Episode 160: Why Do We Get Goosebumps?

Whether you’re scared or cold, you get goosebumps. Why do we get goosebumps and what is the science behind them? Were they actually useful to our ancestors thousands of years ago? In this episode, I will uncover the science of goosebumps and why they happen! Here is an article! It is called “What Are Vestigial Features?” …

Evolution Souvenir Scavenger Hunt! Activity

Materials: Directions: Time to look for evolution souvenirs! These are traits that are left over from previous ancestors due to evolution. They are also known as vestigial features. These vestigial traits are hidden in the human body and even in other animals! Your job is to go on a scavenger hunt and find out these …

What Are Vestigial Features?

Vestigial features are traits and characteristics leftover from evolution that are not useful for survival. Vestigial features are usually not important for the survival of the present-day animal, but may have been important for the ancestors of the animal. These features are left over due to evolution and will still be found in present day organisms. Over …

Episode 159: What Are Gravitational Waves? With Dr. Zoheyr Doctor

What are gravitational waves? It is hard to wrap your head around something that bends the fabric of space-time itself! How are gravitational waves formed and how are they detected? In this episode, I will be speaking with Dr. Zoheyr Doctor to break down this amazing space science for us. Dr. Doctor is an astrophysicist …

Episode 157: Why Are Earthquakes So Hard To Predict? With Dr. Ramon Arrowsmith

Earthquakes are groundbreaking natural phenomena. What are earthquakes, how do they form, and why are they so hard to predict? In this episode, I will be talking to Dr. Ramon Arrowsmith to learn more about earthquakes and answer these questions. Dr. Arrowsmith studies earthquakes and fault lines at Arizona State University. Do you have science …

Episode 155: How Can We Build Wildfire Resilient Houses? With Dr. Michele Barbato

Wildfires are very destructive events that can wipe out homes and communities. How can we build houses that are able to withstand nature’s fiery forces? The answer lies beneath our feet! In this episode, I speak with Dr. Michele Barbato to take a closer look at the fire-resilient materials he is working on at University …

Episode 154: What If Volcanoes Didn’t Exist? With Dr. Amanda Clarke

Volcanoes! Lava, rocks, ash, and dust! Volcanoes are some of the most mind-blowing natural phenomena in the world, and are destructive forces that shape our planet. But, what if volcanoes didn’t exist? How would our lives be like on Earth without volcanoes? In this episode, I will answer this question with the help of Dr. …

Tsunami Poster!

Materials: Directions: Make a poster educating people about tsunamis and how they are formed. Make your poster colorful and appealing! Some of my favorite posters might be featured on this website! Have an adult help you to send me pictures of your poster by emailing me at Use the Spectacular Science episode to help you!

Why There Are Seasons Worksheet!

Materials: Spectacular Science Why There Are Seasons Worksheet (Click here!) Directions: Print the worksheet out (only page 1) and fill in the blanks. Check your answers with the answer key on the next page. Use the video about why days get shorter in the winter (located below) to help fill in the answers easier.

Episode 149: Halloween Special! – “Mummified” Plants!? All About Plant Fossils

Mummified plants? Sounds crazy and spooky, right? In this Halloween special episode, I take you behind the science of plant mummys, also known as plant fossils. We will learn how plant fossils are formed, how they are preserved, and what scientists do with them now. Here is an article! It is called “How Plant Fossils …

Episode 148: What if Black Holes Didn’t Exist? With Dr. Christopher Carroll

Black holes! They’re mysterious objects in space. When things go in them, they never come back. In this episode, with the help of Dr. Christopher Carroll, I am answering a burning questions about black holes: what if they didn’t even exist? Dr. Carroll studies black holes at Washington State University and knows a lot about …

Episode 147: All About Gorillas! With Ms. Rhiannon Schultz

Gorillas! They’re amazing animals! This episode features amazing questions sent in by a few of my listeners! We will all learn more about gorillas with the help of Ms. Rhiannon Schultz. Ms. Schultz is a gorilla researcher at the University of Georgia and knows a lot about the kings of jungles. Learn more about Ms. …

Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse! 2023

The “ring of fire” annular solar eclipse was earlier today! Check out yesterday’s post for more information. I watched the eclipse from where I live (with solar viewing glasses, of course). I couldn’t see the entire eclipse since I wasn’t in the path of it. It was truly a spectacular event! My question about solar …

Ring of Fire Solar Eclipse Tomorrow!

