Podcasts by SolveItForKids podcast
Solve It! for Kids - The science podcast for curious & creative kids and their families.
Peek into the world of real-life scientists, engineers, and experts as they solve problems in their every day jobs. Kids and families are then invited to take on a challenge and solve a problem themselves! Join Jennifer Swanson and Jeff Gonyea as they ask questions, solve problems, and offer challenges that take curiosity and creativity to a whole new level.
Don’t forget to participate in our weekly challenges! If you do, you can be entered to win a free book. (Different book every month!)
Further podcasts by Jed Doherty & Jennifer Swanson
Podcast on the topic Bildung für Kids
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How Do You Build a Space Station? from 2023-12-12T05:30
Twenty-five years ago, last week (December 6, 2008), the International Space Station was created. Bob Cabana, astronaut and Associate Administrator of NASA, was on that special mission. He is wi...
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Do Animals have Feelings? from 2023-12-05T05:30
Have you ever wondered if your pets or animals have feelings? Dr. Carl Safina, best-selling author, a TED speaker, and a leader in the field of conservation biology. He is on our show to give h...
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What it's like to Blast off on a rocket? from 2023-11-28T05:30
How would it feel when blasting off to space? We have the amazing Astronaut Nicole Stott on our show today to tell all about this and also to share many more awesome experiences that she has had...
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Do All Jellyfish have Stinging Snot? from 2023-11-21T05:30
Do all jellyfish have stinging SNOT? This is a question you probably never thought to ask, but now really want to know the answer to, right? Well, take a listen to the awesome Jennie Janssen, as...
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Why is the International Space Station so Important? from 2023-11-14T05:30
The International Space Station, (ISS) orbits the Earth 16 times every day. But it's so much more than just a spacecraft. The ISS is a laboratory in space that provides awesome information about...
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What Skills do Space Entrepreneurs Need? from 2023-11-07T05:30
Have you ever considered being a space entrepreneur? What is it? And How can you become one? Our guest, Vered Cohen-Barzilay, CEO of Out of the Box Space Innovations will explain how YOU can be...
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How Would you Send a Message to an Extraterrestrial? from 2023-10-31T04:30
If you could send a message to an extraterrestrial, what would it say? What language would you use? How would you deliver it? These are all great questions and ones that we discuss in this fun ...
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How Do You Hack Your Ability to Learn? from 2023-10-24T04:30
Have you every really thought about how you learn? What are your good and not-so-great habits of learning? We have Dr. Justin Sung, medical doctor, researcher, certified teacher, learning coach...
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What Would it be Like to Live on Mars? from 2023-10-17T04:30
Have YOU ever wondered what it would be like to live on Mars? We have just the right person to answer this question. The awesome Janet Ivey Duensing, Creator and CEO of Janet's Planet and the Di...
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What's it like to Fly a Plane Across the Ocean? from 2023-10-10T04:30
Have you ever wondered what it's like to fly one of those giant airplanes across the ocean? We have Cran Middlecoat, pilot and aerospace nerd, on this episode to tell us all about it. Cran is no...
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What's it like to Live Underwater? from 2023-10-03T04:30
Would you like to live underwater? It would definitely be different but so cool! Take a listen to awesome aquanaut Liz Magee, as she shares all of the amazing adventures she had under the sea.
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How Do You Make Sound for a Movie? from 2023-09-26T10:46
When you watch a movie, how much do you pay attention to the sound? If it's done right, sound is one of the biggest effects that makes you feel like you're really "in" the movie. We have the awe...
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How Do You Program AI Robots? from 2023-09-19T04:30
If you've been listening to the news lately, you know that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is everywhere. So, is it possible to get your own robot? Maybe not now, but one day. And when that day hap...
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How Do You Fly a Helicopter on Mars? from 2023-09-12T04:30
Have you every wondered just how difficult it is to fly a helicopter on another planet? It's not easy! Keri Bean an engineer who worked on the Ingenuity helicopter that has flown on Mars explain...
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How Does Drinking Water Get to Your House? from 2023-09-05T04:30
When you're thirsty, you probably just turn on a tap and water comes out. You may not think about how that drinking water got to your house. Our guest, Charles (Trip) Barton, a civil engineer wi...
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How Do You Protect Native Bees? from 2023-08-29T04:30
Did you know that there are red bees, green bees, and even blue bees? We didn't! Don't miss this fascinating episode all about native bees and how we can help protect them from bee lover Julie T...
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How Do You Get a Rocket Ready for Launch? from 2023-08-22T04:30
Have you ever wondered how those giant space rockets are prepared for launch? It takes a lot of planning and testing. We are excited to chat with Nathalie Quintero, an aerospace engineer with B...
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What Would Happen if we didn't have Magnets? from 2023-08-15T04:30
This is probably not a question that you would think to ask, but it's actually a very important one. What DO magnets and magnetism do for us? A LOT. Take a listen to this fascinating chat with D...
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What is an Atmospheric River? from 2023-08-08T04:30
Have you been watching the news and heard the term -- atmospheric river? Well, our guest, Dr. Kristine Harper, is here to explain what one is and how they affect our planet. Don't miss this very...
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How Can you Solve a Problem Using NASA Data? from 2023-08-01T15:21
Did you know that NASA collects all kinds of data about our world? You can learn about clouds, trees, weather patterns, planets, moons, deep space and more. And the cool thing is all of this dat...
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The BEST of Thinking Like an Engineer from 2023-07-25T04:30
The Solve It for Kids Podcast is on vacation for the month of July. But we have left you a great clip of three episodes that show the BEST of Thinking Like an Engineer! Listen to short chats fro...
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The BEST of Space Exploration (to the Moon) from 2023-07-18T04:30
The Solve It for Kids podcast is on summer break! But we have left you a few clips of some the best space exploration episodes to enjoy. Take a listen to Carl Sandifer from NASA Glenn Research C...
