Orbit: Science for kids on the move!

Épisodes

• What's in the eye of a hurricane? 03.06.2026 24min

  Ever wonder how hurricanes form, why they spin, or why some storms get names? Join Rob, Hank, and cohost Milam as we explore the wild science of hurricanes with meteorologist Steve LaVoie from the National Weather Service! 💬 Submit your kids' questions for episodes! ⁠⁠⁠www.cumbrekids.org/questions⁠⁠⁠ Special Middle School episode extra: YouTubeAfter listening: 3 questions for your family:What did you learn about hurricanes?Steve was very interested in weather when he was a kid. Do you have one favorite topic, like Steve, or do you enjoy learning about many topics?If you could name the next hurricane, what would you name it and why?Keep learning! Activities based in this episode: Create your severe weather plan! https://www.weather.gov/ama/severesafetyplan See if your name is on the Hurricane rotation! https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/aboutnames.shtmlPrint a Hurricane Tracking chart: https://www.nhc.noaa.gov/tracking_charts.shtml NOAA Jetstream, an online school for weather:  https://www.noaa.gov/jetstream Hurricane hazards video series: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwcHGAEiieU&list=PLGSuh25eUsgFsswOq3DVrhg3lzBylEMSt Learn about the Coriolis effect: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIyBpi7B-dE 💛 Support this podcast by joining The Curious Club: LINK🎧 More podcasts by Cumbre Kids in English and Spanish: ⁠⁠Learn more⁠⁠👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A message for parents about our values: ⁠⁠LINKThis work was funded by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM)-Gulf Research Program, Grant # SCON-10001601 (PI: Ayça K. Fackler, Co-PI: Lourdes Cardozo-Gaibisso). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASEM.
• Magma, volcanoes, and fossils! The incredible rock cycle 27.05.2026 26min

  Ever wondered if rocks can melt like cheese, explode out of volcanoes, or travel to the bottom of the ocean? Join Rob, Hank, and special cohost Kenji as we follow the incredible adventure of Walter the Rock through the rock cycle with geoscientist Dr. Lina Pérez-Angel from Brown University and the Geological Society of America. Together, we discover how rocks form, melt into magma, cool into igneous rocks, break into sediments, and transform deep underground over millions of years.➡️ This episode is possible thanks to the Geological Society of America➡️ Learn more about Dr. Lina’s science communication work with GeoChat: ⁠LINKOrbit Family Conversation Starters!If you could watch one part of the rock cycle in real life, which would you choose?Why do you think rocks can look and feel so different from each other?What’s the coolest rock or crystal you’ve ever found?Continue learning as a family!Visit a park, beach, or trail and compare different rocks you find together.Start a small family rock collection and sort rocks by color, texture, or shape.Look around your home for granite or marble and talk about how those rocks formed.Learn more about volcanoes and the rock cycle with books or videos from your library.❓ Submit questions for upcoming episodes: LINK💖 Support this podcast by joining our Curios Club: ⁠LINK👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A message for parents about our values: LINK🎧 Orbit is produced by Cumbre Kids: ⁠www.cumbrekids.org
• Whoosh! How fast are flash floods? 13.05.2026 27min

  Ever wonder what exactly is a flash flood? Are all floods flash floods? We have a fascinating episode featuring Nichole Cronce, a hydrologist from the National Weather Service. Join Rob, Hank and Sam as we learn not only about the science of floods, but how to stay safe when the storms get strong or the river starts running high! Episode Extra for middle school: LINKThree questions for families to discuss: How will we know if a flood might happen? Where is a safe place we can go if there is flooding? What should we bring with us to stay safe if we need to leave quickly?NOAA's Jetsteam resources for families: The Hydrologic Cycle - Great for younger audiences and includes several activities to demonstrate the concepts. (LINK) Flash Floods - more info about flash floods from NOAA (LINK)River Forecast Centers - A more comprehensive understanding of river forecasting (LINK)💬 Submit your kids' questions! ⁠⁠www.cumbrekids.org/questions⁠⁠💛 Support this podcast by joining The Curious Club: ⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠🎧 More podcasts by Cumbre Kids: ⁠⁠Learn more⁠⁠👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A message for parents about our values: ⁠⁠LINK---This work was funded by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM)-Gulf Research Program, Grant # SCON-10001601 (PI: Ayça K. Fackler, Co-PI: Lourdes Cardozo-Gaibisso). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and guests, and do not necessarily reflect the views of NASEM.
• How ultrasound 'sees' inside the body (Cardiac sonographer) 28.04.2026 29min

