Sep 22 2017
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.com...more
The Magic Memory Molecule
Sep 08 2017
How does our brain remember things? Neuroscientist Andre Fenton found that question has no easy answers. Andre has spent years experimenting with PKMZeta, a tiny molecule he believes is the key to forming memories. But what if 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 Patr...more
Season 3 Starts September 8!
Aug 21 2017
Tumble will be back with all new episodes this fall! Make sure you're subscribed to Tumble to get the first episode on September 8. This season, expect more great stories about science discovery, from around the world! Thanks to listeners Kinnari, Ash, Liesel, Caroline, and Rosemary for helping us record our message. Have a science question? Want to send us a drawing? Know of a scientist we should interview? Email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com. To support the show, go to patreon.com/tumblepod...more
The Science of Poop with Mary Roach
Jun 16 2017
Everybody poops. But why? To find out, science writer Mary Roach takes us on a journey into the alimentary canal - that's the tube that runs from our mouth to our rectum. Along the way, we learn about pooping in space, and how someone else's poop might one day save your life! Have you been looking for an easy way to find more great podcasts for kids like Tumble? Or maybe you want a place for your kids to listen and discover podcasts on their own. We have great news for you! With Kids Listen, weâ...more
The Call of the Antarctic Dinosaur with Julia Clarke
Jun 02 2017
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 scientists ...more
The Quest of the Alien Hunter with Seth Shostak
May 19 2017
Are we alone in the universe, or are there other life forms out there? That's what Daniel, a listener from New Zealand, wants to know. Scientists have been searching for the answer with a surprising tool: radio. But this isn't any old radio. Seth Shostak, senior astronomer at the SETI Institute, shares the story of how the search for intelligent life got started, and where it's headed. Are you a teacher or homeschooling parent? Tell us how you use Tumble! Email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com. We ...more
The Sign of the Ninja Virus with Jasdave Chahal and Omar Khan
May 05 2017
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 love...more
The Skull of the Ancient Primate with Chris Kirk
Apr 21 2017
Who is the oldest primate, and is it our great-great-great grandfather? Listener Elena's question takes us into a laboratory chock full of fossils, and brings us back to the impact that killed most of the dinosaurs. Anthropologist Chris Kirk introduces us to our very ancient - and very tiny - ancestors. Visit our blog at tumblepodcast.com to see photos of Rooneyia and Mahgarita, as well as a tour of the Vertebrate Paleontology Lab! We have resources to get started with your own fossil hunt. If y...more
The Puzzle of the Flipping Cats with Greg Gbur
Apr 07 2017
Wonder why a cat always lands on its feet? It's a question that stumped scientists for over a hundred years. Some suspected that mischievous cats were breaking the laws of physics! Was it the catnip? Or was it a mystery of physics? Physicist Greg Gbur helps us break the case... with the first ever cat video. Check out the original flipping cat photos and film, as well as a video of cats weightless in zero gravity (!!) on our blog at sciencepodcastforkids.com. You'll also find visual explanations...more
The Case of the Whale Shark Party with Rafael de la Parra
Mar 24 2017
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 he...more
A Year on Mars with Sheyna Gifford
Mar 10 2017
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 kidslis...more
The People of the Snow with Kelly Elder
Feb 24 2017
The People of the Snow with Kelly Elder Why does it snow, where does it snow, and why are snowflakes not the same size or shape? We jump into a pile of snow questions, and find a very different kind of science in the snowy Arctic. Kelly Elder, a snow hydrologist, tells the story of how scientists work with the Inuit people to understand how snow is changing in a warming world. More information about this episode on our blog at tumblepodcast.com For an ad-free version of the podcast, educational ...more
The Secret Life of Your Shower with Noah Fierer
Feb 10 2017
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 participat...more
The Tower of the Vomiting Robot with Anna Rothschild
Jan 27 2017
We dive into the gross side of science with Anna Rothschild, host of the PBS/NOVA series Gross Science! Anna tells us how a robot named Vomiting Larry helped scientists discover how to stop the spread of a potentially deadly sickness. Plus, fourth graders tell us what they think is gross, and we learn why talking about poop can be important for your health. What do YOU think is gross? What does Vomiting Larry look like? Send your questions and drawings to tumblepodcast@gmail.com, or use our cont...more
Journey to the Center of the Earth with Ta-Shana Taylor
Jan 13 2017
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 patreon...more
Season 2 Coming Soon!
Jan 06 2017
It's almost here! We've got brand new episodes of Tumble starting January 13. Here's a quick sample of what's to come. Subscribe now on iTunes or wherever you listen to podcasts. Have an Android? Try our partner Wondery's new app on Google Play!