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The BEST of Studying Animals from 2023-07-11T04:30
The Solve It for Kids podcast is on vacation for the month of July. But don't worry, we've left some of our favorite episodes for you to enjoy. This week it's the BEST of Studying Animals. You'l...
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The BEST of Working With Robots from 2023-07-04T04:30
The Solve It for Kids Podcast is on vacation for the month of July. But don't worry, we have left a few clips of our favorite episodes for you to enjoy. This one is The BEST of Working With Robo...
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How Can We See the Universe in a New Way? from 2023-06-27T04:30
How do you view the universe? Chances are that answer has changed a lot in the last few years. With all of the amazing images coming from Mars (via the Perserverance Rover), the James Webb Space...
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How Do You Dress an Astronaut? from 2023-06-20T04:30
What is one of the coolest jobs at NASA? Well, if you can't be an astronaut, maybe you can help dress one. Meet Sharon McDougle former NASA Spacesuit Technician, who was responsible for helping ...
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How Do You Get Rid of Bad Breath? from 2023-06-13T04:30
On today's show, we discuss a problem that most people, well, probably don't like to talk about. But, bad breath can be an important-- and embarrassing-- problem. Just how can you fix it? Dr. M...
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What is the Super Guppy? from 2023-06-06T04:30
It's a bird. It's a plane. It's the Super Guppy! Have you ever wondered type of plane can transport really huge objects like NASA's Orion spacecraft? Yep. It's the Super Guppy. We are thrilled ...
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Where and When do Earthquakes Happen? from 2023-05-30T15:15
Earthquakes happen every day, all around the world. Since they are so prevalent, is there a way to predict just where and when they will occur? We have the fabulous Dr. Wendy Bohon, earthquake g...
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Why Does a Spacecraft Need a Heat Shield? from 2023-05-23T04:30
Did you watch the Orion spacecraft come back from its trip around the Moon? Besides the parachutes, what is one key piece of the spacecraft that helps to protect the astronauts upon re-entry? Th...
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What Can We Learn from Volcanoes? from 2023-05-16T04:30
Volcanoes are awesome natural events. They happen all over the Earth and on many celestial bodies. But why are they important? Skylar Hughes, volcano expert, a private tour guide for Big Island ...
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How Do Plants Survive in Extreme Habitats? from 2023-05-09T04:30
Ever wonder how plants survive in a desert or living high on the side of mountains? Take a listen to expert Gardener, author, and broadcaster, Matthew Biggs, who trained at the Royal Botanic Ga...
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How will AI Help Humans with Mobility? from 2023-05-02T04:30
You have probably heard that artificial intelligence (AI) is everywhere, but did you know it's being used to help people with mobility challenges? Dr. Brenna Argall, Associate Professor of Rehab...
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How Do You Slow Down a Spaceship? from 2023-04-25T04:30
How do you slow down a spacecraft that is speeding along at 25,000mph? Bounce it off the atmosphere. But at 325mph that's still too fast. So, you add parachutes, eleven of them to be exact. The ...
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Why are Shark Teeth Shaped like That? from 2023-04-18T04:30
Sharks are known for their big toothy "grins". But what do we really know about shark teeth? Dr. Lisa Whitenack, associate professor at Allegheny College and a shark expert, is here to chat wit...
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How Do You Move a Rocket? from 2023-04-11T04:30
Have you ever wondered how those massive space rockets at NASA get to the launch pad? They take a ride on the crawler-transporter vehicle. We have Dan Zapata, Crawler Systems Engineer at Jacobs,...
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Can You Problem-solve Like an Orangutan? from 2023-04-04T04:30
Animals are so smart, but some of the most intelligent might be orangutans. Take a liste to Dr. Laurel Neme, wildllife expert, author, and National Geographic contributor, as she describes just ...
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How Do You Build a Droid? from 2023-03-28T04:30
Have you ever wanted to build your own droid? Then this is an episode you won't want to miss! Dr. Topher Hunter is a scientist by day, but in his free time, he is practically a professional hobb...
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How Do You Study Manatees? from 2023-03-21T04:30
Manatees, marine mammals, known as sea cows are such majestic creatures. Scientists are working to learn more about them, and they need your help. Beth Heidemann, a Presidential Award math and...
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How Do You Get Energy from the Wind? from 2023-03-14T04:30
If you've seen the big giant wind turbines across the country, you might wonder, just how exactly do we get energy from the wind? It's a pretty fascinating answer! Listen to this awesome intervi...
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How Do You Make a Spacecraft Safe? from 2023-03-07T05:30
When you send a spacecraft into space, engineers need to ensure that the humans onboard will get to their destination and back in a timely manner, but also in a way that keeps them safe on the e...
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What Does a Primatologist Do? from 2023-02-28T05:30
Have you ever wondered You won't want to miss the exciting chat with Dr. Mireya Mayor, Director of Exploration and Science Communication for FIU, and a National Geographic Explorer. Dr. Mayor ...
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How Do Astronauts Live in Space? from 2023-02-20T05:30
One of the biggest questions facing anyone who wants to be in space is-- how do humans live there? It's not easy. There are so many things in the microgravity environment that are difficult to o...
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How Do Humans (and Robots) Feel? from 2023-02-14T05:30
Humans have five senses, of which one is touch. But did you ever wonder if it's possible to use materials to understand just how our brains process information when we touch something? Dr. Darre...
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How Do You Get Materials from the Earth? from 2023-02-07T05:30
Have you ever wondered where the materials come from to build houses? roads? your cell phone? Most of it is mined from the Earth. Take a listen to this fascinating episode with engineer Alexis L...
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How Did Computers Evolve? from 2023-01-31T05:30
Ever wonder about the history of the computer? We have NY Times Bestselling Author/Illustrator Rachel Ignotofsky on our show to discuss all of the ins and outs of computer history. Take a listen...
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How Can We Help the World's Oceans? from 2023-01-24T05:30
Oceans cover more than 70% of the Earth's surface, and are home to some of the tiniest creatures on the planet (single-celled organisms), to some of the largest (the blue whale). How can we keep...
