Orbit: Science for kids on the move!
Orbit is a science podcast for kids ages 3–11 that brings families together around curiosity. Each episode invites scientists from museums, universities, and zoos to answer fun and fascinating questions submitted by children from around the world. The show encourages families to learn together by following kids' natural curiosity. Listeners can submit their own questions via the Cumbre Kids website.
Episodes
The giant, fluffy guardians of American grasslands
Did you know that American bison help prevent grasslands from turning into forests by body-slamming young trees? And that they once lived in herds so enormous they stretched all the way to the horizon?This week, we travel to the grasslands of Montana with Dr. Andy Boyce, a research ecologist at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute. Discover why bison live in herds,
The tortoise that saved the rabbit!
Did you know a single Mojave Desert tortoise burrow can become a shelter for rattlesnakes, owls, kangaroo rats, and many other desert animals? This week, we explore the Mojave Desert with wildlife biologist Brianna Fogel from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Learn how desert tortoises survive in one of North America's harshest environments, why they spend so much time underground, and why s
Get ready for Wild Critters USA!
Discover the wild side of America with Orbit’s brand-new Wild Critters USA series! Join us as wildlife experts from the National Park Service, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute answer real questions from curious kids about alligators, bald eagles, desert tortoises, bison, and more. Perfect for summer road trips, family adventures,
How does AC lower the temperature?
❄️ Do air conditioners actually make cold air? How was air conditioning invented? And what does an HVAC technician do all day?In this episode, HVAC instructor John Vernon helps Orbiters discover the surprising science behind air conditioning. Learn how refrigerant carries heat, why compressors are so important, and how air conditioning changed homes, schools, hospitals, and cities around the world
What's in the eye of a hurricane?
Ever wonder how hurricanes form, why they spin, or why some storms get names? Join Rob, Hank, and cohost Milam as we explore the wild science of hurricanes with meteorologist Steve LaVoie from the National Weather Service! 💬 Submit your kids' questions for episodes! www.cumbrekids.org/questions Special Middle School episode extra: YouTubeAfter listening: 3 questions for your family:What
Magma, volcanoes, and fossils! The incredible rock cycle
Ever wondered if rocks can melt like cheese, explode out of volcanoes, or travel to the bottom of the ocean? Join Rob, Hank, and special cohost Kenji as we follow the incredible adventure of Walter the Rock through the rock cycle with geoscientist Dr. Lina Pérez-Angel from Brown University and the Geological Society of America. Together, we discover how rocks form, melt into magma, cool into igneo
Whoosh! How fast are flash floods?
Ever wonder what exactly is a flash flood? Are all floods flash floods? We have a fascinating episode featuring Nichole Cronce, a hydrologist from the National Weather Service. Join Rob, Hank and Sam as we learn not only about the science of floods, but how to stay safe when the storms get strong or the river starts running high! Episode Extra for middle school: LINKThree questions for families to
How ultrasound 'sees' inside the body
This week, we dive beneath the surface - exploring the human heart not through sight, but through sound.Joined by Victoria Rivera, a cardiac sonographer at Texas Children’s Hospital, we uncover the fascinating world of sonography and echolocation. Discover how sound waves reveal the inner workings of the heart, and get an inside look at one of the most incredible careers in modern medicine.➡️ Leve
Why is it hard to make good choices?
If you *choose* to listen to this episode, you’ll learn all about the science of making decisions! 🧠✨ We’re joined by Dr. Marco Palma from the Texas A&M Human Behavior Laboratory, as we seek to understand how the brain makes decisions, why we sometimes make bad decisions, and the biology of how the body reacts when we’re faced with decisions! This episode is part of the “Cool Jobs for Curious
Bees: The great pollinators!
🐝 Earth Day activities for families: LINK Ever watched bees buzzing around and thought, what are they actually up to? 🐝🌼In this super exciting episode, we dive into the tiny (but mighty!) world of bees and discover how they help plants grow, flowers bloom, and even the food we eat! 🍓🌽We’re joined by the amazing Dr. Laura Gonzalez Mozo from the American Museum of Natural History, who answers your c
How do satellites stay in orbit?
This week, we orbiters learn about orbiting! 🚀 This episode dives into the science and technology of machines in outer space, zooming around the Earth! Alongside Joelle Romeu, an aerospace engineer with Boeing Company, we learn what satellites are, how they impact our life on Earth, and about the incredible job of Aerospace Engineers! 🌍This episode is part of the “Cool Jobs for Curious Kids” serie
How zoos care for animals!
