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

Dec 21, 2021 · 20 min
The BEST of Science in Your Backyard
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. Loree Griffin Burns, Dr. Colleen Kelley, and Dr. Anne Estes. Take a listen to these FUN episodes that discuss moths, stinky plants, and how YOU are like a Dung Beetle.
Dec 14, 2021 · 36 min
What is it Like to Fly by Pluto?
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 and its moons up close. Don't miss this FASCINATING and out-of-this-world chat which will take you to the farthest reaches of our solar system, where New Horizons is heading next!
Dec 7, 2021 · 33 min
How Do You Make Toilet Paper Soft?
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 material processes that go into making the one thing none of us want to be without! Listen and you may just learn some surprising facts about toilet paper!
Nov 30, 2021 · 30 min
Do Whales Have Germs?
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 team is doing some amazing research with whales that involve getting up close and personal with them as well as using drones to learn all about their microbes and what they can tell us. Don't miss this chance to learn about one of the biggest animals in the ocean!
Nov 23, 2021 · 32 min
How Much Weight Can a Crane Lift?
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 dismantle a bridge piece by piece. He even shares with us how bridge inspections are done and tells us about the very famous bridge he is working on right now!
Nov 16, 2021 · 31 min
How Do You Work With Snakes... Safely?
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 Travis Land as he talks all about the slithering, side-winding creatures he works with on a daily basis.
Nov 9, 2021 · 30 min
How Can Music Help Us Learn About Space?
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 with STEAM pioneer educator Laurie as she teaches us how music and space go together! (We even get her to do a few songs for us).
Nov 2, 2021 · 32 min
How Do Engineers Think?
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 it all. He has some pretty amazing ways to teach future engineers. Don't miss this fascinating conversation. And DO his challenge, too.
Oct 26, 2021 · 33 min
How Can We Study Ocean Pollution?
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 esteemed oceanographer but also an award-winning author! Dr. Padma explains the science of pollution and challenges us all to help clean it up!
Oct 19, 2021 · 26 min
How Does NASA Help People on Earth?
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 officer, now children's author, who gives us a behind-the-scenes peek into how NASA helps the public understand how a space agency helps people on the ground!
Oct 12, 2021 · 30 min
How Do Structures Stand Up?
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 us behind the scenes and teaches us about how structures stand up. Don't forget to do the awesome challenge!
Oct 5, 2021 · 32 min
How Do You Keep Zoo Animals Happy?
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 what it's like to take care of some amazing animals!
Sep 28, 2021 · 29 min
How Did Marine Fossils End Up on Dry Land?
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 us his studies of some amazing fossilized marine animals and they ended up on dry land! (There are even some sci-fi references to explain the science here)
Sep 21, 2021 · 27 min
Why Do Teeth Decay?
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 learn some tips and tricks for ways to keep your teeth healthy and free from cavities. When you're done listening to this episode, go back and listen to "How Do You Build Teeth Out of Soap?" another fabulous show with Dr. Emily!
Sep 14, 2021 · 33 min
Why Do Science Experiments Travel By Balloon instead of By Jet?
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 fascinating episode with retired Air Force Colonel Norman Black as he describes how KIDS are learning about the how objects change as they approach the edge of space!
Sep 7, 2021 · 31 min
WHERE are the Aliens?
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 answer this question. He studies exoplanets and determines the types of atmospheres they have. Will one of these exoplanets have the right atmosphere for aliens to live on it? Listen to this fascinating episode to find out!
Aug 31, 2021 · 29 min
Can You Predict Which Animals Will Survive Environmental Change?
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 important and fascination conversation with Dr. Katie Lotterhos of Northeastern University as she describes the cool research her lab is doing to try to answer this question.
Aug 24, 2021 · 25 min
What Can Ancient Rhinos Tell Us About the Midwest?
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 Pearce Stevens as she tells us all about the awesome discovery of over 200 complete skeletons at Ashfall Fossil Beds State Park. These incredible animals lived more than 12 million years ago due to a massive volcanic eruption.
Aug 17, 2021 · 35 min
How Do You Meet the Moths That are in Your Neighborhood?
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 Ball and learn about the moths that live in your own backyard or nearest nature spot.
Aug 10, 2021 · 30 min
How Do Super Stinky Plants Save Soil?
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 plants is helping to bring back areas that had been contaminated by heavy metals by making them safe and liveable again.