A solar eclipse will be visible over parts of North and South America tomorrow, Saturday October 14th! This will be a partial solar eclipse in many areas of the U.S. Learn more by visiting NASA’s eclipse website: https://science.nasa.gov/eclipses/future-eclipses/eclipse-2023/ If you want to watch an eclipse, make sure to use appropriate eye protection (linked to NASA …

Find a Maple Tree Activity!

Materials: Directions: Time to hunt for maple trees! Be like a scientists a use clues to find maple trees. Scientists in the field use reference pictures. See some of the reference pictures below. Look for the pattern of the leaves to identify a maple. This is a fun scavenger hunt-like activity! Have fun!

Episode 144: What Makes Diamonds So Strong?

You’ve probably heard that diamonds are the strongest material naturally found on Earth. What makes diamonds so strong? In this episode, I will take you into the science of diamonds, how they form, and how all that plays a role in why diamonds are considered the strongest natural material in the world! Here is an …

Episode 143: How We’re All Made of Stardust!

We’re all made of stardust! It seems mind-blowing or even unreal, but everything on Earth is made out of materials that were originally in stars. In this episode, I will uncover how we’re actually made of stars and some amazing facts about our early universe. Here is an article! It is called “What is a …

Episode 142: What if Coral Reefs Disappeared? With Dr. Emma Camp

What if all coral reefs on Earth suddenly disappeared? How would the Earth react? What problems would that create? In this episode, I talk to Dr. Emma Camp, a marine biologist at University of Technology Sydney, about this mind-boggling question and to tell us more about the harsh future of coral reefs. Dr. Camp is …

Episode 141: What are Shooting Stars?

You’ve probably heard the saying “wish on a shooting star”. What exactly are shooting stars? Hint! They might not be actual stars. In this episode, I will talk more about shooting stars and what they really are. Here is an article! It is called “What Causes Meteor Showers”. (https://spectacularsci.com/2022/06/what-causes-meteor-showers/) Here is an activity! It is …

Episode 140: Why is There a Hurricane Season?

Why is there a specific hurricane season, especially in North America? Why don’t hurricanes come at all times of the year? I will explore the science and wonders of hurricanes, such as Hurricane Idalia and answer some of these mind-boggling questions in this episode.. Here is an article! It is called “How Do Hurricanes Form?” …

Episode 137: Biomes – Part 1 – What Are Biomes?

Welcome to this 3 part series about biomes! Biomes are different areas of Earth that have different temperatures and are home to unique types of life! In this series, Akshay will be covering the science behind biomes and the different types of biomes on Earth! In part 1, Akshay will be introducing you to biomes …

Episode 136: Physical and Chemical Changes!

Physical and chemical changes are all around you! But, what are these changes, and what are some real-world examples of them? What’s the difference between physical and chemical changes? In this episode, Akshay talks about the science behind physical and chemical changes and why it is so important for our world. Here is an article! …

New Spectacular Science Fun Fact Generator!

Introducing… the all new Spectacular Science Fun Fact Generator! I have collected many science facts over the years and have put them on this fact generator website so you can experience the feelings of awe and wonder we get while looking at these mind-blowing facts! Visit facts.spectacularsci.com to check it out and generate awe-inspiring science …

Episode 135: Your Body’s Clock! Circadian Rhythm with Dr. Erin Gibson

Do you know what controls your sleep cycle, hunger, and even changes in body temperature? Circadian rhythm does! Circadian rhythm is your body’s internal clock and controls when certain things happen in your body. How does circadian rhythm work and why is it important? In this episode, Akshay wonders about circadian rhythm after waking up …

Episode 134: What Is LiDAR and How Does It Work? – With Mr. Jack Wood

LiDAR is a type of technology that uses light to scan areas and to build a computer model of real-world places. LiDAR is now being used for many things, such as self-driving cars and even on smartphones. What really is LiDAR and how does it work? What does the future of LiDAR look like? In …

Episode 132: All About Artificial Selection! With Dr. Ian Dworkin

Have you ever wondered how there are so many breeds of dogs in the world. Or, have you wondered why there are so many varieties of fruits and vegetables. It’s all thanks to artificial selection and selective breeding! Akshay visits the animal shelter in search of a new pet, and sees all of these hundreds …

Episode 131: What’s The Deal With Microplastics? Why They Are Harmful To Earth

What’s the big deal with microplastics? What is microplastic and why is it harmful to the environment, especially animals? In this episode, Akshay tries to relax on the beach, but can’t because of all the plastic on the beach! He gets curious about microplastics and learns more about them. In this episode, we will learn …

