STEM with Dr. Owl

How Can Tow Trucks Lift Cars? – Physics & Engineering for Kids

Kids will discover the physics of balance and how hydraulic systems allow powerful machines to lift heavy objects without tipping over. Join Dr. Owl, Emma, and Ziggy as they explore "liquid muscles" and turn a giant tow truck into a playground seesaw. We’ll learn how heavy engines act as secret counterweights to keep everything steady on the road! Learning Connection: NGSS DCI: 3-PS2.A – Forces and Motion

How Do Tiny Seeds Grow Into Giant Trees? – Plant Life Cycles & Photosynthesis for Kids

Discover how tiny seeds grow into massive trees in this fun biology lesson covering plant life cycles, photosynthesis, and how trees make their own food. Dr. Owl, Emma, and Ziggy the Robot learn about the "packed lunch" inside a seed, become Tree Ring Detectives, and find out how leaves turn sunlight into the oxygen we breathe. Let's see if Ziggy can grow a tree out of a metal bolt! Learning Connection: NGSS DCI: LS1.C – Organization for Matter and Energy Flow in Organisms

Why Do Acorns Fall? – Seed Dispersal & Botany for Kids

Discover the secrets of seed dispersal and the life cycle of oak trees as we investigate why acorns drop from their branches. Join Dr. Owl, Emma, and Ziggy as they travel to the forest (and Australia!) to see how gravity and helpful squirrels help tiny baby plants find a new home.
Learning Connection: NGSS DCI: LS2.A – Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

Why Do Cats Purr? – Animal Communication & Biology for Kids

In this biology episode, kids will learn the science behind animal communication, starting with the mystery of how and why cats purr. Join Emma, Dr. Owl, and Ziggy the robot as they discover the magic of the larynx, the amazing healing powers of a cat's vibration, and the secret waggle dance of honeybees! Learning Connection: NGSS DCI: LS1.D – Information Processing

[Replay] How Do Bats Fly?

Discover how bats use their hands to fly and how they navigate the dark using the power of sound.
 
Join Dr. Owl, Emma, and Ziggy as they explore the "finger-wings" of the world's only flying mammal. You'll learn the difference between flapping and gliding and find out why bats are the ultimate "sound ninjas" of the night sky!

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

How Do Smells and Tastes Work? – Biology & Human Body Science for Kids

Children will learn the biology behind the five senses, specifically exploring how olfactory molecules and taste buds work together to identify complex flavors. Join Dr. Owl, Emma, and Ziggy as they conduct a sensory jellybean experiment and discover the hilarious reason why butterflies taste food with their feet! 
Learning Connection: NGSS DCI: LS1.D – Information Processing

How Do Germs Make Us Sick? – Biology & Hygiene for Kids

Children will learn the biology behind how viruses invade our cells and how active ingredients in hand sanitizer break them apart. Join Dr. Owl, Emma, and Ziggy the Robot as they uncover the scientific mystery of whether germs are actually alive and discover why destroying a virus is just like popping a water balloon! 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.A – Structure and Function

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

How Do Animals Stick to Walls? – Biology & Biomimicry for Kids

Learn the amazing biology and biomimicry behind how geckos, spiders, and tree frogs climb up walls without falling down! Dr. Owl, Emma, and Ziggy shrink down to the microscopic level to explore dry molecular hugs, super-strong spider silk, and self-cleaning sticky frog toes. Discover how human scientists are copying nature's coolest tricks to invent things like gecko tape for space ninja lizard robots! 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: 1-LS1-1 – Structure and Function (Biomimicry)