Tumble Science Podcast for Kids

Jaksot

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  Why Do T. Rexes Have Small Arms? 11.09.2026 24min

  Why did T. Rex have such tiny arms? That’s what our listener Nora wants to know. We’re going to find out why the biggest, most powerful predator to ever walk the Earth did it with a teeny tiny set of arms. Scientists have been coming up with answers for this question for decades — but science is never settled. Paleontologist Elizabeth Steell has walked into the debate with a stunning theory involving giant heads, evolutionary tradeoffs, and some serious math. Will it convince you? Listen and find out!  Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble and be featured on future episodes: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Shop official Tumble merch: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/ Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact
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  Mailbag: Why Does the Left Brain Control the Right Side of Your Body? Are Dinosaurs Reptiles or Birds? 04.09.2026 18min

  In this final mailbag episode of Summer 2026, Marshall and Lindsay address two listener questions, and learn about a surprising twist of evolution. Plus, listener reviews and comments! To get an invite to the next Tumble meetup, as well as receive birthday shout outs and ad free versions of the show, go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast and support us! For Tumble t-shirts, visit our store on Dashery: tumblepodcast.dashery.com And don't forget to keep checking our blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com for NGSS alignment, activities, and more! Submit your own question and be on our show here!
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  Tumble Science Podcast for Kids Season 12 Starts September 11! 28.08.2026 1min

  Why do T. Rexes have tiny arms? Can dogs actually talk? Do we remember dreams or nightmares more? Season 12 of Tumble Science Podcast for Kids drops September 11th — and we're bringing kids' wildest science questions to REAL scientists for the REAL stories behind discovery (plus the jokes and sound design you know we can't resist). Almost 200 episodes in, and we're just getting started. 🚀 🎧 Want it early + ad-free? Pledge $1+ at patreon.com/tumblepodcast 🌐 More at sciencepodcastforkids.com Follow/subscribe now so you don't miss episode 1
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  The Science of Your Favorite Foods [ENCORE] 21.08.2026 20min

  This is a rebroadcast of a favorite episode of Tumble from season 6. What’s your favorite food? Why does it taste so good? It turns out, what we think is tasty isn’t just a matter of opinion. It’s science! Ecologist and science writer Rob Dunn takes us on a journey back in time, before kitchens, cooking, and even farming! We find out how our ancestors’ tastes shaped our own cravings - and how our experiences lead us to pick our favorites. Curious to learn more about the science of taste? Listen to our bonus interview episode with Rob Dunn on Patreon! Available for Patrons who support Tumble at the $1/ level or higher! Pledge at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. We have free resources to learn more about taste and our ancient ancestors on the blog on our website, sciencepodcastforkids.com.
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  Mailbag: How Do Stem Cells Decide What to Become? What's Morse Code? 07.08.2026 23min

  In this special summer mailbag episode, Marshall and Lindsay help answer three kid questions: How do stem cells decide what to become? How do chameleons change color? and... What is Morse code? This special episode features answers from Jessica Whited, Michel Milinkovich, and Mick Sullivan, from The Past and the Curious! As well as a roundup of listener reviews, and more! For more information about Tumble, go visit our website at sciencepodcastforkids.com. To send us a question and get it answered on our show, go to https://tumble.science/Question. Also support us on Patreon! patreon.com/tumblepodcast
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  The Secret to Cheetah's Super Speed [Encore] 24.07.2026 18min

  How do cheetahs get their super speed? We talk to a cheetah scientist to find out why a spotted cat is the fastest animal on Earth. Cheetahs are literally built for speed! Anne Hilborn spent months scoping out cheetahs on the hunt in the grasslands of the Serengeti. We’ll discover how cheetahs’ incredible speed is linked to their survival - and what they do when being fast isn’t enough. On our special bonus interview episode - available to our Patreon supporters - Anne shares the amazing story of how being photographed while dropping cheetah poop on herself became both her most embarrassing and her proudest moment. Photos on the blog! Pledge at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Only $1/month gets you double the Tumble, and $5/month comes with a shoutout on the show, a birthday greeting, and opportunities to be on the show! Want to learn more about cheetah science, and reputable conservation organizations? Check out our blog at ⁠www.sciencepodcastforkids.com
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  The Plastic Pollution Patrol [ENCORE] 10.07.2026 21min