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How Do You Create a Collection? from 2023-01-17T05:30
Happy 2023! You won't believe how we are starting our new season. We are thrilled to have John Corcoran, director of Ripley Entertainment, better known to most of you as, Ripley's Believe It or ...
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The BEST of Extreme Places from 2023-01-10T05:30
What is the most extreme place in the world you've ever visited? It's probably not as far as these people-- and objects have been. As podcast hosts Jennifer and Jeff enjoy their last week of bre...
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The BEST of Talking to Robots from 2023-01-03T05:30
You can talk to your friends, talk your animals, but what about talking to robots, is that possible? Yes! While the Solve It for Kids team is on holiday break, enjoy clips from three of our favo...
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The BEST of Learning About Trees from 2022-12-27T05:30
What is all around you, helps our environment, and provides a home to animals? Give up? It's TREES, of course. While the Solve It for Kids Podcast is on holiday break, enjoy clips from our favo...
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The BEST of Saving the Environment! from 2022-12-20T05:30
Happy Holidays! Solve It for Kids podcast hosts Jennifer and Jeff are taking a break, but please enjoy the BEST of Saving the Environment! Clips from three of our favorite episodes about the en...
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How Do You Power a Spacecraft? from 2022-12-13T05:30
You've seen NASA send spacecraft to the Moon, Mars, and around many other planets in our solar system, and beyond. But did you ever wonder how these spacecraft are powered? They have to last for...
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Why Would You Send Yeast into Space? from 2022-12-06T05:30
Yeast is something you probably eat every day (it's in bread!) but would you ever think about sending it into space? That's exactly what Dr. Sergio Santa Maria, the lead scientist for NASA Ames ...
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How Can YOU help with Biodiversity? from 2022-11-29T05:30
Did you know that YOU can help with biodiversity? It's true! Get inspired by Earth Echo International's program manager, Kasey Gaylord-Opaleski, and youth team leader David Yoon, as they describ...
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How Do You Talk to a Spaceship? from 2022-11-22T05:30
Have you ever wanted to talk to a spaceship? Well now you can! Human spaceflight developer Rob Chambers, of Lockheed Martin, chats with us about Callisto, a unique vehicle-connected interface th...
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How Do You Make Clothes Sustainable? from 2022-11-15T05:30
People often try to be aware of the impact they are making on the planet. They will make sure to drink out of reusable water bottles, use as little plastic as possible, and even walk instead of ...
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How Do You Land a Plane? from 2022-11-08T05:00
Have you ever wondered how airline pilots land those giant planes? You know the big jumbo jets-- or even the small ones? Don't miss this fun and exciting episode with Guy Wroble, engineer and fo...
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How are Sports and STEM related? from 2022-11-01T04:30
Have you ever watched a sporting event and looked for the science? You should! Sports can't happen without science, technology, engineering, and math. We have Sean Barton, the Director of Curri...
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Why Do We Need Sleep? from 2022-10-25T04:30
Did you ever wonder why we need sleep? And what happens to our brains as we sleep at night? We have the awesome Dr. Nancy Cowdin Hennessy, neuroscientist and teacher who explains just what our b...
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How Do You Build a Backyard Habitat? from 2022-10-18T04:36
Want to create the perfect habitat for eco-friendly plants and animals in your own backyard? Don't miss this fantastic chat with Award-winning science author and birder, Sneed Collard III. Grab ...
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How Do You Talk to a Robot? from 2022-10-11T04:30
Do you wish that you could talk to a robot? It's not that difficult to do, just program it to follow your instructions. The fantastic Dr. Carlotta Barry, electrical and computer engineer, tells ...
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Why Measure the Height of Trees? from 2022-10-04T04:30
Have you ever looked up at a tree and wondered just exactly how tall it really is? We can help with that! Brian Campbell, NASA Senior Earth Science Outreach Specialist at NASA Goddard Space Flig...
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How Do You Study Another Planet's Moon? from 2022-09-27T04:30:23
Did you know that Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, may contain twice as much water as all of the Earth's oceans combined? Learn this and other amazing facts from Tracy Drain, the lead flight syst...
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How Can Math Blow Your Mind? from 2022-09-20T04:30:23
If you've ever thought math was boring, you HAVE to listen to this episode! Cindy Lawrence, the CEO and Executive Director of the National Museum of Mathematics (MoMath), will explain how much f...
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How Do You Get to the Bottom of the Ocean? from 2022-09-13T04:30:30
If you've ever wonder what's at the bottom of the ocean, you won't want to miss this episode! The fabulous Dr. Rosa Leon-Zayas, environmental microbiologist, shares with us her special deep dive...
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How Do You Tell the Age of a Tree? from 2022-09-06T04:30:29
Do you ever look at some really tall trees and wonderhow old they are? How can you tell? Listen to this FUN episode with award-winning science author and photographer Alexandra Siy as she tells ...
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How Do You Measure the Size and Shape of a Star? from 2022-08-30T04:30:23
We love to look at stars. But have you ever wondered just how big stars are? Listen to this fascinating chat with Dr. Gerard van Belle, Chief Scientist for the Navy Precision Optical Interferome...
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How is Cloud Watching Helpful for Science? from 2022-08-23T04:30:32
While we all love to do a bit of cloud watching, have you ever thought about the science behind clouds? There is so much more to clouds than just fun animal shapes and rain. Take a list...
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Is it Easy to Land a Helicopter on a Ship? from 2022-08-16T04:30:43
Have you ever wondered how military pilots land helicopters on a planes that are floating on the ocean? Listen to retired Coast Guard helicopter pilot, Elizabeth Booker explain just how difficul...
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How Can You Save Baby Sea Turtles? from 2022-08-09T04:30:49
Have you ever wondered how you can make a difference? It doesn't take a lot of training or experience, it just takes an idea and a determination to succeed. Take a listen to Dr. Marsha Tufft, en...
