Brains On! Science podcast for kids

Written by: American Public Media
  • Summary

  • Brains On!® is a science podcast for curious kids and adults from American Public Media. Each week, a different kid co-host joins Molly Bloom to find answers to fascinating questions about the world sent in by listeners. Like, do dogs know they’re dogs? Or, why do feet stink? Plus, we have mystery sounds for you to guess, songs for you to dance to, and lots of facts -- all checked by experts.
    Copyright 2025 Minnesota Public Radio
    Show more Show less
Episodes
  • Why is Jupiter called Earth’s bodyguard?
    Jan 28 2025

    Jupiter is the oldest planet in the solar system. It’s also the biggest. Some call it “Earth’s bodyguard” because it keeps asteroids and comets from hitting our planet. But is Jupiter really protecting Earth?


    Join Molly and co-host Rida as they head to a live taping of everyone’s favorite space talk show, Pop Planet, and learn about Jupiter — from the gassy giant itself! Plus a mystery sound that’s out of this world!

    Show more Show less
    26 mins
  • What is Down syndrome?
    Jan 21 2025

    You may have heard of Down syndrome, but what is it exactly? In this episode, we'll break down the science of chromosomes and how having an extra one leads to this fairly common condition. Plus, we'll learn some tips for making friends with someone who might seem different than you. We'll also swing by a farm staffed by ranchers with Down syndrome. And in our Moment of Um we'll find out why eggs go from clear to white when cooked.

    Show more Show less
    27 mins
  • Understanding big fires and big feelings
    Jan 14 2025
    Wildfires in Los Angeles County have burned homes, businesses, and schools. Many people have had to evacuate and there’s smoke and ash in the air. We know lots of Brains On listeners live in Los Angeles — and even if you don’t, there’s a good chance you know someone who lives there or have heard people talking about the fires. So, for today’s episode, we decided to talk about the fires in California. First, you’ll hear from Sanden Totten, who lives in Los Angeles and had to evacuate with his family. Therapist Caroline Hickman will talk about how to process what’s happening, then we’ll learn about how smoke travels. Finally, you’ll hear parts of an episode we made a few years ago about how wildfires start and how people work to contain them. Featured Guests: Caroline Hickman is a psychotherapist and lecturer at the University of Bath in the U.K., who specializes in eco-anxiety and climate psychology. Find out more about her work here. Margo Robbins, co-founder and executive director of the Cultural Fire Management Council and a member of the Yurok Tribe in northern California. Learn more about her work here.Additional Resources for Parents:A printable coloring and activity book and guide for supporting young children after a fire from Sesame Workshop.Resources for parents processing the Los Angeles wildfires with their kids from Dr. Becky. NPR created this printable cartoon ”A kid's guide to climate change” which focuses on how to manage climate change anxiety, and turn it into action. It also tells the story of a teen who was forced to evacuate his home during a wildfire.The Big Burn episode from LAist gives advice on how to help kids (and adults!) move through fear and anxiety about wildfires. How to talk to children about wildfires, evacuations and losing a home from LAist.All About Feelings episodes from Brains On can help kids understand their emotions.The LA Public Library has put together this list of books that can help kids process traumatic events.Ways to Help:The California Fire Foundation: The California Fire Foundation is working with local fire agencies and community organizations to support residents impacted by the blazes.LAFD Wildfire Emergency Funding Alert: The Los Angeles Fire Department Foundation provides equipment and funds critical programs to help the LAFD save lives and protect communities. They are seeking donations to provide additional gear for firefighters. Support Immigrant Workers Impacted by the Los Angeles Fires: The National Day Laborer Organizing Network is fundraising for immigrant workers who have been impacted by the wildfires. Verified Fundraisers on GoFundMe: Across California, wildfires have burned thousands of acres, destroying homes and businesses and forcing thousands to evacuate. You can support those affected by donating to the verified fundraisers on this page. GoFundMe’s Trust & Safety team will continue to update this page with more fundraisers as they are verified.Pasadena Humane Society has taken in 300+ animals due to evacuations. They need monetary donations to help provide emergency resources to animals affected by the wildfires.Baby2Baby- Baby2Baby is currently responding to the devastating wildfires raging across Los Angeles by providing critical items including diapers, food, formula and hygiene products for children and families who have lost everything. They are working with 470 partner organizations in LA County spanning schools, shelters and hospitals to fulfill requests coming in for essential items.
    Show more Show less
    42 mins

What listeners say about Brains On! Science podcast for kids

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    1
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Performance
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    1
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0
Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    1
  • 4 Stars
    0
  • 3 Stars
    0
  • 2 Stars
    0
  • 1 Stars
    0

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

i love it

best science podcast i listen to
its my fave and also i like to play roblox minecraft and rider

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!