  This week, we dive beneath the surface - exploring the human heart not through sight, but through sound.Joined by Victoria Rivera, a cardiac sonographer at Texas Children’s Hospital, we uncover the fascinating world of sonography and echolocation. Discover how sound waves reveal the inner workings of the heart, and get an inside look at one of the most incredible careers in modern medicine.➡️ Level-Up Texas: ⁠More Info⁠➡️ Texas Children's Hospital: https://www.texaschildrens.org💬 Submit your kids' questions! ⁠www.cumbrekids.org/questions⁠💛 Support this podcast by joining The Curious Club: ⁠LINK⁠🎙️ This episode is available in Spanish on our sister podcast, ⁠Cráneo: Ciencia para niños curiosos⁠🎧 More podcasts by Cumbre Kids: ⁠Learn more⁠👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A message for parents about our values: ⁠LINK
• Why is it hard to make good choices? (Behavioral Economist) 14.04.2026 28min

  If you *choose* to listen to this episode, you’ll learn all about the science of making decisions! 🧠✨ We’re joined by Dr. Marco Palma from the Texas A&M Human Behavior Laboratory, as we seek to understand how the brain makes decisions, why we sometimes make bad decisions, and the biology of how the body reacts when we’re faced with decisions! This episode is part of the “Cool Jobs for Curious Kids” series, exploring 8 STEM careers and the science behind their jobs! This series is a collaboration with LevelUp Texas, powered by Texas A&M University.➡️ Level-Up Texas: More Info➡️ Texas A&M Human Behavior Lab: https://hbl.tamu.edu/💬 Submit your kids' questions! www.cumbrekids.org/questionsEpisode activities🕒 10-10-10 decisions! When your family is thinking about a decision, talk about how this decision is going to make you feel in 10 minutes, in 10 days, and in 10 months!For example: “If I practice the piano today, I will probably feel pleased with myself in 10 minutes. In 10 days I might have learned something small and be happy about my progress. And in 10 months I might know several new songs!”🛒 Grocery Store Economics! Next time you go to a grocery store, talk as a family about where things are in the store. For example: Where is the milk in the store and why? What is at ‘kid’ eye level and what is at ‘adult’ eye level?💛 Support this podcast by joining The Curious Club: LINK🎙️ This episode is available in Spanish on our sister podcast, Cráneo: Ciencia para niños curiosos🎧 More podcasts by Cumbre Kids: Learn more👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A message for parents about our values: LINK
• Bees: The great pollinators! (Earth Day special) 07.04.2026 37min

  🐝 Earth Day activities for families: LINK Ever watched bees buzzing around and thought, what are they actually up to? 🐝🌼In this super exciting episode, we dive into the tiny (but mighty!) world of bees and discover how they help plants grow, flowers bloom, and even the food we eat! 🍓🌽We’re joined by the amazing Dr. Laura Gonzalez Mozo from the American Museum of Natural History, who answers your curious questions ! 🐝💬 Submit your kids' questions for episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.cumbrekids.org/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠✨ A special thanks to the National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF)! https://www.neefusa.org/🦖 American Museum of Natural History: https://www.amnh.org/💛 Support this podcast by joining The Curious Club: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎙️ This episode is available in Spanish on our sister podcast, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cráneo: Ciencia para niños curiosos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 More podcasts by Cumbre Kids: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A message for parents about our values: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠
• How do satellites stay in orbit? (Aerospace engineers) 31.03.2026 32min