Episode 129: For Crying Out Loud! Why Onions Make Us Cry

You’re in the kitchen chopping onions, then suddenly, you start crying! No, it’s not because you are hurt but is because of the onion. Why do onions make us cry? In this episode, Akshay is making his signature Soup of Imagination in his kitchen. He starts chopping onions for his soup and starts crying! In …

Episode 128: Shark Talk! All About Sharks With Ms. Melissa Cristina Márquez

Sharks! They’re one of the most mysterious, misunderstood, and amazing creatures on Earth! Have you ever wondered about sharks and what it is like when diving with them? Akshay wants to learn more about sharks, so he talks to Ms. Melissa Cristina Márquez, a shark researcher and explorer. Akshay builds a new imaginary submarine and …

Episode 127: Where’d You Go? All About Chameleons!

Now you see me, now you don’t! Chameleons are able to camouflage into their surroundings. But, how do they do this and is how they change dependent upon their surroundings? In this episode, Akshay goes out exploring in the woods and finds chameleons everywhere, even though he can’t see some of them! Learn about chameleons …

Episode 126: Survival of the Fittest! Evolution with Dr. William Ratcliff

Have you ever wondered how humans originated from apes or why birds look different based on their environments? Evolution and natural selection are the answers to those questions! What is evolution and natural selection? How does it work? Akshay wonders about this on his trip to the zoo, so he talks to Dr. William Ratcliff, …

Episode 125: Glow Up! How Do Creatures Make Light?

Many creatures such as fireflies, mushrooms, fish, worms, and microscopic sea animals make light. They have this amazing superpower that lights up their surroundings. How do they make light? Akshay wonders the same thing while watching fireflies in his backyard! In this episode, we are going to take a deep dive into the science of …

Episode 123: Pollinators vs. Climate Change! With Dr. Samuel Myers

Pollinators are all around us! They help us humans get food and crops and also help the ecosystem stay in balance. But, we have a problem! Climate change! Climate change is impacting pollinators and the ecosystem as well. Akshay is curious about this and meets Dr. Samuel Myers at a bee farm! Dr. Myers is …

What Causes The Smell Of Mown Grass?

You probably know the smell of freshly-mown grass. It is a very strong smell and, for some people, is relaxing. This smell comes from the cut grass and is made up of lots of chemicals that plants make. But, that soothing and very strong smell is actually a plant distress call!! Plants don’t have a …

Episode 122: The Toughest Animal On Earth! Microscopic Tardigrades

What is the toughest animal on Earth? You may think that it is the cheetah or the blue whale, but your have to think small! Very small, even microscopic. The tardigrade is a microorganism that can survive in extreme environments, even space! How can they do this? In this episode, Akshay takes you on a …

Episode 118: Concrete! How It’s Made and Why It’s Important

Concrete is all around you! The sidewalks, roads, houses, and even skyscrapers! It plays a huge role in your everyday life. But, how is concrete made and how is it used? In this episode, Akshay takes you into a deep dive into the science of concrete! Sign up for the free Spectacular Science Membership where …

How Does Snow Happen?

The white, powdery precipitation called snow is a winter’s delight! It falls from the sky as snowflakes. One condition is the temperature. It has to be below freezing or below 32°F or 0°C. This freezing temperature makes the water in the atmosphere freeze and turn into snowflakes! The other condition is atmospheric lift. This is …

Episode 117: Hummingbirds! Small Birds With Flight Superpowers

Hummingbirds are small birds, but they are the masters of flight. These tiny birds have adapted special ways for them to fly fast and in different directions quickly. In this episode, Akshay explores the science of hummingbirds and how they have specially adapted wings that help them fly fast and even backwards! Sign up for …

Episode 114: Auroras! The Greatest Light Show on Earth

Auroras! They are known as the “greatest light show on Earth”. These natural colored light shows happen near the North and South pole. But, how do these spectacular events happen and what is the science behind that? In this episode, Akshay takes you on a deep dive into the science of auroras. Sign up for …

What Are Meteor Showers and How Do They Happen?