The Voyage of the Ocean Trash with Jenni Brandon [ENCORE]
Dec 16 2016
Our friends Andrew & Polly from the podcast Ear Snacks introduce their favorite Tumble episode. Listener Ilya asks if there's a way to remove all the trash from the ocean. Scientist Jenni Brandon helps us investigate the Great Pacific Garbage Patch - a vast, swirling soup of trash, twice the size of Texas. Stay tuned to the end of the episode to hear how listeners suggested solving this huge environmental problem. Tumble t-shirts are now available in kid's, men's, and women's sizes. Get your...more
The Secrets of Bugs and Bats [BONUS EPISODE]
Dec 09 2016
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 week...more
The Case of the Invisibility Cloak with Andrea Alu [ENCORE]
Dec 02 2016
Invisibility cloaks: Not just for wizards? Listener Quinn introduces his favorite Tumble episode, where we explore the very real science behind invisibility! Tumble t-shirts are now available in kid's, men's, and women's sizes. Get yours at sciencepodcastforkids.com/shop! Is Tumble a part of your daily routine? Show your love by pledging to our Patreon at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Lastly, we could use your help with an audience survey for our partner, Wondery! Go to wondery.com/survey and answe...more
The Quest for the Hidden Planets with Joel Green [ENCORE]
Nov 18 2016
Our listener Griffin picked an exciting tale of outer space for this week's episode! Astronomer Joel Green explains how scientists discover and photograph planets outside our solar system. Have a few spare minutes? Fill out our listener survey at wondery.com/survey. Ask us a question, listen to more episodes, and donate at tumblepodcast.com. Subscribe to Tumble Science Podcast for Kids and review on iTunes. Follow on Facebook and Twitter. Join our Patreon at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Thanks for...more
The Puzzle of the Friendly Dog with Mia Cobb and Krista McPherson [ENCORE]
Nov 04 2016
What makes dogs loyal? This question comes from Amalia, a sixth grade student. We ask two different dog scientists, and their answers will surprise you. We learn about an experiment that tests 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!
The Laboratory of the Haunted House with Margee Kerr
Oct 31 2016
Why do people get scared and how? We ask Dr. Margee Kerr, a scientist who studies the science of fear. She once set up a basement lab in a Halloween haunted house to understand why people sign up to get scared. She found out that going to a house of horror is actually a lot like doing yoga! Find out why, and how to scare a scientist. Correction: On this episode, we referred to the woman in Sebastin's recording as his mom. She is his step-mom. Ask us a question, listen to more episodes, and donat...more
The Hunt for Black Holes with Karl Gebhardt [ENCORE]
Oct 21 2016
A fan favorite episode, now with new black hole discoveries! We answer our first listener question, how do black holes work? We talk to Dr. Karl Gebhardt, who has helped discover over half of the black holes that astronomers have ever found. Light cannot escape from a black hole, which means that they are impossible to see. We find out the secret to finding black holes, and how what happens inside might explain mysteries of gravity. Astronomy adventures are ahead in this episode! Music in this e...more
How to Interview a Scientist [BONUS EPISODE]
Oct 19 2016
Send us your interviews with scientists, and they might end up on our show! In this special bonus episode, we'll teach you how to interview a scientist. It's easier than you might think, and it's super fun. You might learn something that changes your life, or at least your outlook on science! Plus, our listener Vida finds out for us if you can send a robot into a black hole. Check out our blog on www.tumblepodcast.com for step-by-step instructions on how to interview a scientist, with expanded t...more
The Tale of the Bacteria Farmer with Sarah Richardson [ENCORE]
Oct 07 2016
Sarah Richardson, a biologist, dreams of being of a farmer. Instead of tending to barns full of cows making milk, she'll have petri dishes full of bacteria. We're taking a break until 2017 to create more stories of science discovery. But we're not going away! Far from it. We'll be hard at work dreaming and making new awesome stuff for you. Stay in touch with us by Facebook, Twitter, and tumblepodcast.com, where you can send us questions, comments, drawings, and videos! This is a great time to s...more
The Journey to the Deepest Part of the Ocean with Gaelin Rosenwaks [ENCORE]
Sep 23 2016
Where is the deepest part of the ocean, and have we been there in person? Ocean explorer Gaelin Rosenwaks answers with an amazing story of the first explorers to dive to a mysterious place called Challenger Deep. It's filled with awesome adventure, incredible risk, and awe-inspiring reward. This is a journey that changed the way we understand the ocean. We're working on a bunch of exciting new stuff for you this week, so we are re-playing one of our favorite episodes. Love Tumble? Subscribe on ...more
The Charge of the Everlasting Battery with Mya Le Thai
Sep 12 2016
Why do batteries - even rechargeable ones - die? What if there was a battery that lasted forever? Mya Le Thai, a young scientist, was sick of recharging her phone. So she set out make make a longer lasting battery. What she created was better than she had ever thought possible - a battery that 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