  This week, we orbiters learn about orbiting! 🚀 This episode dives into the science and technology of machines in outer space, zooming around the Earth! Alongside Joelle Romeu, an aerospace engineer with Boeing Company, we learn what satellites are, how they impact our life on Earth, and about the incredible job of Aerospace Engineers! 🌍This episode is part of the “Cool Jobs for Curious Kids” series, featuring STEM professionals responding to kids’ questions— a collaboration with LevelUp Texas, powered by Texas A&M University.➡️ Level-Up Texas: ⁠More Info⁠➡️ Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers: https://shpe.org/💬 Submit your kids' questions for episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.cumbrekids.org/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠💛 Support this podcast by joining The Curious Club: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 More podcasts by Cumbre Kids: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎙️ This episode is available in Spanish on our sister podcast, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Cráneo: Ciencia para niños curiosos⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A message for parents about our values: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠
• How zoos care for animals! (zoologist) 17.03.2026 26min

  Hey there, Orbiters! This week we're visiting the incredible San Antonio Zoo in San Antonio, Texas 🦁🐒 to understand the inner workings of zoos! We're joined by Andreau Papadakis to learn why zoos exist, the role they play in protecting species through breeding and rehabilitation programs 🐢🌿, and the different jobs and education paths 🎓 that could lead curious Orbiters to work at a zoo someday!This episode is part of the “Cool Jobs for Curious Kids” series, featuring STEM professionals responding to kids’ questions— a collaboration between LevelUp Texas and Cumbre Kids, powered by Texas A&M University.➡️ Level-Up Texas: ⁠More Info⁠➡️ San Antonio Zoo: ⁠https://sazoo.org⁠🐾💬 Submit your kids' questions for episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.cumbrekids.org/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠💛 Support this podcast by joining The Curious Club: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 More podcasts by Cumbre Kids: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎙️ This episode is available in Spanish on our sister podcast, ⁠⁠⁠⁠Cráneo: Ciencia para niños curiosos⁠⁠⁠⁠👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A message for parents about our values: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠
• Drones and the future of rangelands (Rangeland Managers) 03.03.2026 27min

  Ever wonder how drones can help scientists take care of wide open spaces? 🚁🌾 What do they look for from the sky—and how does that help wildlife on the ground? 🦌This week on Orbit, we’re joined by Dr. Humberto Perotto from the Texas A&M Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management! He answers kids’ questions about how drones are used to monitor plant health, track animals, map changes across rangelands, and support conservation.We also explore what “rangeland management” really means, why these ecosystems are so important, and what it’s like to work in a STEM career that combines technology, nature, and problem-solving.This episode is part of the “Cool Jobs for Curious Kids” series, featuring STEM professionals responding to kids’ questions— a collaboration between LevelUp Texas and Cumbre Kids, powered by Texas A&M University.➡️ Level-Up Texas: ⁠More Info⁠➡️ Expert guest: Dr. Humberto Perotto💬 Submit your kids' questions for episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.cumbrekids.org/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠💛 Support this podcast by joining The Curious Club: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 More podcasts by Cumbre Kids: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎙️ This episode is available in Spanish on our sister podcast, ⁠⁠⁠Cráneo: Ciencia para niños curiosos⁠⁠⁠👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A message for parents about our values: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠
• What’s a cavity? (Dental Hygienists) 17.02.2026 23min

  Ever wonder what cavities are or how they form? 🦷 Or maybe why we have baby teeth? Or if the tooth fairy travels to different countries?This week we're joined by Prof. Ariana Vargas from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry! We explore the science of teeth, and amazing jobs like dental hygienists, dentists and dental assistants!This episode is part of the "Cool Jobs for Curious Kids" series, in collaboration with LevelUp Texas, powered by Texas A&M University.➡️ Level-Up Texas: ⁠More Info⁠➡️ Expert guest: Prof. Ariana Vargas💬 Submit your kids' questions for episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠www.cumbrekids.org/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠💛 Support this podcast by joining The Curious Club: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 More podcasts by Cumbre Kids: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠🎙️ This episode is available in Spanish on our sister podcast, ⁠⁠Cráneo: Ciencia para niños curiosos⁠⁠👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A message for parents about our values: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠
• The building blocks of the universe! 03.02.2026 23min