Hey there, Orbiters! This week we're visiting the incredible San Antonio Zoo in San Antonio, Texas 🦁🐒 to understand the inner workings of zoos! We're joined by Andreau Papadakis to learn why zoos exist, the role they play in protecting species through breeding and rehabilitation programs 🐢🌿, and the different jobs and education paths 🎓 that could lead curious Orbiters to work at a zoo someday!This
Drones and the future of rangelands
Ever wonder how drones can help scientists take care of wide open spaces? 🚁🌾 What do they look for from the sky—and how does that help wildlife on the ground? 🦌This week on Orbit, we’re joined by Dr. Humberto Perotto from the Texas A&M Department of Rangeland, Wildlife and Fisheries Management! He answers kids’ questions about how drones are used to monitor plant health, track animals, map cha
What’s a cavity?
Ever wonder what cavities are or how they form? 🦷 Or maybe why we have baby teeth? Or if the tooth fairy travels to different countries?This week we're joined by Prof. Ariana Vargas from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry! We explore the science of teeth, and amazing jobs like dental hygienists, dentists and dental assistants!This episode is part of the "Cool Jobs for Curious Kids" series, in
The building blocks of the universe!
Orbiters! Today we’re exploring atoms - the tiny building blocks of the universe! We’ll discover what atoms are, what they’re made of, where they’re found, how scientists discovered them, and more (including how many atoms are in a blue whale!).We’re joined by PhD scientist and chemical engineer Dr. Fernanda Sulantay-Vargas from Yale University! Dr. Fernanda is also a science communicator, active
Sedimentary Rocks: Nature's time machines!
Did you know that studying rocks today can teach us about the Earth millions of years ago!? We're joined by an incredible geoscientist - Dr. Lina Perez-Angel, from Brown University - to explore the incredible world of Sedimentary Rocks, including what they're made of, how they form, and how scientists study them!💬 Submit your kids' questions! www.cumbrekids.org/questions💛 Support
Why do we dream?
Ever wonder what happens in your brain while we sleep? Or why we need to sleep at all? In this episode, Dr. Daniel Davila-Williams - a pediatric neurologist from Texas Children's Hospital - joins Orbit to discuss the science of sleep, including: What happens in our brain and body when we sleepDreamsWhy sleep is critical for healthy growing children! How scientists study sleep and technology th
Mammal teeth: Elephants, whales, humans and more!
🦷 Why do lions have sharp teeth? Why do whales have different teeth than humans? And how can scientists learn about animals that lived millions of years ago just by studying their teeth?In this episode, paleontologist Dr. Silvia Pineda-Munoz helps Orbiters explore the fascinating world of mammal teeth. Discover what makes an animal a mammal, why different animals have different kinds of teeth, and
The Secret Life of Plants
🌱 Plants are all around us! They are green science in action! We're joined in this episode by Charlie from the Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden in Miami, Florida, USA! 🌴🌿 Listen with your little ones and learn all about the parts of plants, photosynthesis, life, and much more!--🎙️ This episode is also available in Spanish on our sister podcast, Cráneo: Ciencia para niños curiosos.💬 Submit que
Giant Pacific Octopus: 8 arms and 9 brains!
The Giant Pacific Octopus is a true legend of the oceans: Able to open jars, solve puzzles, spray ink, change colors and so much more! 🐙🤯In this episode, we're joined by marine biologist René Carbajal from the Monterey Bay Aquarium 🐟🌊, who shares incredible facts and stories about these mysterious (and super cool!) creatures.🐟 Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch - to choose environmentally sus
Titanoboa: The largest snake that ever lived
A 🐍 prehistoric snake that lived 60 million years ago ,was as long as a school bus and weighed as much as 100 bicycles 🚴♀️🚴? Sounds interesting 🤯 – let's learn more! We're joined in this episode by Dr. Carlos Jaramillo, from the Smithsonian Tropical Research Institute (info)🌴.❓ Submit questions for upcoming episodes: Info💖 Support this podcast by joining our Curios Club: Link🎙️ Orbit'
Trailer: Get to know Orbit!
Submit your child's questions: Fill out this short formJoin Rob and Milam as they explore science with experts! Featuring questions submitted by real children and families!Why parents love podcasts by Cumbre Kids: 🎧 Designed for parents and kids to enjoy together🚀 Inspires children’s interest in science and STEM careers🗣️ Boosts vocabulary and language development🌍 Serves as a bilingual resour
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