5 Great Podcasts for Children to Explore Science
Educational and Fun Activities
Written by Liam White
14 December 2024
🕓 10 min
Podcasts are an excellent way to introduce children to the wonders of science. With their engaging storytelling and bite-sized lessons, they inspire curiosity and spark a love for learning. Whether at home, in the car, or during downtime at a holiday club, these podcasts provide accessible and educational content that’s perfect for young minds. In this blog, we’ll highlight five fantastic science podcasts designed to entertain, inform, and engage children.
1. Brains On!
Brains On! is a science podcast for children that blends fun and education seamlessly. Hosted by Molly Bloom, this award-winning podcast tackles a wide range of topics, from how volcanoes erupt to why we laugh. Each episode features expert guests and young co-hosts, making the content relatable and engaging for young listeners.What sets Brains On! apart is its interactive nature. The show encourages children to s ubmit their questions, which are often featured in future episodes. This element of participation fosters curiosity and makes children feel directly involved in the learning process. Parents and educators love the way it presents complex concepts in an accessible format, making it perfect for after-school listening or as a resource in science activities.
With episodes lasting around 30 minutes, Brains On! is ideal for children aged 6-12. Whether your child is fascinated by space, animals, or technology, this podcast has something to offer. Introduce it during a holiday club to spark discussions or as an engaging activity during car rides.
2. But Why: A Podcast for Curious Children
But Why is a Vermont Public Radio production that answers children’s most intriguing questions about the world. From “Why is the sky blue?” to “How do animals communicate?”, this podcast provides clear, concise answers backed by expert insights. What makes But Why special is its focus on listener-driven content. Children can submit their questions, which the hosts address in a thoughtful and age-appropriate manner. This feature encourages children to think critically and ask questions about the world around them, making it an excellent tool for nurturing scientific curiosity.
Each episode is approximately 20-30 minutes long, making it easy to incorporate into after-school programmes or bedtime routines. For educators, But Why can serve as a springboard for classroom discussions, and parents will appreciate its family-friendly tone. It’s a versatile podcast that fits perfectly into holiday clubs, after-school science activities, or even birthday party themes centred around learning.
3. Wow in the World
Wow in the World, hosted by Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz, is a high-energy podcast that takes children on a journey through the most incredible scientific discoveries and phenomena. With topics ranging from the secrets of the deep sea to the mysteries of the human brain, this podcast turns complex ideas into fun and memorable stories.
The hosts’ humorous and dynamic storytelling style keeps children engaged, while the scientific accuracy of the content ensures that parents and educators trust the material. The episodes are designed to inspire wonder and excitement about science, making them ideal for curious learners aged 6-10. Wow in the World often includes fun activities and experiments that children can try at home or in a classroom setting. It’s an excellent choice for holiday clubs or after-school programmes looking to incorporate audio learning into their schedule. With episodes lasting around 25 minutes, it’s the perfect length to hold children’s attention while delivering valuable insights into the world of science.
4. Tumble: A Science Podcast for Children
Tumble is a podcast that combines storytelling with scientific exploration. Hosted by Lindsay Patterson and Marshall Escamilla, each episode takes listeners on an adventure to uncover the mysteries of science. The podcast covers topics such as how fossils are discovered, the science of weather, and the origins of the universe. What makes Tumble unique is its investigative approach. The hosts often speak to scientists about their work, giving children a behind-the-scenes look at how scientific discoveries are made. This approach not only educates but also inspires children to see themselves as future scientists.
Tumble’s episodes run for about 15-20 minutes, making them easy to integrate into busy schedules. They’re perfect for after-school clubs, science-themed birthday parties, or as a fun family activity. Parents and educators appreciate the podcast’s ability to make science exciting and accessible, and children love the engaging stories and fascinating facts.
5. Fun Kids Science Weekly
Fun Kids Science Weekly is a UK-based podcast that delivers a weekly dose of science news, experiments, and fascinating facts. Hosted by Dan, this podcast features interviews with scientists, explorations of current scientific discoveries, and answers to listener-submitted questions. It covers a broad range of topics, from space exploration to biology, ensuring there’s something for every curious child.
The podcast’s upbeat tone and engaging content make it a hit with children aged 7-12. Its focus on current scientific developments keeps the content fresh and relevant, while the inclusion of experiments and activities encourages hands-on learning. Fun Kids Science Weekly is an excellent resource for parents and educators looking to supplement science lessons with engaging, real-world content. Each episode is around 30 minutes long, making it a versatile option for after-school programmes, holiday clubs, or as part of a science-themed birthday celebration. By incorporating this podcast into their routine, children can stay up-to-date with the latest in science while enjoying a fun and educational experience.
Conclusion:
Podcasts are a powerful tool for introducing children to science. With their engaging content, interactive features, and accessibility, these five podcasts provide an excellent starting point for young learners. Whether you’re a parent looking to inspire curiosity at home or an educator seeking resources for holiday camps or after-school programmes, these podcasts have something to offer.
If your child loves exploring science through podcasts, they’ll adore our Science of Sound holiday camps, after-school clubs, and birthday parties. Designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for learning, our programmes bring science to life through hands-on experiments and activities. Find out more here and give your child the opportunity to explore the wonders of science in a fun, engaging environment!