Meteors are small bits of rock that enter Earth’s atmosphere and sometimes land on the ground. Meteors are also known as “shooting stars”. Meteor showers are caused by comets. Comets are giant balls of rocks and ice that orbit a star. They are made up of 3 main parts: the nucleus, the coma, and the …

Episode 113: Making Oxygen on Mars! All About MOXIE with Mr. Shravan Hariharan

There is no Oxygen on Mars. The thin Martian atmosphere is only made out of Carbon dioxide. How will we send humans and rockets to space without the Oxygen that they need? MOXIE, a machine aboard NASA’s Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover helps with that! This amazing technology turns Carbon dioxide into Oxygen and is working …

Rate The Lunar Eclipse That Is Coming Up! November 8th, 2022

Get ready, because tonight, a total lunar eclipse is visible over the United States! Check out our post about lunar eclipses to refresh yourself. While you’re watching the lunar eclipse, use our worksheet, Rate a Lunar Eclipse, to use the Danjon Scale to rate what color the Moon is an how bright it is! Spectacular …

What Is Cellular Respiration?

Cellular respiration is the set of chemical reactions that break down glucose from our food into ATP or andosine triphosphate. The ATP is energy for the body. Cellular respiration requires Oxygen and glucose to start the cycle. Cellular respiration takes place in the mitochondria or “powerhouse” of the cells. They take in the Oxygen and …

Episode 109: The Carbon Cycle! From The Earth To Living Things

Carbon is the building block of all living things, even you! But, have you ever wondered about how the carbon got to you and how the carbon is spread out around Earth? It’s all thanks to the Carbon cycle, a giant cycle which the Carbon on Earth goes through to get recycled and reused by …

Happy International Podcast Day!

Happy International Podcast Day! On September 30th, 2022, we recognize podcasts and podcasters of their work and spreading their stories with the world. I am so happy that my podcast has gotten so far and I really want to thank you, my listeners! My mission when starting this podcast was to spread the spectacular things …

How Do Hurricanes Form Over The Ocean?

Hurricanes are a group of storm clouds that create a very dangerous storm. If you see a hurricane from space, you will see a giant swirling cloud. Hurricanes can bring heavy rain, wind, and sometimes minor tornadoes. Hurricanes are formed when storm clouds form over warm water. As the storm clouds move, the warm water …

Episode 106: The Science of 5G Technologies with Mr. Lyle Paczkowski

A new era of communication has been released in the past few years and is gaining heat now! It is called 5G or the fifth generation of technologies! This new type of communication tech is opening possibilities of having faster phone and internet speeds as well as having more smart gadgets, such as self-driving cars …

First Day of Fall In The Northern Hemisphere!

Fall is here in the Northern Hemisphere! In this post, you will learn about why leaves fall from trees during the fall! Trees are living things, just like us. They are called organisms. You’ve seen that some trees lose all of their leaves in the fall and go dormant or in a resting stage in …

Episode 105: The Science of Machine Learning With Mr. Dale Lane

There are many smart machines around us such as smart speakers, self-driving cars, and even smart thermostats! But, how do these machines learn how to perform their tasks and how are they able to respond to different situations? This is all thanks to machine learning! In this episode, Akshay gets curious about machine learning while …

How Do Electrical Wires Work?

This is because the material inside of the wires is a conductor. Conductors are materials that electrons can travel through easily. Conductors are usually made out of metals. Conductors are used in the electrical wiring itself! Humans are also conductors of electricity (that is very dangerous) That is why humans should wear insulators to protect themselves from …

What Are The Smaller Parts Of An Atom?

Atoms are the microscopic building blocks of the universe. They make up almost ANY material including solids, liquids, and gases! A human has more than 1 billion atoms! Atoms have specific parts. There is the nucleus, which is the center of the atom. Then, there are even smaller parts. They are protons, neutrons, and electrons! …

Episode 101: Diving at Super-Speed! Peregrine Falcons

Welcome to season 5 of Spectacular Science! Peregrine falcons are very special birds. These birds dive for their prey at up to 250 miles per hour! But, how do these amazing birds dive from the air so fast? What’s the science behind the super fast flying skills? In this episode, Akshay explores the science behind …

What Is The Nitrogen Cycle!

Nitrogen is an element that very common on Earth. In fact, nitrogen makes up most of the air that we breathe in. This nitrogen actually cycles through different forms and stages over time. This cycle is kind of similar to the carbon cycle. The nitrogen cycle starts as nitrogen gas in the atmosphere. This gas …

What Are The Characteristics Of Living Things?

Living things are also called organisms! Humans, plants, and even bacteria are great examples of living things. But, what determines that a thing is living? There are a few characteristics that make things living. One is that they are made out of cells. Living things are ALL made out of cells. Cells are tiny building …

What Are Ocean Currents?