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The BEST of Flight! from 2022-08-02T04:30:02
Soar through the stratosphere with a few of our BEST of Flight episodes! You'll hear from LCDR Becky Shaw (Why Would You Fly into a Hurricane), Norman Black (Why Do Science Experiments Travel B...
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The BEST of Amazing Engineering from 2022-07-26T04:25:05
Love to learn about the wonders of engineering and technology? Don't miss this fabulous episode with snippets from AMAZING engineering!! Dr. Arturo Dominguez discusses (How To Hold the Sun in a ...
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The BEST of Aquatic Animals from 2022-07-19T04:30:36
Take a deep dive into the ocean with this BEST of Aquatic Animals episode. You'll get snippets of shows featuring Dr. Amy Apprill (Do Whales Have Germs?), Gretchen Burson (How Do You Train a Sha...
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The BEST of Ice! from 2022-07-12T04:30:56
Enjoy this COOL selection of a few of our BEST of ICE episodes with Dr. Ulyana Horodyskj (How are Glaciers Nature's Time Machine), Dr. Will Grundy (Why Do We Study Alien Ice?) and Dr. Alan Stern...
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Can You Use Rocks to Store Carbon Dioxide? from 2022-07-05T04:30:13
If you're interested in how scientists are combatting climate change, take a listen to this intriguing and informative episode with geologist Katrin Steinthorsdottir, who is working with a compa...
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How Do You Count Penguins? from 2022-06-28T04:30:09
If you love penguins, and birds in general, you're going to LOVE this episode! We have the awesome Noah Strycker, penguin scientist and birder, on the show talking about how he counts pengiuns i...
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How Can You Recognize Every Giraffe in the World? from 2022-06-21T04:30:53
Do you love giraffes? We do! And if you do as well, you won't want to miss this exciting and intriguing episode with Dr. Monica Bond, wildlife biologist, as she talks about her experience studyi...
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How Does the James Webb Space Telescope See? from 2022-06-14T04:30:49
If you've ever wondered exactly how the awesome new James Webb Space Telescope will see into space, you won't want to miss this episode. Joe DePasquale, Senior Data Image Developer at the Space Sci...
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How Do You Make Software? from 2022-06-07T04:30:34
Have you ever wondered how computer software is made? It's not as simple as you might think. Listen to this FUN and fascinating chat with Menlo Innovations CEO Richard Sheridan as he explains how c...
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What's it like to Live in Antarctica? from 2022-05-31T04:30:53
Are you like us and you've always wanted to visit Antarctica? Well, this is your chance to learn more about this AMAZING place! Take a listen to writer, artist, deep sea diver, and polar explorer K...
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How Do We Know the Dinosaurs Could Fly? from 2022-05-23T20:54:18
What do you know about flying dinosaurs? A lot? A little? You won't want to miss this fascinating chat with the paleontologist Dr. Jingmai O'Connor of The Field Museum in Chicago. You will definite...
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How Can You Keep Your Computer Safe?? from 2022-05-17T04:30:19
Want to know how to keep your computer safe? Cybersecurity engineer and children's author Ella Schwartz, gives us tips that you can do right now! Don't forget to try her challenge. We can all use a...
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How Do You Train a Shark? from 2022-05-10T04:30:09
It's Shark Week here on Solve it for Kids! We are thrilled to have Gretchen Burson, an Aquarist II at the Georgia Aquarium chat with us about how she TRAINS sharks!! Don't miss this amazing talk ab...
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Why Do Scientists Count Lizard Scales? from 2022-05-03T04:30:25
Why would a scientist COUNT lizard scales? Listen to this FUN and fascinating show with Zoologist Sarah Skebba, creator of EdZOOcating as she talks about all of the amazing animals she has been abl...
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How Can You Become a Codebreaker? from 2022-04-26T04:30:17
Do you want to learn how to make--and break-- codes? This is an episode you won't want to miss! Computer scientist and multi-award-winning children's author Laurie Wallmark as she teaches us how to...
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How do Design a Sensor to Learn about the Deep Ocean? from 2022-04-19T04:30:05
Ever wonder how scientists get information about the ocean? They use sensors! Take a listen to this awesome chat with Dr. Anna Michel, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, associate scientist a...
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How Will Astronauts Get Back to the Moon? from 2022-04-12T04:30:49
**100th episode special guest** We are thrilled to have Jim Geffre, NASA's Orion Vehicle Integration Manager to tell us how astronauts are going to get back to the Moon with the Artemis program. Do...
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Why Would You Fly into a Hurricane? from 2022-04-05T04:30:23
Ever wondernhow meteorologists get information to track hurricanes? Meet a real-life Hurrican Hunter! LCDR Rebecca Shaw is a pilot who flies into hurricanes to gather information for NOAA and other...
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Why Do We Study Alien Ice? from 2022-03-29T04:30:47
Did you know that ice isn't always made of water? It's true. "Alien" ice on other planets can be made of different chemicals. WHY that is important? Listen to this COOL chat with Dr. Will Grundy, c...
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Can the Ocean Give Clues about Deep Space? from 2022-03-22T04:30:34
Did you know that scientists study the deep ocean to learn about deep space? They do! Listen to this amazing talk with Dr. Julie Huber, Senior Marine Chemistry and Senior Chemistry scientis at Wood...
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How Can You Help NASA do astronomy? from 2022-03-15T04:29:17
Would you like to help NASA to collect data from space? You can! Listen to this awesome chat with Dr. Marc Kuchner, Citizen Science Officer for NASA's Science Mission Directorate. You may just help...
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How are Glaciers Nature's Time Machine? from 2022-03-08T05:30:55
Have you ever wondered how scientists study glaciers? Listen to this COOL and fascinating chat with Dr. Ulyana Horodyskyj, glaciologist as she gives us a peek into the amazing world of glaciers ...
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How Can We Hold the Sun in a Donut? from 2022-03-01T05:30:54
What if you could harness the power of the sun in a donut? Scientists can. Well not a real donut, of course. Listen to this energetic talk with Dr. Arturo Dominguez of the Princeton Plasma Physics ...