  This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from last season, and one that is particularly timely for the summer! What if you found out that there was a tiny, nearly invisible type of plastic pollution that’s found nearly everywhere… but you’d never heard of it! That’s what happened to environmental scientist Jace Tunnell several years ago, and he’s been on a great nurdle hunt ever since! This episode on fighting plastic waste comes with a special bonus: the opportunity to enroll in a “Nurdle Patrol” and lead the Nurdle search in your community! Join the Nurdle Patrol Special Agent Training Course at ⁠sciencepodcastforkids.com/nurdles⁠ If you want to support Tumble on Patreon, just go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Ad-free early access to episodes is just $1/month, and for just $5/month you can get a birthday shout out on our feed! T-shirts and other merch (including merch specific to this episode) are available at the Tumble merch store, at tumblepodcast.dashery.com.
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  Mailbag: What would happen if the Moon disappeared? How big is the universe, really? Are there atoms in a black hole? 26.06.2026 21min

  What would happen if the Moon disappeared? How big is the universe, really? And what happens to atoms inside a black hole? Marshall and Lindsay get the answers to some cosmic questions in this special mailbag episode! If you want to have your comment or review read on our show, leave one! Write a review on ⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠ or comment on ⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠.  Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble and be featured on future episodes, and help us decide on Season 12 topics: ⁠⁠patreon.com/tumblepodcast⁠⁠ Shop official Tumble merch: ⁠⁠https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/⁠⁠ Submit a science question: ⁠⁠https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact Watch the Joke-ha-thon here! Other Tumble episodes mentioned in this mailbag: "What Would Happen If There Was No Moon?" (in Spanish). "The Quest for the Edge of the Universe with Katie Mack" "How Big is the Universe?" Cataloging the Universe - Audio Course
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  How Were Dinosaur Tracks Made? 12.06.2026 22min

  This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from season 10! Ever wondered how dinosaurs left their footprints behind millions of years ago? We embark on a prehistoric adventure with renowned paleontologist Paul Olsen! Discover the secrets behind dinosaur tracks and how these ancient prints can tell us incredible stories about the lives of dinosaurs. From the science of fossilization to what these footprints reveal about dinosaur behavior and habitats, Paul Olsen will guide us through the fascinating world of these mysteries left in stone - and share how he discovered thousands of dino tracks when he was just a kid. Join us on a Dino Map Adventure at ⁠nepm.org/dinomap⁠! We’ve created a free audio tour to explore the science and history of dinosaur tracks in the Pioneer Valley of Massachusetts. Lindsay and Marshall will guide you through the place where dinosaur footprints were first discovered - and put you on the path to becoming dino track explorers! Dinosaur Adventures in the Pioneer Valley are supported by The Bement School, The Center School, and HCS Headstart. If you like this episode, consider supporting Tumble on Patreon by going to patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Get ad-free episodes for just $1 a month!
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  Mailbag: Could a Peacock and Platypus Be Friends? Why does the ground keep spinning? Do magnets work in space? 29.05.2026 25min

  You asked, we answered! In this mailbag episode, we're tackling three big kid questions: why does the ground keep spinning after you stop? Do magnets work in space? And could a peacock and a platypus ever be BFFs? We get answers from real experts, as well as reading your reviews and comments! Also, the Joke-ha-thon is coming up on June 3rd! Go here to donate and pick your champion, and also win some amazing, amazing prizes for yourself and your school. If you want to have your comment or review read on our show, leave one! Write a review on ⁠Apple Podcasts⁠ or comment on ⁠Spotify⁠.  Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble and be featured on future episodes, and help us decide on Season 12 topics: ⁠patreon.com/tumblepodcast⁠ Shop official Tumble merch: ⁠https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/⁠ Submit a science question: ⁠https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact⁠
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  Pluto and the Planetary Pandemonium - Encore 15.05.2026 24min

