SolveItForKids Science podcast

Jennifer Swanson/Jeff Gonyea

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!

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200 episodes
Updated May 27, 2025

Episodes200

Newest first

Jul 4, 2023 · 23 min
The BEST of Working With Robots
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 Robots. You'll hear from Dr. Carlotta Berry (How do you talk to a robot?), Dr. Darren Lipomi (How do humans--and robots-- feel?) and Dr. Topher Hunter (How do you build a droid?). Have fun listening and learning from these amazing guests!
Jun 27, 2023 · 41 min
How Can We See the Universe in a New Way?
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 Telescope, and even the Artemis 1 mission, the universe seems even more incredibly amazing than before. It is our honor to chat with the person who was in charge of the teams at NASA who completed all of these amazing missions. Our guest today is Dr. Thomas Zurbuchen, Associate Administrator for the Science Mission Directorate at NASA from 2016 to 2022. Don't miss this awesome discussion of space and the universe.
Jun 20, 2023 · 32 min
How Do You Dress an Astronaut?
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 the astronauts to put in their pressure suits. It's not as easy as you would think. Take a listen to this episode as Sharon describes just how important fit is to a pressure suit.
Jun 13, 2023 · 32 min
How Do You Get Rid of Bad Breath?
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. Mel Rosenberg, Professor Emeritus at Tel Aviv University, tells us all about the scientific solution he developed to treat this problem. And he also shares his love of children's books, too.
Jun 6, 2023 · 31 min
What is the Super Guppy?
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 to have Herb Baker, retired NASA business manager who worked on programs such as the Space Shuttle, the Space Station, and Orion, as well as, the Super Guppy. He's here to tell us all about this amazing aircraft.
May 30, 2023 · 35 min
Where and When do Earthquakes Happen?
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 geologist and awesome science communicator, on our show today to discuss this groundbreaking topic!
May 23, 2023 · 36 min
Why Does a Spacecraft Need a Heat Shield?
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? The heat shield!! But just how is a heat shield made and why is it so important? Take a listen to the fantastic Dr. Sarah D'Souza, the Orion Thermal Protection Deputy System Manager at NASA Ames. She is on our show today to give us the scoop on this amazing engineering!
May 16, 2023 · 35 min
What Can We Learn from Volcanoes?
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 VIP, tells us what we can learn from volcanoes, particularly the ones located on the Big Island in Hawaii. Don't miss this explosively fun expisode!
May 9, 2023 · 32 min
How Do Plants Survive in Extreme Habitats?
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 Gardens at Kew. He gives us the inside scoop on these sturdy plants and how they survive such extreme habitats. Tons of great fun to be had in this episode, plus you'll even get a few tips on how to keep your own plants alive.
May 2, 2023 · 34 min
How will AI Help Humans with Mobility?
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 Rehabilitation Robotics at Northwestern University and the Director of Argall Lab at the Shirley Ryan Ability Lab, is hear to explain some of the amazing technology that she and her lab are using to help people get around more easily. Don't miss this fascinating and important episode!
Apr 25, 2023 · 34 min
How Do You Slow Down a Spaceship?
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 amount of specific timing and engineering to pull this slowdown off is a bit mindboggling. Take a listen to Julie Wolfson, Senior Staff Systems Engineer at Lockheed Martin and the Orion's Risk Manager, who explains just exactly how it's done. This episode is a must listen for all space enthusiasts!
Apr 18, 2023 · 38 min
Why are Shark Teeth Shaped like That?
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 with us about a few of the very interesting shark teeth she has discovered and what type of research her lab is doing to discover just how these teeth work. You won't want to miss this very exciting episode!
Apr 11, 2023 · 30 min
How Do You Move a Rocket?
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, who works at NASA's Kennedy Space Center, with these amazing transporters. He's going to explain just how these amazing vehicles work!
Apr 4, 2023 · 34 min
Can You Problem-solve Like an Orangutan?
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 how smart these amazing creatures are. You may be really surprised by what they can do and you'll definitely keep an eye on them the next time you're at the zoo.
Mar 28, 2023 · 34 min
How Do You Build a Droid?
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 hobbyist in robotics and droid building. Yes, that's right, he builds his own DROIDS! Dr. Topher talks about his own droids, but then gives us tips on how everyone can take up their own droid-building hobby.
Mar 21, 2023 · 36 min
How Do You Study Manatees?
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 science kindergarten teacher and cofounder of Go2 Science, has developed a cool way for kids to get involved in learning more about manatees, as well as other science topics. Don't miss this exciting and fun-filled episode of Solve It for Kids!
Mar 14, 2023 · 32 min
How Do You Get Energy from the Wind?
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 interview with Neil Milani, mechanical engineer, who worked in wind energy for 15 years. He gives us insight to this amazing renewable resource!
Mar 7, 2023 · 37 min
How Do You Make a Spacecraft Safe?
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 entire trip. How do they do that? Take a listen to this fascinating chat with Vera Demchenko, a Systems Test and Verifications Engineer for Lockheed Martin's Orion Program. She gives us great insight into how this is done.
Feb 28, 2023 · 34 min
What Does a Primatologist Do?
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 loves primates, has been all over the world researching them, and even discovered a new lemur species! She is an award-winning TV host of Expedition Bigfoot and is most widely known as "Her Wildness". You will definitely enjoy hearing from this energetic and amazing scientist.
Feb 20, 2023 · 34 min
How Do Astronauts Live in Space?
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 overcome. Listen to this FUN and fascinating chat with Dr. Mike Harrison, Chief Medical Officer of Axiom Space and Mayo Clinic aerospace medicine specialist, as he explains what doctors have learned about helping humans to live safely in space.