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Why do Dogs and Cats need to Go to the Doctor? from 2022-02-22T05:30:15
Do you have a pet? Then THIS is the episode for you! We have the awesome Dr. Michelle Clements, veterinarian, chatting with us about dogs, cats, guniea pigs, rabbits, and many other animals. Don't ...
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How Do You Make a Great Video? from 2022-02-15T05:30:28
Wish you could make a great video? Our guest, anthropologist and documentary filmmaker Nick Norris, tells us how! He explains the ins and outs of how to get a great video (hint: light is EVERYTH...
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How Do Scientists Get Kids Excited About STEM? from 2022-02-08T05:30:50
How does a chemical engineer become an editor for children's books at MIT Press? Listen to the awesome Dr. Jermey Matthews to find out. He will give tips on how to get kids excited about STEM/STEM ...
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How Do You Design a Space Station? from 2022-02-01T05:30:04
Have you ever wondererd how the International Space Stations (ISS) was built? We are thrilled to have NASA engineer Lou Ramon on our show to tell us all about it! Lou not only helped design and bui...
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How Do You Make a Computer Brain? from 2022-01-25T05:30:47
Have you ever wondered how engineers make a "brain" for a computer? Listen to electrical engineer Lisa Leinbaugh explain this really cool process of how they actually layer multiple wafers of silic...
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What is Living in Your Dirt? from 2022-01-18T05:30
Ever wonder WHAT is living in your dirt? Horticulturist Kelly Bull is here to tell us. She even gives us tips on how to grow amazing plants! (Hint: you don't have to be born with a "green thumb"...
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Why Do Planes Make a Sonic Boom? from 2022-01-11T05:30
Join us for a supersonic blast off to our brand new season! What is it like to fly over 100 different kinds of aircraft? We are thrilled to have NASA test pilot Nils Larson join us to talk about...
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The BEST of Deep Space from 2022-01-04T05:30
Happy New Year! Start the year of right by listening to some of our best out-of-this-world episodes. They include chats with engineer and author Suzanne Slade, LIGO scientist Dr. Eric Thrane, an...
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The BEST of Animals from 2021-12-28T05:30
Happy Holidays! Check out our BEST of Animals compiliation with snippets from earlier shows with Dr. Sarah McAnulty, Dr. Alison Pearce Steves, and David Brown. Take a listen to these fun episode...
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The BEST of Science in Your Backyard from 2021-12-21T05:30
Happy Holidays! Jennifer and Jeff are on vacation, but don't miss our BEST of Science in Your Backyard compilation with snippets from episodes with some of our favorite "backyard" scientists- Dr...
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What is it Like to Fly by Pluto? from 2021-12-14T05:30
Our last episode of the season may just be our best! Our guest is the awesome Dr. Alan Stern, the principal investigator for NASA's New Horizons spacecraft. The FIRST spacecraft to explore Pluto...
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How Do You Make Toilet Paper Soft? from 2021-12-07T05:30
Toilet Paper. It's something you use every day. But do you ever think about how it's MADE? We have chemical engineer Madion Matson on our show today to chat about the in-depth chemical and mater...
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Do Whales Have Germs? from 2021-11-30T05:30
We all know that people have germs, but do WHALES have germs? Listen to this awesome chat with Dr. Amy Apprill of Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution as she explains that - YES, they do! Her te...
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How Much Weight Can a Crane Lift? from 2021-11-23T05:30
Have you ever wondered how bridges are demolished? Engineers must use BIG cranes to do it. Listen to this FUN and fascinating chat with Bridge Engineer Luis Duque as he explains how they dismant...
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How Do You Work With Snakes... Safely? from 2021-11-16T12:45
Snakes! If you've ever wonder what it would be like to work as a herptologist and handle snakes in a zoo, you're about to find out. Join us for our lively discussion with Herptology Curator Trav...
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How Can Music Help Us Learn About Space? from 2021-11-09T05:30
Teachers are amazingly innovative! When music teacher Laurie Orth wanted to get her students to learn the recorder she decided to use SPACE to do it! Listen to this FUN, music-filled episode wi...
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How Do Engineers Think? from 2021-11-02T04:30
Do you ever wonder how engineers solve problems? Or why they test things over and over? We have Dr. Cory Hixon, an assistant professor of engineering at Colorado Christian University to explain ...
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How Can We Study Ocean Pollution? from 2021-10-26T04:30
Ocean Pollution is a serious problem. How do scientists study it? And what can be done about this? Listen to this fascinating and fact-filled chat with Dr. Padma Venkatraman, who is not only an ...
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How Does NASA Help People on Earth? from 2021-10-19T04:30
When you think of NASA, you might think of astronauts, but NASA employs tons of people whose jobs are also important to the agency. Take a listen to Kirsten Larson, former NASA public affairs of...
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How Do Structures Stand Up? from 2021-10-12T04:30
Have you ever wondered how bridges are built? How do engineers know what materials to use? Listen to this enthusiastic and fascinating chat with Bridge Engineer Danielle Schroeder as she takes u...
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How Do You Keep Zoo Animals Happy? from 2021-10-05T04:30
Do you love going to the zoo? Want a behind-the-scenes peek into how zookeepers keep their animals safe and happy? Listen to this fascinating episode with Zookeeper Susan Summers as she tells us...
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How Did Marine Fossils End Up on Dry Land? from 2021-09-28T04:30
Ever wish you could discover a fossil? Listen to this exciting episode with paleontologist and science cosplay educator Gabriel-Philip Santos who works with the ALF Museum in CA. He shares with ...
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Why Do Teeth Decay? from 2021-09-21T04:30
Teeth are some of the hardest substances in the body, so why do they break down? Listen to this FUN chat with dentist, Dr. Emily Swanson as she explain to us WHY teeth decay. You just might lear...
