STEM with Dr. Owl

[Replay] Who Lives the Longest on Earth? – Biology & Animal Science for Kids

Discover the fascinating world of animal biology as we explore creatures that can outlive humans by hundreds of years. Join Dr. Owl, Emma, and Ziggy as they dive into the science of aging to uncover the secrets of 500-year-old sharks, ancient clams, and a jellyfish that can press the restart button on its own life! It's a time-traveling journey to meet the oldest animals on our planet. Want more fun science? Sign up for our email list at orbitalowl.com to get free materials and experiments related to this episode. Learning Connection: NGSS DCI: LS1.B – Growth and Development of Organisms

[Replay] Why Doesn't Plastic Rot? – Chemistry & Environmental Science for Kids

In this episode, kids will learn the foundational chemistry of plastic molecules and the environmental science behind why plastic takes hundreds of years to break down. Join Dr. Owl, Curious Emma, and a very confused robot named Ziggy as they discover the sneaky "LEGO chains" that make up our everyday lunchboxes! Plus, play along with our interactive trivia to find out how small choices can help protect our oceans and wildlife. Want more fun science? Sign up for our email list at orbitalowl.com to get free materials and experiments related to this episode. Learning Connection: NGSS DCI: 5-ESS3.C – Human Impacts on Earth Systems

[Replay] How Do Animals Get Their Names? – Biology & Taxonomy for Kids

🐾 Kids will learn the fundamentals of biology, animal classification, and the scientific naming system known as binomial nomenclature in this fun-filled episode! Discover why a mountain lion and a puma are the exact same cat, and find out the hilarious meanings behind the names of famous dinosaurs and silly insects. Want more fun science? Sign up for our email list at orbitalowl.com to get free materials and experiments related to this episode. 

[Replay] How Can Gems Grow? – Geology & Crystals for Kids

Crystals grow from cooling magma and mineral-rich water using invisible building blocks called atoms. Join Dr. Owl, Emma, and Ziggy on a subterranean adventure from the glowing Earth's mantle to a secret dripping cave to solve the mystery of the "lava smoothie." You’ll even learn how to build your own crystals at home using simple kitchen ingredients!
Learning Connection: NGSS DCI: ESS2.A – Earth Materials and Systems

[Replay] How Do Microwaves Cook Food? – Physics & Energy for Kids

Learn how microwave ovens use invisible electromagnetic waves to vibrate water molecules and create heat. Join Dr. Owl, curious Emma, and Ziggy the Robot as they discover why soup gets hot faster than crackers and why metal causes sparks inside the oven.
Want more fun science? Sign up for our email list at orbitalowl.com to get free materials and experiments related to this episode.
Learning Connection: NGSS DCI: PS4.B – Electromagnetic Radiation & Heat Transfer

[Replay] How Does a 3D Printer Work?

🖨️ Oh no! Ziggy broke his space helmet latch right before a mission! Join Dr. Owl and Emma as they fire up the lab's 3D printer to save the day. We’ll discover how these amazing machines act like robotic hot glue guns to build objects layer by layer—just like frosting a cake! 🍰
Parents, want to keep the learning going? Sign up for our email list to get useful science materials and activity sheets at orbitalowl.com!
Learning Connection: NGSS DCI: ETS1.B – Developing Possible Solutions.

Why Are Penalty Saves Hard? – Physics & Biology for Kids

Kids will discover the real-world physics, math, and human biology behind why stopping a high-speed soccer penalty kick is so incredibly difficult. Learn exactly how fast the human brain can react to a 67-mile-per-hour ball and how goalkeepers use visual clues to predict the future. Join the team for a high-speed clapping experiment to test your reaction time and find out if you have what it takes to make a World Cup save! Learning Connection: NGSS DCI: LS1.D – Information Processing

Why Does the Ball Curve? – Physics & Aerodynamics for Kids

Children will learn the physics of the Magnus effect, aerodynamics, and how air pressure causes a spinning soccer ball to bend in flight. Join Emma and Dr. Owl as they investigate a mind-bending World Cup free kick while Ziggy tries to invent the ultimate knuckleball! Discover why a spinning ball creates an uneven push in the air to make a magical, curving shot. Learning Connection: NGSS DCI: PS2.A – Forces and Motion

Where Did All the Water Go? – Earth Science & Weather for Kids

Children will discover the science behind droughts, evaporation, and the water cycle as they learn what happens when the Earth's natural water supply runs low. Join Emma, Dr. Owl, and Ziggy the Robot as they investigate a crunchy, brown backyard to solve the mystery of the missing water. Find out how plants sweat, where the mountains hide their frozen water, and how you can become an Earth water detective! Learning Connection: NGSS DCI: ESS2.C – The Roles of Water in Earth's Surface Processes

[Ziggy's Mailbag] Are Windows Made of Sand & How is Metal Made? – Science Q&A for Kids

Discover the science behind what everyday things are made of in this exciting mailbag episode! Join Dr. Owl, Emma, and Ziggy as they rapidly answer listener questions about the materials that make up our world, including the secrets of marker ink, how sand becomes glass, the origins of metal, and the difference between cement and concrete.