  This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from the past! It’s a scientific controversy of planetary proportions! Is Pluto a planet, or not? You decide, after we present two sides of an epic astronomy argument. Back in 2006, the International Astronomer’s Union voted on a definition of the word “planet” that excluded Pluto and other newly dubbed “dwarf planets” from planethood status. Astronomers - and everybody else - quickly chose sides. We dive deep into the debate and learn that Pluto’s not the only Space Object Formerly Known As A Planet. Then we’ll ask you to weigh in with your opinion, and see if you can find “consensus” on what should be called a planet. Featuring planetary astronomer Kirby Runyon. We have a present for your birthday!! We’ll be doing birthday shoutouts for our Patreon members, beginning next month. Want to hear a message on the podcast just for your special day? Pledge at the $5 level at patreon.com/tumblepodcast. You’ll be helping us make the show, and we also have extra audio goodies for you. Hear more from our interviews with scientists! For this episode, Kirby Runyon expands on the different types of planets, and the fascinating features you can find on each one. There’s more about planets, on our website at sciencepodcastforkids.com. Don’t forget to subscribe to Tumble and tell your friends! See the new "Eight Planets in the Solar System" video here.
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  Who Works Harder: Ants or Bees? 01.05.2026 27min

  Both ants and bees work hard. So which one works harder? That’s what our listener Hadi wants to know! So we’re pitting insect against insect in a battle of industriousness. Ants or bees: Who will win?! Tune in as we attempt to crown the Hardest Working Insect! To help, we’ve recruited Dr. Sammy Ramsey, an entomologist, National Geographic Explorer, and host and producer of the Disney+ documentary, “Secrets of the Bees.” In a series of very competitive rounds, Dr. Sammy shares the research to stack up the habits of ants and bees. Plus, Tumble Patreon members weigh in with who THEY think should win! When you’re done listening, tell us if you agree with the results! Write a review on Apple Podcasts or comment on Spotify.  Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble and be featured on future episodes, and help us decide on Season 12 topics: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Shop official Tumble merch: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/ Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contactAlso go donate to our Joke-ha-thon fundraiser by May 27th at 9 am ET to enter a drawing for AMAZING prizes! https://tumble.science/joke2026
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  Mailbag: Are Animals Ticklish? + New Song! 17.04.2026 20min

  A special “tickle attack” Mailbag edition of Tumble! We’re tackling your questions about whether animals can be tickled, and why we laugh when we’re tickled. David Leavens, a professor of psychology, helps us break down the not-so-silly science of tickling. Plus, a brand NEW SONG from Marshall based on a listener request!  Want to be on a future mailbag episode? With an adult, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, a comment on Spotify, or email us at [email protected]!  Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Shop official Tumble merch: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/ Listen to Tumble en Español: https://pod.link/1521514886Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact
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  Do Trees Think? 03.04.2026 24min

  Do trees think? That’s what our listener Alden wants to know. He has an idea that scientists might study mushroom roots to find out if trees are sending messages. Is that true? And if so, what do trees have to say?!We travel deep into the forest with a young soil scientist named Natalia Mondi from the Mother Tree Project, to find out how and why trees communicate through the ecosystem. Along the way, we’ll discover what trees are asking for, how their “forest buds” help them out, and how Natalia is using this knowledge to restore a forest in Canada, guided by the Kwiakah Nation. Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Shop official Tumble merch: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/ Listen to Tumble en Español: https://pod.link/1521514886 Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact https://tumble.science/JokeContestant
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  What's Dark Matter? 20.03.2026 25min

  What is dark matter? Why do scientists think it exists? How are they searching for it, and why are they doing it in an underground lab?! Join us on the search for dark matter with Alvaro Chavarria, a physicist running a dark matter detector underneath a mountain in the French Alps. We’ll take you inside the lab to visit the detector, and find out why everything we think we know about dark matter… could be wrong.  For more, visit our website! Our question comes from Jeronimo, a Tumble en Español listener! To listen to Tumble en Español, use this link to subscribe wherever you get  your podcasts: https://pod.link/1521514886 Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Shop official Tumble merch: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/ Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact . . . . . Shhh! This link is TOP SECRET: https://tumble.science/JokeContestant
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  Who Invented the Peanut Butter & Jelly Sandwich? (with The Past and the Curious) 06.03.2026 38min