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Why Do Science Experiments Travel By Balloon instead of By Jet? from 2021-09-14T04:30
Science is sometimes best when its slow. When you want to learn how materials are affected by the change in atmosphere, you use a balloon to transport them to the edge of space. Listen to this ...
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WHERE are the Aliens? from 2021-09-07T04:30
WHERE are the ALIENS? And more importantly, will we recognize them when we find them? Dr. Ryan MacDonald, theoretical astrophysicist with Cornell University, is one of the scientists trying to a...
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Can You Predict Which Animals Will Survive Environmental Change? from 2021-08-31T04:30
Wouldn't it be great if scientists could predict which ocean animals might survive environmental change? That could mean big things for the future of biodiversity in the ocean! Listen to this im...
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What Can Ancient Rhinos Tell Us About the Midwest? from 2021-08-24T04:30
Did you know that rhinoceros once lived in North America? (and no, we are not talking about the ones found in zoos). Paleontologists have proof of this amazing phenomenon. Listen to Dr. Alison P...
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How Do You Meet the Moths That are in Your Neighborhood? from 2021-08-17T04:30
Have you ever thought about the moths that live in your neighborhood? Why not go outside and get to know them. Listen to this AWESOME chat with Dr. Loree Griffin Burns on how you can host a Moth...
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How Do Super Stinky Plants Save Soil? from 2021-08-10T04:30
Did you know that planting certain plants can actually help to clean up the environment? It's true. Listen to this fascinating chat with Dr. Colleen Kelley as she explains how her research with ...
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How Can 3D Printers Make Implants? from 2021-08-03T04:30
Did you know that scientists are developing ways to use 3D printers to make tendons? Yep. Those flexible cord-like parts of your body that attach muscles to bones are very important. Especially ...
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How Do Scientists LISTEN to Black Holes? from 2021-07-27T04:30
Did you know that you can HEAR Black Holes colliding out in space? It's true! Scientists have discovered that by listening to gravitational waves, they can actually hear a black hole, billions o...
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How are YOU Like a Dung Beetle? from 2021-07-20T04:30
Have you ever wondered how YOU are like a dung beetle? Probably not. And yet, there are similiarities that might surprise you. Don't miss this informative and yes, hilariously rocking-good time ...
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How Do You Keep Astronauts Alive in Space? from 2021-07-13T04:30
Just how much science and engineering goes into keeping astronauts alive in space? A LOT! Systems engineer Bailey Burns gives us a peek inside the role a space company plays in creating technolo...
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Why are Squid Squishy? from 2021-07-06T04:30
Did you know that a squid can be as long as a school bus or as tiny as your thumb? Learn these and other squid fun facts from the amazing Dr. Sarah McAnulty as she chats with hosts Jennifer and ...
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How Can Science Help Us to Solve Crimes? from 2021-06-29T04:30
Ever watch those crime TV shows and wonder how the forensic scientists process all that evidence? Listen to this fun and informative chat with Dr. Kelly Elkins, biochemist and forensic scientist...
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How Will Physics Help Us to Capture an Alien? from 2021-06-22T04:30
Physicist and Space Education specialist Melinda Bradley talks to us about how PHYSICS is all around us. Forces determine how we will travel to space, work in it, and yes, even one day perhaps d...
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What Do You Need to Know Operate a Rover on Mars? from 2021-06-15T04:30
Ever wonder how engineers on Earth operate Rovers on another planet? It's not as easy as you think. Listen to our podcast with NASA JPL mechanical engineer Brian Franz who has worked on both the...
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Why Would You Want to Eat a Cricket? from 2021-06-08T04:30
Join the Solve It for Kids hosts Jennifer and Jeff and their guest, Entomologist Devan George, on this trip through the science of tiny creatures-- BUGS! Learn about the types of bugs Devan stud...
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How Do You Find a Hidden Giraffe? from 2021-06-01T04:30
Listen to this awesome chat with giraffe scientist and wildlife conservationist David Brown as we chat about all the different ways scientists can tell giraffes apart. Did you know a group of gi...
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How Can Photography Inspire Conservation? from 2021-05-25T04:30
We are delighted to welcome back two of our aweseom previous Solve It! guests, Dr. Brian Helmuth and Keith Ellenbogen. They will share a wonderful project they've teamed up on to help promote co...
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How Do You Stay Dry on a Rainy Day from 2021-05-18T04:30
Listen to this special ONE YEAR Anniversary taping of the Solve It For Kids podcast as Meteorologist Samantha Jacques from WZZM 13 On Your Side chats with us about all things WEATHER! Learn how ...
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How Do Fossils Help Our Cars Go? from 2021-05-11T04:30
Ever wonder how fossils turn into oil and gas that makes our cars go? And how do scientists and engineers know which rock to look under to find it? Listen to this FUN and informative chat with S...
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How Do We FEEL Things? #BrainScience from 2021-05-04T04:30
Listen as Dr. Theanne Griffith, neuroscientist and children's author, explains how our central nervous system works. Tons of AWESOME kid-friendly explanations and experiments to try at home. #Br...
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How Do You Have a Snowball Fight on Mars? from 2021-04-27T04:30
Our guest today is mechanical engineer and children's author Suzanne Slade. She is going to share with us all of the COOL things NASA has learned about MARS from HiRise.
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The BEST of the OCEAN... Again from 2021-04-20T04:30
Today we are celebrating a NEW Cohost for the Solve It for Kids Podcast. Please welcome Jeff Gonyea! And now take a listen to a few clips from the our BEST of the Ocean episodes, which includes ...
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The BEST of SPACE---Again! from 2021-04-13T04:30
Today we listen to a replay of some of the best SPACE moments from our Solve It for Kids podcast. Our guests include Dr. Darlene Lim, Astronaut Cady Coleman, and Suzanne Slade.
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Why Should We Care About Bio-Diversity? from 2021-04-06T04:30
Famed oceanographer Philippe Cousteau Jr is on the podcast to tell us why we should all care about bio-diversity. Philippe explains that the world is filled with a beautifully diverse rainbow of...