The Tale of How Ants Conquered the Earth with Corrie Moreau
Aug 26 2016
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
The Meow of the Misunderstood Cat with Brains On
Aug 13 2016
Are cats evil, or just misunderstood? That's what our friends at Brains On debate for a panel of kid judges. Find out what they decide in this special guest episode! Plus, Lindsay and Marshall weigh in on their conclusions. What do you want to know about cats? Let us know on our Facebook or Twitter pages, or email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com. Support Tumble on Patreon, and you can have your name read on the show (and get more great stuff!) Pledge at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Subscribe on iTu...more
The Code of the Flashing Firefly with Sara Lewis
Jul 29 2016
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
The Tale of Darwin and the Beagle with Ăki Jarl LĂĄruson
Jul 15 2016
We have a short and sweet summer episode for you! Charles Darwin is known as the father of evolution, but he got his start as a naturalist as a young man. He took an ambitious five year journey around the year, studying thousands of species of plants and animals. Many years after his return to England, he wrote The Origin of Species, one of the most famous and influential scientific books ever written. Â Ăki Jarl LĂĄruson tells the story, at a meeting of evolutionary biologists in Austin, Texas. Â ...more
The Voyage of the Ocean Trash with Jenni Brandon
Jul 01 2016
The Great Pacific Garbage Patch is a vast, swirling soup of trash, twice the size of Texas. Can we ever clean it up? 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
The Case of the Invisibility Cloak with Andrea Alu
Jun 17 2016
What are invisibility cloaks made of, and when can we buy them in gift shops? That's right, invisibility cloaks are not just for wizards anymore. We get into the very real science of invisibility with Dr. Andrea Alu. Dr. Alu is one of the leading scientists working on "cloaking." We learn how scientists are playing with the laws of physics and optics to turn fantasy into scientific reality. Have a question for Tumble? Send us a recording with your name, age, question, what you think the answer ...more
The Journey to the Deepest Part of the Ocean with Gaelin Rosenwaks
Jun 01 2016
Where is the deepest part of the ocean, and have we been there in person? Ocean explorer Gaelin Rosenwaks answers with an amazing story of the first explorers to dive to a mysterious place called Challenger Deep. It's filled with awesome adventure, incredible risk, and awe-inspiring reward. This is a journey that changed the way we understand the ocean. Love Tumble? Leave us a review on iTunes! Want to be on the show? Send us a question! Record yourself asking the question, and tell us what you ...more
The Hunt for Black Holes with Karl Gebhardt
May 18 2016
How do black holes work? And how do we learn about them, if they're impossible to see? We talk to Dr. Karl Gebhardt, who has helped discover over half of the black holes that astronomers have ever found. Light cannot escape from a black hole, which means that they are impossible to see. We find out the secret to finding black holes, and how what happens inside might explain mysteries of gravity. Astronomy adventures are ahead in this episode!  Music in this episode is by Secret Agent 23 Skidoo...more
The Mystery of When Brains and Sports Collide with Kiki Sanford
May 04 2016
What happens to your brain when you get a concussion? It's common to get hit in the head when you play rough or risky sports. Everyone knows a concussion makes you woozy for a while. But the impacts of repeated concussions can last much longer. Learn how American football players have helped scientists unravel a mystery that could change the way that sports are played. With Dr. Kiki Sanford, host of the wonderful podcast This Week in Science. We want to see your ideas about how to keep your brai...more
The Adventure of The Explorers Club with Richard Garriott
Apr 13 2016
We take you inside the famed Explorers Club in New York City, where we meet a real explorer! Richard Garriott de Cayeux has been around the world and into space on scientific expeditions. He shares the stories of famous explorers and his own family expeditions 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
The Quest for the Edge of the Universe with Katie Mack
Mar 30 2016
Does the universe go on forever? Or does it have an edge? Jack and Kate have a few ideas about how to find out, involving a GoPro and a rocket. We ask astrophysicist Katie Mack if the universe is infinite and if a robot explorer will ever send us a selfie from the very edge of its expansion. Her answer will boggle your mind. Visit tumblepodcast.com to learn more! Subscribe on iTunes at https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-tumble-podcast/id984771479, and leave us a review. Music by Marshall Es...more
The Puzzle of the Friendly Dog with Mia Cobb and Krista Macpherson
Mar 17 2016
What makes dogs loyal? This question comes from Amalia, a sixth grade student. We ask two different dog scientists, and their answers will surprise you. We learn about an experiment that tests 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.
