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

Feb 14, 2023 · 36 min
How Do Humans (and Robots) Feel?
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. Darren Lipomi, a professor in the department of nanoengineering at UC San Diego, chats with us about the amazing research his lab is doing with materials to perhaps one day enable computers and even robots to comprehend the sense of touch.
Feb 7, 2023 · 36 min
How Do You Get Materials from the Earth?
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 Lua, who worked in the mining field for ten years. She explains what a cool job it is to work in mining. Dig in for a great chat!
Jan 31, 2023 · 32 min
How Did Computers Evolve?
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 to alot of the historical tidbits that Rachel shares with us. You may just learn something new!
Jan 24, 2023 · 32 min
How Can We Help the World's Oceans?
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 this amazing environment clean, healthy, and thriving for our world? Steve Creech, President of the Wyland Foundation, shares some ideas of how they are helping the oceans and leaves us with a few suggestions of how you can help, too.
Jan 17, 2023 · 32 min
How Do You Create a Collection?
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 Not! And who better to discuss our topic of "How Do You Create a Collection?" Listen to this FUN and Fascinating chat about collecting. You may even get ideas of how to start a collection yourself.
Jan 10, 2023 · 28 min
The BEST of Extreme Places
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 break, they invite you to listen to some of the most amazing places on the planet and way out in space these guests have learned about. First, hear from Dr. Rosa Leon-Zayas as she gives her first-hand experience of "How Do You Get to the Bottom of the Ocean?", next enjoy NASA's Tracy Drain who answers the question, "How Do You Explore Another Planet's Moon?" and finally, hear from Joe De Pacquale, as he explains "How Does the James Webb Space Telescope See?". Have fun exploring these amazing places!
Jan 3, 2023 · 23 min
The BEST of Talking to Robots
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 favorite computer episodes. Hear from Lisa Leinbaugh, "How Do You Make a Brain for a Computer?", Dr. Carlotta Barry helps us to understand "How Do You Talk to a Robot?" and Rob Chambers of Lockheed Martin tells us "How Can You Talk to a Spaceship?" You won't want to miss these exciting robotic-themed episodes. Enjoy!
Dec 27, 2022 · 24 min
The BEST of Learning About Trees
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 favorite shows in the BEST of Learning About Trees!! Hear from Alexandra Siy, as she discusses: How Do You Tell the Age of a Tree?, Brian Campbell where he explains: Why Measure the Height of Trees? and, Sneed Collard III, who answers the question: How Do You Build a Backyard Habitat? Happy Holidays!
Dec 20, 2022 · 24 min
The BEST of Saving the Environment!
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 environment including: Ep 112- Can You Store Carbon Dioxide in Rocks?, Ep -117 How Can You Save Sea Turtles?, and Ep How Do You Make Clothes Sustainable. Have fun listening and if you want to learn more, findthe original episodes and replay them all over again. #ScienceRocks
Dec 13, 2022 · 31 min
How Do You Power a Spacecraft?
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 many, many years and let's face it, there isn't a charging station in space? Well, our guest today knows all about powering spacecraft! Carl Sandifer, manager of the Radioisotope Power Systems Program at NASA Glenn Research Center explains everything. After all, without power, spacecraft can't do anything. Don't miss this amazing and intriguing interview.
Dec 6, 2022 · 32 min
Why Would You Send Yeast into Space?
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 BioSentinel program is doing. BioSentinel is NASA's first biological mission beyond the Earth-Moon system. Their experiment with yeast was launched on the Artemis1 rocket and is now (and forever) flying through space. The goal is to learn how yeast is affected by deep space radiation in hopes of learning how that same radiation might affects humans. Sounds like a cool experiment, doesn't it? It is! Take a listen.
Nov 29, 2022 · 45 min
How Can YOU help with Biodiversity?
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 describe all of the amazing ways that kids (of all ages) can help to sustain biodiversity on our planet. Then follow up by doing the challenge described by Earth Echo International. You will be glad that you did as you figure out ways to help our planet.
Nov 22, 2022 · 41 min
How Do You Talk to a Spaceship?
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 that is a collaboration Amazon's Alexa virtual-assistant, and Webex by Cisco, a video software and collaboration software. Join us for this FANTASTIC conversation about how you can talk to the Orion spaceship as it hurtles towards the Moon in 2022.
Nov 15, 2022 · 30 min
How Do You Make Clothes Sustainable?
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 driving. But did you ever think about how the clothes you wear affect the planet? If not, you'll want to listen to our awesome chat with Louise Ulukaya, founder of Mon Couer clothing, as she explains to us how she uses recycled plastic and abandoned fishing lines to make her clothes for kids. You'll be surprised at all of the science that is involved!
Nov 8, 2022 · 35 min
How Do You Land a Plane?
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 former airline pilot, who talks to us about physics, weather, and also how the length of the runway plays a part in the landing. You will leave appreciating just how awesome pilots are!
Nov 1, 2022 · 36 min
How are Sports and STEM related?
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 Curriculum and Strategy for STEM Sports to talk about just how you can see the STEM in sports! Don't miss this awesome episode all about sportsscience!
Oct 25, 2022 · 34 min
Why Do We Need Sleep?
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 brain does when its sleepy. This is an episode not to be missed! It may even help you sleep better Zzzzzzzz
Oct 18, 2022 · 37 min
How Do You Build a Backyard Habitat?
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 a pencil and a pad of paper. You'll want to write down all of his tips for designing your own backyard. You may even find yourself heading to the nearest garden center to pick out a few plants to get started!
Oct 11, 2022 · 37 min
How Do You Talk to a Robot?
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 us how to do just that in this exciting and informative chat. This episode will have you heading to the nearest website to buy yourself a robotics kit and build a robot of your own! #RoboticsRocks
Oct 4, 2022 · 40 min
Why Measure the Height of Trees?
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 Flight Center's Wallops Flight Facility in VA, tells us about the challenge he has for all you citizen scientists out there! It's the NASA GLOBE Trees Challenge 2022: Trees in a Changing Climate and he needs YOUR help! Tune in and learn how you can help measure trees for NASA.