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How Do We Photograph Wildlife At Night? from 2021-03-30T04:30
Award winning documentary filmmaker and author Tony Lee Moral tells us how we can photograph wildlife at night, and how that can help animals. Tony also tells us about the fascinating story of P...
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How Do You Diagnose Someone from 2021-03-23T04:30
Physician & children's author Dr Ragain LaRocca is on the show to tell us how a doctor is able to diagnose illness in a patient. You won't believe what doctors had to do in the past! She also ha...
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Going Batty For Bats, Again! from 2021-03-16T04:30
This is a special rebroadcast of our conversation with Dr Kristen Lear. Dr Kristen Lear LOVES Bats. You might even say she is batty for bats. She has worked with bats in central Texas pecan orch...
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How Do You Remember Things? from 2021-03-09T05:30
Our guest today is the Accidental Rockstar known as Étienne. He went from writing catchy songs for students in his classroom to keynoting conferences and performing sold-out concerts worldwide. ...
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Why Should We Learn How To Code Anyway? from 2021-03-02T05:30
Bryanne Leeming is on the Solve It For Kids Podcast to answer the question, "Why Should We Learn How To Code Anyway?" She is the inventor & CEO of Unruly Splats, a really fun and innovative way ...
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Why Do We Need To Know How Things Break? from 2021-02-23T05:30
Dr Marsha Tufft is on the podcast to answer the question "Why Do We Need To Know How Things Break." This is a really fun discussion, and Dr Tufft gives us a really fun egg drop challenge.
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How Does 2 + 2 = Cleaner Skies? from 2021-02-16T05:30
Engineer & Author Janice Lao is on Solve It For Kids to tell us how 2 plus 2 can equal cleaner skies. As an engineer her job was to use math to find ways of cutting pollution caused by airplanes...
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Why Would You Want To Follow A Colony Of Army Ants? from 2021-02-09T05:30
Doug Wechsler takes his inspiration from the jungles, swamps and seashores of the world as well as from his own backyard. By showing the wonders of nature and its humorous side he hopes to motiv...
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How Do You Make Masks That Work? from 2021-02-02T05:30
Dr Pamela McCauley is on the podcast to answer the question "How Do You Make masks That Work?" This is a fantastic conversation about the many ways ergonomic engineering makes our lives better.
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The Search For Big Foot from 2021-01-26T05:30
This is a super fun Solve It For Kids episode. Author & crypto-zoologist Lija Fisher tells us how we can learn if the legendary creature known as Big Foot actually exists. Lija also explains wha...
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How Can Cars Drive By Themselves? from 2021-01-19T05:30
How can Cars Drive By Themselves, and Should They? Dr Mary Cummings is on Solve It For Kids To Talk About Autonomous Cars. Are truly self driving cars a reality? How many things do we have to te...
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How Do You Preserve Wildlife Habitat In A City? from 2021-01-12T05:30
On this episode of Solve It For Kids Suzanne Simpson answers the question "How can we preserve wildlife habitat in a city?" We were surprised to learn that there are a lot of ways kids and famil...
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How To Cut A Person In Half, Bring An Illustration To Life&Build Teeth Out Of Soap from 2021-01-05T05:30
Today we will talk to guests about How To Cut A Person in Half, Bring An Illustration To Life & Build Teeth Out Of Soap. These are some highlights from our STEAM Episodes featuring Sue Anne Webs...
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Beastly Bionics from 2020-12-29T05:30
We are celebrating the end of 2020 with a look back at Jennifer Swanson's appearance on the Reading With Your Kids Podcast to celebrate her acclaimed book Beastly Bionics
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Best Of Our Ocean Episodes from 2020-12-22T05:30
Time to take a look at some of the highlights of our episodes that took us to the Ocean. Today we revisit our interniews with sea turtle expert Carlee Jackson, underwater photographer Keith Elle...
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Astronaut - Aquanaut from 2020-12-15T05:30
While we get ready for the second season of Solve It For Kids we thought we would take you back to where it all began. Our hosts Jennifer Swanson & Jed Doherty first met when Jen was a guest on ...
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Best Of Space!!! from 2020-12-08T05:30
Today we give a listen to some of the best moments from our Solve It For Kids Podcast. Our guests today include astronaut Cady Coleman, Dr Darlene Lim and Dr Suzanne Slade.
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How Can We Look Back Into Time To Discover How Galaxies Were Formed? from 2020-12-01T05:30
Our guest today is Dr Robert Williams. Dr Williams is an astronomer who served as the Director of the Space Telescope Science Institute and the President of the International Astronomical Union....
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What Is Nano Technology Anyway? from 2020-11-24T05:30
Our guest today is Dr Jane Frommer. Dr Jane is a pioneer in the molecular underpinnings of nanotechnology, Dr. Jane blends her time as an advisor and editor in scientific research, technology an...
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Why Would You Want To Break A Flying Car? from 2020-11-17T05:30
Aeronautics engineer Anthony Hazlett is on the podcast to take us inside the mind of an engineer. Anthony was part of a design team working on a flying car, and that his job was to try to break ...
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How Do You Teach A Robot To Swim? from 2020-11-10T05:30
Today we return to one of our favorite places to explore, the Ocean. Our guest is Dr Mark Patterson, oceanographer and robotics engineer. He tells us all about his swimming robot that he calls F...
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How Do We Study Tiny Organisms In An EcoSystem As Vast As An Ocean? from 2020-11-03T05:30
Oceanographer Diana Fontaine is on the podcast to help us understand how we can study tiny organisms in an ecosystem as vast as the ocean. The organisms we are talking about are plankton, tiny c...
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How Do You Draw Science from 2020-10-27T04:30
Author / Illustrator Jason Chin is on the show to tell us how he draws science. As he does that he reminds us that we should never confuse size for significance. Be sure to check out his books G...