  Orbiters! Today we’re exploring atoms - the tiny building blocks of the universe! We’ll discover what atoms are, what they’re made of, where they’re found, how scientists discovered them, and more (including how many atoms are in a blue whale!).We’re joined by PhD scientist and chemical engineer Dr. Fernanda Sulantay-Vargas from Yale University! Dr. Fernanda is also a science communicator, active with the Society for Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE), and the founder of InspiraSTEM, an organization that inspires and supports students from El Salvador in STEM. ➡️ The Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers (SHPE): Website➡️ InspiraSTEM: Website➡️ Follow Dr. Fernanda: Instagram, Tiktok💬 Submit your kids' questions for episodes! ⁠⁠⁠⁠www.cumbrekids.org/questions⁠⁠⁠⁠💛 Support this podcast by joining The Curious Club: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠⁠⁠🎧 More podcasts by Cumbre Kids: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Learn more⁠⁠⁠⁠🎙️ This episode is available in Spanish on our sister podcast, ⁠Cráneo: Ciencia para niños curiosos⁠.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A message for parents about our values: ⁠⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠
• Sedimentary Rocks: Nature's time machines! 13.01.2026 31min

  Did you know that studying rocks today can teach us about the Earth millions of years ago!? We're joined by an incredible geoscientist - Dr. Lina Perez-Angel, from Brown University - to explore the incredible world of Sedimentary Rocks, including what they're made of, how they form, and how scientists study them!💬 Submit your kids' questions! ⁠⁠⁠www.cumbrekids.org/questions⁠⁠⁠💛 Support this podcast by joining The Curious Club: ⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠⁠🎧 More podcasts by Cumbre Kids: ⁠⁠⁠Learn more⁠⁠⁠🎙️ This episode is available in Spanish on our sister podcast, Cráneo: Ciencia para niños curiosos.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A message for parents about our values: ⁠⁠⁠LINK⁠This episode was supported in part by the National Science Foundation Grant 2402100 from the Division of Earth Science. 
• Why do we dream? 09.12.2025 31min

  Ever wonder what happens in your brain while we sleep? Or why we need to sleep at all? In this episode, Dr. Daniel Davila-Williams - a pediatric neurologist from Texas Children's Hospital - joins Orbit to discuss the science of sleep, including: What happens in our brain and body when we sleepDreamsWhy sleep is critical for healthy growing children! How scientists study sleep and technology they useHow to improve our sleep🌐 Website for Dr. Davila-Williams: LINK💬 Complete this short form to submit questions for episodes! ⁠⁠www.cumbrekids.org/questions⁠⁠💛 Support this podcast by joining The Curious Club: ⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠🎧 More podcasts by Cumbre Kids: ⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠🎙️ This episode is also available in Spanish on our sister podcast, Cráneo: Ciencia para niños curiosos.A message for parents about our values here: ⁠⁠LINK
• Mammal teeth: Elephants, whales, humans and more! 18.11.2025 31min

  🦷 Why do lions have sharp teeth? Why do whales have different teeth than humans? And how can scientists learn about animals that lived millions of years ago just by studying their teeth?In this episode, paleontologist Dr. Silvia Pineda-Munoz helps Orbiters explore the fascinating world of mammal teeth. Discover what makes an animal a mammal, why different animals have different kinds of teeth, and how fossil teeth help scientists unlock secrets from the past.➡️ Featuring Dr. Silvia Pineda-Munoz, founder of Climate Ages, a project that connects stories from Earth's past with the environmental challenges we face today.💬 Submit your kids' questions! ⁠⁠www.cumbrekids.org/questions⁠⁠➡️ Coloring pages for each episode! www.cumbrekids.org/color-along💛 Support this podcast by joining The Curious Club: www.cumbrekids.org/curious-clubOrbit Family Conversation Starters!• If you could borrow the teeth of any animal for a day, which animal would you choose and what would you do with them?• Why do you think lions, elephants, whales, and humans all need different kinds of teeth?Continue learning as a family!• Grab a mirror and identify your incisors, canines, and molars. What job do you think each type of tooth does?• Look up photos of a lion skull, a cow skull, and a whale skull. What clues can their teeth give you about what they eat?• Visit Climate Ages to learn more about Dr. Silvia's work exploring ancient animals and environments.• Explore fossil collections from your local natural history museum or online museum resources.• Keep a "tooth detective" journal and record interesting animal teeth you discover in books, zoos, museums, or nature documentaries.🎧 More podcasts by Cumbre Kids in English and Spanish: www.cumbrekids.org👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A message for parents about our values: www.cumbrekids.org/our-values
• The Secret Life of Plants 28.10.2025 35min