Ocean currents are rivers of water that move around the world. There are deep ocean currents and surface currents. Deep ocean currents are caused by differences the water’s density. Density is how close molecules are packed together in an object. The density of water is impacted by salinity (how much salt there is) and temperature. …

Why Are Electric Stoves Better Than Gas Stoves?

Electric stoves are now used in place of gas stoves because they can heat things more evenly. Electric stoves used electricity to heat up and cook food. When you turn the stove on, the electricity flows through metal coils that are either exposed or under the cooking surface (if you have a glass ceramic surface). …

What Is The Difference Between Pressure and Electric Rice Cookers?

The main parts of a basic electric rice cooker are the outer pot, inner pot, the heating element, lid, and button controls. The outer pot contains the heating element. The inner pot, where the uncooked rice goes, fits inside of the outer pot. The heating element heats up metal coils in the outer pot to …

How Does REM Sleep Affect Your Body?

REM Sleep or Rapid Eye Movement Sleep is a very important stage for human health. REM Sleep is the stage when your brain is active, dreams occur, and your eyes move back and forth rapidly under your eyelids. During this stage, your brain is very active! The brain organizes information it learned the past day in a …

What Is The Difference Between Airplanes and Helicopters?

Airplanes are machines that can fly with engine or propeller power. They are able to use aerodynamics (how air and objects move) to fly. Airplanes make it so that we can travel around the world in just a few hours! Airplanes can coke in all shapes and sizes like the tiny airplanes that you see …

What Causes The Continents On Earth To Move?

They move thanks to convection currents. Convection currents all start with density. Density is how much “stuff” (atoms and molecules) that are packed into one thing. If something has a high density, all of the atoms and molecules are close together and will sink. If something has a low density, the atoms and molecules are …

Grass Alarm Smell! The Strong Smell of Mown Grass

You probably know the smell of freshly-mown grass. It is a very strong smell and, for some people, is relaxing. This smell comes from the cut grass and is made up of lots of chemicals that plants make. But, that soothing and very strong smell is actually a plant distress call!! Plants don’t have a …

What Are The Differences Between Amphibians and Reptiles?

Reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrate (has a backbone) animals. Reptiles are ectothermic, meaning that they rely on the Sun’s energy to heat them up and match the temperature in the air around them. When it is cold outside, reptiles become more inactive in order to maintain a body temperature and are very active when it warms up! Most …

The Providence Canyon in Georgia!

Providence Canyon State Park in Georgia is home to Providence Canyon, also known as “The Little Grand Canyon”. This canyon formed because of clearcutting of trees and farming. The land’s history began millions of years ago when sediments were deposited under ancient seas and coastal beaches. These delicate ribbons of sand were protected by trees and …

What Is Mechanical Weathering?

Weathering is the breaking down of rock by many natural agents like water, wind, and gravity. Mechanical Weathering is when rocks are broken down without a chemical change. They are changing their physical properties. Mechanical weathering can split rocks in half and turn them into dust! Some examples of Mechanical Weathering are ice wedging (when water …

What Is Green Energy?

Green Energy means a way to make power without polluting the atmosphere. Most power plants today use coal and gasoline to generate electricity. When they burn coal and gasoline, it creates Carbon Dioxide (CO2) which is a Greenhouse Gas. This means that it traps the Sun’s energy in the atmosphere and makes the planet hotter. This causes …

What Causes Objects To Slow Down On Earth?

It is all because of friction. Friction is a force that happens when two or more objects are rubbed together. This can break the object, generate heat, or make sounds. Friction is a force that blocks the movement. That is why remote control cars can’t drive well on carpet. When there is too much friction, …

The 100th Episode of Spectacular Science! – Music and the Brain

This is the 100th episode of Spectacular Science! This is a very big milestone for this podcast. In this episode, Akshay is celebrating the 100th episode of Spectacular Science with a musical spectacular! In this episode, Akshay talks to Dr. Alan Harvey from the University of Western Australia about how the brain processes music. Akshay …

Why Do Some Fruits Have Peels Or Shells?

Fruits are pieces of plants that have sugar inside of them. They don’t always have to be sweet to be a fruit! Fruits have either of these two things: seeds or come from flowering plants. The entire purpose of fruits is to help the plant reproduce. The seeds help the plants make more plants. If …

How Do Fireworks Explode And Create Dazzling Colors In The Sky?

Aerial fireworks are the fireworks that you see launched into the sky! They are usually fired using rockets and mortars. These fireworks create a dazzling light show above us! They all start with a paper tube. That tube is filled with small bits of metal, like iron or steel, colorants (made using gases/elements such as …

What Makes The Sky Appear Blue?