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What Do You Do When You Lose Your Dolphin? from 2020-10-20T04:30
Dr Justine Jackson - Ricketts is on this episode of Solve It For Kids to tell us about what you do when you lose your dolphin. Dr Justine tells us about the fascinating research on Irrawaddy Dol...
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How Can We Use Science To restore A Beautiful Masterpiece? from 2020-10-13T04:30
We have a fascinating time speaking with Dr Suzanne Quillen Lomax of the National Gallery of Art – the nation's museum. Dr Suzanne tells us how the gallery preserves, collects, exhibits, and fos...
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How Do You Capture Live, Venomous Lion Fish Safely,&Why Would You Want To? from 2020-10-06T04:30
Jennifer & Jedlie have a great time speaking with Dive Safety Officer Grant Lockridge. Grant has participated in many exciting underwater research projects. Today he tells us how to capture live...
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What Is Anti-Matter&Why Does It Matter To Us? from 2020-09-29T04:30
Dr Chloé Malbrunot is a research fellow at CERN lab in Switzerland. She has been working on two experiments at the CERN antiproton decelerator. Today she tells us what anti-matter is and why it ...
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How Can We Help Chickens&Other Creatures Cross The Road? from 2020-09-22T04:30
Road Ecologist Wendy Collinson is on the podcast to tell us how we can help chickens and other creatures cross roads safely. Wendy tells us what a road ecologist does, what a green bridge is and...
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Creating Beaautiful Art With Legos from 2020-09-15T04:30
This is so cool. Today we speak with Lego Artist Jonathan Lopes. Yes, you read that correctly, Jonathan is an artist who makes his living creating magnificent sculptures made out of Legos. Jonat...
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How Can We Help Protect Sea Turtle Nests? from 2020-09-08T04:30
Sea Turtles are amazing creatures. Marine Scientist Carlee Jackson is an expert when it comes to Sea Turtles. She is on the show to tell us how kids can help protect Sea Turtle Nests. She also t...
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How Do You Test A Rocket Without Blowing It Up? from 2020-09-01T04:30
Our guest today is Rocket Scientist and Children's author Susan Slade. Susan tells us about her days testing rockets used to deliver satellites to Space
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How Do You Fix A Helicopter Using Dippidy Doo from 2020-08-25T04:30
Retired US Navy Captain & former astronaut Wendy Lawrence tells us how to fix a helicopter using dippidy doo. In this fun episode Capt Wendy tells us how she is able to keep from being overwhelm...
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How Can Kids Help Bats? from 2020-08-18T04:30
Dr Kristen Lear LOVES Bats. You might even say she is batty for bats. She has worked with bats in central Texas pecan orchards (studying the pest control services of bats to pecan farmers) and i...
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How Do You Get A Lot Of Water From Where You Don't Want It To Where You Do Want It from 2020-08-11T04:30
This week Jennifer & Jedlie speak with TeMika Grooms. TeMika is a civil engineer who tells us how she solves the problem of moving a lot of water from where you don't want it to where you do wan...
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How Do You Photograph A Great White Shark...Safely from 2020-08-04T04:30
KEITH ELLENBOGEN is an acclaimed underwater photographer with a focus on environmental conservation. Through Keith’s photography, he seeks to evoke a sense of discovery and create intimate, pers...
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How Do You Build Teeth Out Of Soap? from 2020-07-28T04:30
Today Dr Emily Swanson is on the show to tell us how a dentist builds teeth out of soap. More importantly she tells us why anyone would build a soapy tooth. She also answers the question "is it ...
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How Do You Measure Particles That Are Too Small To Be Seen? from 2020-07-21T04:30
Dr Gene Van Buren is on the podcast to answer the question "How Do You Measure Particles That Are Too Small To Be Seen?" Perhaps a better question would be why would we want to measure such tiny...
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How Will We Communicate With People On Mars? from 2020-07-14T04:30
Today Dr Darlene Lim join Jen & Jedlie to solve the problem of communicating with people on Mars. Dr. Lim conducts COOL experiments ON EARTH to help us figure out how humans will work/communicat...
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How Can Technology Help Us Conserve The Planet from 2020-07-07T04:30
Shah Selbe is a busy guy. He is a Rocket Scientist, Conservation Technologist and a National Geographic Explorer! He is on the Solve It For Kids Podcast to tell us how he created his own job and...
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What Would you Bring To An Underwater Spaceship? from 2020-06-30T04:30
This week the Solve It team welcomes famed Aquanaut, Oceanographic Explorer, Environmental Advocate and Founder of The Fabien Cousteau Ocean Learning Center, Fabien Cousteau. Fabien tells us wha...
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How Do You Live In Space? from 2020-06-23T04:30
Astronaut Cady Coleman has been to space three times! On one of those missions she lived on the International Space Station for almost six months. She knows how to live in space, and she knows h...
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How Do You Compose Music That Is As Big As The Universe? from 2020-06-16T04:30
Our guest today is Grammy-winning composer and conductor Eric Whitacre. One of the most popular musicians of his generation. His concert music has been performed throughout the world by millions...
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How Do You Bring An Illustration To Life from 2020-06-09T04:30
Today we meet acclaimed illustrator Vanessa Brantley Newton. Vanessa attended both SVA and FIT of New York, where she studied fashion and children’s illustration. Vanessa celebrates self-love an...
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Greetings From Turtle Island from 2020-06-06T07:30
On today's Solve It For Kids we speak with Dr Kelsey Leonard. Dr Kelsey is a Water Scholar/Activist advocating for Indigenous water rights and international speaker.
Dr Kelsey currently re...
How Do You Cut A Person In Half...Safely? from 2020-06-06T06:00
How do you cut a human being in half, and put them back together again? Sue-Anne Webster, Australia's First lady of Magic, is on this episode of Solve It For Kids to tell us how she solved the p...
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Journey To The Bottom Of The Deep, Dark Ocean from 2020-06-06T05:00
Welcome to the premier episode of Solve It For Kids. This new podcast gives kids and parents a peak into the World of scientists, engineers & other STEM experts as they use their talents to solv...
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