  Who invented the peanut butter and jelly sandwich? And how did it become one of the most famous lunches in America? In this episode, a question from listener Leila sends us on a trip through history to find out how peanut butter, jelly, and sliced bread came together to make the classic PB&J. Along the way, we learn about the first written recipe for the sandwich in 1901, how peanut butter went from a fancy food to a lunchbox staple, and why sliced bread changed everything. To help answer Leila’s question, we turned to our buddy Mick Sullivan, host of the history podcast The Past and the Curious. Mick loved the question so much that he made a whole episode about it—and today we’re sharing it with you. Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: ⁠patreon.com/tumblepodcast⁠ Shop official Tumble merch: ⁠https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/⁠ Listen to Tumble en Español: ⁠https://pod.link/1521514886⁠ Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact
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  Can Axolotls Teach Us to Grow New Hands? 20.02.2026 23min

  Why do humans usually have five fingers on each hand? And what if one day, we could grow a new finger if we lost one? In this episode, a question from six-year-old listener Ayla sends us on a journey from tiny developing embryos to one of the most amazing animals on Earth: the axolotl.  We talk with Dr. Jessica Whited, a Harvard-based biologist who studies how axolotls regrow their limbs - and why humans can’t do the same… for now! Along the way, we discover how our hands develop before we’re born, why evolution settled on five fingers, and axolotls might show us the way to regrow our own limbs.  Plus: why axolotls have to live in separate tanks (hint: they’re a little too snack-happy). Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Shop official Tumble merch: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/ Listen to Tumble en Español: https://pod.link/1521514886 Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact
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  Do Animals Have Friends? 06.02.2026 27min

  In this episode, we talk to two scientists who study animal friendships, in different animals, and in different ways. We’ll hear from Karen Bales, who studies titi monkeys (AKA “fuzzy little guys”) and Annaliese Beery, who studies voles (AKA “the cutest rodents”). Get ready to discover how animal friends play and cuddle - and what they can teach us about our own friendships.  This episode was produced thanks to a generous grant from the Greater Good Science Center. Check out their website for all kinds of awesome quizzes, information, and more! Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Shop official Tumble merch: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/ Listen to Tumble en Español: https://pod.link/1521514886 Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact
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  How Did Earth Begin? 23.01.2026 23min

  How did Earth get created? What did our planet begin as? Why does our world exist? What started our planet? These questions take us back billions of years to learn how Earth formed in the very beginning - and then, we’ll look to a group of mysterious asteroids that might reveal how Earth became the planet it is today.  With planetary scientist Bill Bottke, we’ll hear the incredible story of Earth’s earliest days in cinematic style. And get ready for a journey to Jupiter, where a NASA mission you probably haven’t heard of is heading, in hopes of revealing mysteries hidden in the Trojan asteroids. What could they reveal about why our planet came to host life? Listen to find out! Join on Patreon to help us continue to make Tumble: patreon.com/tumblepodcast Shop official Tumble merch: https://tumblepodcast.dashery.com/ Listen to Tumble en Español: https://pod.link/1521514886 Submit a science question: https://www.sciencepodcastforkids.com/contact
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  The Science of Fungi 09.01.2026 26min

  This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from season 9! Do fungi breathe? That’s what listener Alice wants to know - and we’ll find out in our punniest episode yet! We visit the Fungarium - the largest and oldest collection of fungi in the world with curator Lee Davies, who describes himself as a “librarian” of mushrooms. We’ll explore how fungi live and die, and why there’s so many species left to discover. Watch out for the zombie fungi! And beware, Lindsay and Marshall don’t hold back on the “fun guy” puns! To support Tumble on Patreon, visit patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Our merch store is at tumblepodcast.dashery.com. Go here to get more details about Tumble's appearance at Lincoln Center this February 7th at 11 am! It's totally free to the public!