STEM with Dr. Owl

Why Does the Sky Go Boom? – Meteorology & Weather Science for Kids

Kids will learn the science behind thunderstorms, discovering how cumulonimbus clouds form and why lightning creates the loud shockwave of thunder. Join Dr. Owl, Emma, and Ziggy as they answer a fantastic question from 6-year-old Ellie, find out exactly how hot a lightning bolt really is, and learn a fun counting trick to figure out how far away a storm is! 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: ESS2.D – Weather and Climate

How Do Bats Fly? – Animal Biology & Echolocation Science for Kids

Learn how bats fly using wing anatomy, mammal biology, and echolocation to navigate in the dark. In this fun and interactive episode, kids discover how bats use their hands as wings, how flight works, and why bats are the only mammals that truly fly.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

How Do Text Messages Travel? – Radio Waves & Telecommunications for Kids

Discover the invisible science of radio waves, cell towers, and underground networks that allow mobile phones to send text messages across the world. Join Dr. Owl, Emma, and Ziggy the Robot as they uncover how a picture of a kangaroo travels from Australia in just one second! Test your knowledge with fun trivia and learn why phone signals don't rely on tiny mail carriers. Want more fun science?
Learning Connection: NGSS DCI: PS4.C – Information Technologies and Instrumentation

[Replay] Why Do Things Melt? – Physics & Chemistry for Kids

🍦 Learn about the physics of melting, molecules, and the three states of matter as Ziggy the Robot desperately tries to stop his lime popsicle from turning into a sticky puddle! Join Dr. Owl and Emma for a "molecule dance party" to discover why heat makes the tiny building blocks of our world wiggle, jiggle, and slide apart. It is a science-tastic adventure filled with frozen soldiers, rock juice, and even jet-powered puddles!
 

Why Do We Have Boogers? – Biology & Human Body Science for Kids

Learn how your body uses boogers and mucus as a secret superhero defense system to keep your lungs clean and healthy. Dr. Owl, Emma, and Ziggy the Robot explore the sticky world of "nose trash nuggets," discover how nose hairs act like filters, and find out why we make a whole liter of snot every single day!
Learning Connection: NGSS DCI: LS1.A – Structure and Function

[Replay] Why Is This Orange Fuzzy? (What Is Mold?)

Today we're replaying one of our favorite past mysteries! Have you ever found fuzzy stuff growing on fruit? Let’s investigate what mold really is.
🍊 Discover the secret world of mold spores, fungi, and nature’s cleanup crew in this fun biology episode. Join Dr. Owl and Emma as they help Ziggy the Robot understand why his orange grew a "green beard" and how tiny spores float through the air to find a home. You'll even learn how some molds are used to make life-saving medicine!
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: LS2.A – Interdependent Relationships in Ecosystems

Why Do Bananas Get Bruises? – Biology & Chemistry for Kids

Biology of cells and chemical reactions are the focus of today's fruity investigation. Join Dr. Owl, Emma, and Ziggy as they shrink down to look at the tiny "water balloon" cells inside your favorite snacks. Discover why oxygen and enzymes turn your fruit brown and learn a fun experiment you can do in your own kitchen!
Learning Connection: NGSS DCI: LS1.A – Structure and Function

Did We Just Lose an Hour? – Earth's Tilt & Physics for Kids

Discover how the Earth's tilt and rotation create the changing seasons and why we shift our clocks for Daylight Saving Time. Join Emma, Dr. Owl, and a very confused Ziggy as they solve the mystery of the "missing hour" and learn why the sun stays out longer in the summer.
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: ESS1.B – Earth and the Solar System

How is Cotton Candy Made? – States of Matter & Physical Science for Kids

Discover the science of states of matter, physical changes, and centrifugal force as we explore how cotton candy machines work. Join Dr. Owl, Emma, and a very sticky Ziggy as they learn how heat and spinning turn hard sugar crystals into fluffy, delicious clouds. We also reveal the world's longest cotton candy record and why this treat is called "Papa's Beard" in other countries!
Learning Connection: NGSS DCI: PS1.A – Structure and Properties of Matter

Why Do We Love Pets So Much? – Biology & Domestication for Kids

Biology of baby features, dopamine brain chemicals, and the science of "cuteness" are explored in this heartwarming episode about our animal best friends. Join Dr. Owl and Emma as they discover why certain features switch on our "Care Mode" and how our brains give themselves a "hug" whenever we see a puppy, kitten, or bird.
Don't forget to check out our previous episode on how animals became our partners over thousands of years: "Where Did Our Pets Come From?" . Click to listen --> https://pod.link/1803048567/episode/c3RlbS13aXRoLWRyLW93bC5wb2RiZWFuLmNvbS81YmM2MTQ1MS0yNmU3LTNiYWEtOGY2OS02NDkwMjk5YzI4MWI
Learning Connection: NGSS DCI: LS4.C – Adaptation (Domestication and Social Bonding)