The Cave of the Upside Down Bat with Micaela Jemison
Mar 02 2016
Why do bats hang upside down? That's what fifth graders living in the Bat Capital of the World - Austin, Texas - want to know. We visit Micaela Jemison at the world headquarters of Bat Conservation International to figure out why bats have such weird sleep habits. Plus, why would bats walk on treadmills? They're mysterious creatures. This is the first in a series of shows featuring kids' questions. We want to hear what you think! Email us at tumblepodcast@gmail.com, message us on Facebook, and t...more
The Tale of the Bacteria Farmer with Sarah Richardson
Feb 10 2016
Sarah Richardson, a biologist, dreams of being of a farmer. Instead of tending to barns full of cows making milk, she'll have petri dishes full of bacteria. They'll be making a brand new kind of fuel that could replace gas we put in our cars. But just like the first human to milk a cow, Sarah has a difficult job to do. In this episode, she explains how she's trying to convince bacteria to make the things we need - but will they listen? Learn more about Sarah's story at www.tumblepodcast.com, and...more
The World Without Parasites with Carl Zimmer
Jan 06 2016
What would the world be like if there were no parasites? You might actually miss those mind-controlling blood suckers. Science writer Carl Zimmer tells us how scientists are discovering the hidden importance of parasites' dirty work.
[UPDATE] The Night of the Decoy Spider with Joe Hanson
Dec 16 2015
[Now, with new information on decoy spider research!] One dark night in the Amazon, three guys stumble face first into a new discovery - and capture it all on video. Joe Hanson, from It's Okay to Be Smart, tells the story. Music in this episode by Broke for Free.
The Secret of Dark Energy with Jeff Silverman
Nov 16 2015
No one knows what dark energy is or why it exists. So how did astronomers discover the mysterious force that's pulling the universe apart? Astronomer Jeff Silverman explains one of the universe's biggest mysteries. Learn more at www.tumblepodcast.com! Subscribe on iTunes and leave us a review. Music by Noveller and YACHT, courtesy of the Free Music Archive.
The Tale of The Brain Scoop with Emily Graslie
Oct 19 2015
Emily Graslie, host of the YouTube science show The Brain Scoop, explains how an encounter with a dead mouse at a natural history museum steered her toward one of the most important discoveries of her life. (This episode contains references to preserving dead animals.) Music in this episode is by Podington Bear. Brain Scoop clips used with permission
The Case of the Living Dinosaurs with Brian Switek
Sep 03 2015
Dinosaurs never went extinct. They're living in our backyards. How did scientists discover that birds are secretly dinosaurs? Science writer Brian Switek tells us how some suspicious fuzz on a farmer's fossil find cracked open the biggest case in dinosaur paleontology. Music in this episode by Podington Bear, Noveller, and Johnny the Ripper, courtesy of the Free Music Archive.
The Mystery of the Exploding Star with Jeffrey Silverman
Jul 16 2015
A mystery that began with an unusual star spotted in the year 1054 took almost a thousand years to solve. In this episode, supernova expert Jeffrey Silverman explains how astronomers cracked the case and discovered what happened in the ancient night sky. Hint: It involves a massive explosion. Music by Podington Bear and Broke For Free.
The Tale Of The Giant Toad with Sheril Kirshenbaum
May 14 2015
When a tiny beetle starts destroying farmers' fields in Australia, scientists decide to bring in a giant toad to bite back. But they never predicted what would happen next. In this episode, science writer Sheril Kirshenbaum tells a story of science gone wild. Music in this episode is by Podington Bear.
The Night Of The Decoy Spider with Joe Hanson
Apr 26 2015
What does the moment of discovery sound like? In this episode, Joe Hanson of It's Okay to Be Smart shares the story of a fellow YouTuber who stumbles upon an incredible new species while filming in the Peruvian rainforest. Music in this episode is by Broke For Free. Video still is from from Smarter Every Day.
The Quest for the Hidden Planets with Dr. Joel Green
Apr 10 2015
Science fiction is full of adventures to distant planets outside our solar system. But it wasn't until 20 years ago that astronomers were able to confirm that they exist. Dr. Joel Green explains how astronomers discover and photograph planets in galaxies far, far away. Music in this episode is by Podington Bear.
The Case of the Missing Brains with Dr. Rachel Berman
Feb 24 2015
One man's very, very unfortunate accident made him one of the most famous patients of all time. Dr. Rachel Berman shares the story of how this man helped scientists figure out what the brain does. Music in this episode is by Podington Bear. Photo of Phineas Gage from the collection of Jack and Beverly Wilgus.
The Mystery of the Barton Springs Salamander with Dr. Hayley Gillespie
Feb 24 2015
Dr. Hayley Gillespie, an ecologist, tells us how she cracked the case of the Barton Springs Salamander's mysterious meals. Music by YACHT, courtesy of the Free Music Archive and Creative Commons. Photo courtesy of Dr. Hayley Gillespie.