  🌱 Plants are all around us! They are green science in action! We're joined in this episode by Charlie from the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami, Florida, USA! 🌴🌿 Listen with your little ones and learn all about the parts of plants, photosynthesis, life, and much more!--🎙️ This episode is also available in Spanish on our sister podcast, Cráneo: Ciencia para niños curiosos.💬 Submit questions for episodes! Just fill out this short form: LINK💛 Support this podcast by joining The Curious Club: LINK🎧 More podcasts by Cumbre Kids: LINKA message for parents from our executive producer about our values here: LINK
• Giant Pacific Octopus: 8 arms and 9 brains! 18.09.2025 30min

  The Giant Pacific Octopus is a true legend of the oceans: Able to open jars, solve puzzles, spray ink, change colors and so much more! 🐙🤯In this episode, we're joined by marine biologist René Carbajal from the Monterey Bay Aquarium 🐟🌊, who shares incredible facts and stories about these mysterious (and super cool!) creatures.🐟 Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch - to choose environmentally sustainable seafood for your family! Info❓ Submit questions for upcoming episodes: ⁠Info⁠💖 Support this podcast by joining the Curious Club: ⁠Link⁠🎙️ Orbit's sibling podcasts in Spanish: 🧬 Cráneo: Ciencia para niños curiosos - ⁠Links⁠🦎 Camaleón: Animales par aniños curiosos - ⁠Links⁠Orbit is produced by Cumbre Kids: ⁠WebsiteContact our team: kids@cumbremedia.comA message for parents about our values, from our executive producer : ⁠LINK⁠
• Titanoboa: The largest snake that ever lived 15.09.2025 32min

  A 🐍 prehistoric snake that lived 60 million years ago ,was as long as a school bus and weighed as much as 100 bicycles 🚴‍♀️🚴? Sounds interesting 🤯 – let's learn more! We're joined in this episode by Dr. Carlos Jaramillo, from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (info)🌴.❓ Submit questions for upcoming episodes: Info💖 Support this podcast by joining our Curios Club: Link🎙️ Orbit's sibling podcasts in Spanish: 🧬 Cráneo: Ciencia para niños curiosos - Links🦎 Camaleón: Animales par aniños curiosos - LinksOrbit is produced by Cumbre Kids: WebsiteWant to collaborate? Contact our team: kids@cumbremedia.com A message for parents about our values, from our executive producer : ⁠⁠LINK⁠⁠
• Trailer: Get to know Orbit! 14.09.2025 1min

  Submit your child's questions: Fill out this short formJoin Rob and Milam as they explore science with experts! Featuring questions submitted by real children and families!Why parents love podcasts by Cumbre Kids: 🎧 Designed for parents and kids to enjoy together🚀 Inspires children’s interest in science and STEM careers🗣️ Boosts vocabulary and language development🌍 Serves as a bilingual resource for language learning (see below)🤸 Includes interactive moments to get the whole family moving🌟 Encourages children to be curious about the world… and so much more!"Orbit" is produced by Cumbre Kids (⁠website⁠).Each episode is available in Spanish! Check out the podcasts: Cráneo: Ciencia para niños curiosos (links)Camaleón: Animales par aniños curiosos (links)