The Visible light spectrum is the different colors in the white light that we see. The different colors are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. You can see these colors by bending light with a prism or with water. The sky is blue because the molecules (building blocks of the universe) in the …

What Do Plants Use Sunlight For?

Plants need sunlight because plants use the Sun to make food. Chlorophyll helps plants collect the sunlight. Chlorophyll is made up of even smaller parts called Chloroplasts. Chloroplasts have a green color to them. Leaves have Chloroplast because they help the plant or tree collect sunlight and turn it into sugar. That process is called …

What Are The Effects of Deforestation?

Deforestation is when people cut down large areas of forests. These trees are cut down in a way called clearcutting. Clearcutting is when all of the trees in the area are completely gone. This can be done for new buildings, roads, logging, or farmland. Clearcutting and deforestation in general can be very bad for the …

What Makes Some Plastics Clear?

Plastic is a type of polymer. Polymers are certain materials that have atoms that are bonded together in a link pattern. Atoms are the tiny building blocks of all elements. When atoms bond together, like in polymers, they form molecules! Poly means many and mer or mers means units. Polymers means many units! A great example of a human-made polymer is …

Episode 98: A Need For Speed! How Cheetahs Run So Fast

When you think of speedy animals, what is the first animal that comes to mind? The cheetah! Cheetahs are known for running very fast. But, how do cheetahs run so fast? They have developed many adaptations that help them run so fast! In this episode, Akshay explores the science behind how cheetahs run so fast! …

A Few Million Years Ago, Antarctica Was a Rainforest! How?

Antarctica, a few million years ago, was a rainforest! Now, we see Antarctica as a giant deserts with just ice. How did this transformation happen? It all happened because of the continents moving. They move thanks to convection currents. Convection currents all start with density. Density is how much “stuff” (atoms and molecules) that are …

Episode 97: What Makes a Bubble Pop?

Bubbles! Why do they pop? And why do they have shadows even though they are transparent? In this episode, Akshay gets curious about the science of bubbles when he was blowing bubbles! Join Akshay on an adventure from the small soap molecules to giant-sized bubbles in this episode. Please follow/subscribe wherever you’re listening right now! …

What Makes It Easy For Cheetahs To Run So Fast?

A cheetah is a mammal that mostly lives in the African Savanna. It is covered in spots and has black markings under its eyes. Cheetahs are in the genus or family Acinonyx. They are unlike big cats like tigers or lions because they do not have retractable claws that they can pull in. Their claws are …

Episode 96: Asteroids! Giant Pieces of Rock Floating In Space

Have you ever heard of asteroids? Asteroids are giant pieces of rock floating in space. But, did you know that there are different types of asteroids? In this episode, Akshay explores the science behind asteroids and the asteroid belt! Spectacular Science is on YouTube! Please subscribe to the Spectacular Science YouTube channel by using this …

How Are Rainbows Created?

Rainbows are optical illusions that happen when light bends in water droplets and splits into different colors. Those colors are red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet. White light is made out of all these colors. When it rains, lots of water droplets are in the sky. The Sun shines through these water droplets. …

How Do Fuses Help With Short Circuits?

A circuit is a path that current electricity or electrons can flow through. Current electricity is a type of human-made electricity. A simple circuit is made out of four parts: the power source, wires, the load, and a switch! A simple circuit works by electrons, which are negatively charged, exit from the negative terminal of …

How Do Electric Cars Work?

Electric cars work differently from regular gasoline-powered cars. Regular cars work using an Internal Combustion Engine that creates a small, controlled explosion inside of the engine. That moves a piston which is connected to a wheel. That wheel then moves while the piston is moving! That gasoline that you put into your car powers the …

How Does Echolocation Work?

Echolocation is when animals locate objects using sound. Bats, dolphins, and other animals use echolocation. First, the animal makes a sound, which is usually high pitched. This helps the sound travel farther and also give it more energy. Then, the sound reflects or bounces off of a surface or another animal. Then, the sound reflects back to …

How Plastic Is Made!!

Plastic is a type of polymer. Polymers are certain materials that have atoms that are bonded together in a link pattern. Atoms are the tiny building blocks of all elements. When atoms bond together, like in polymers, they form molecules! Poly means many and mer or mers means units. Polymers means many units! A great example of a human-made polymer is …

Why Do Flowers Wilt After They Have Been Taken Off The Plant?

Flowers are an assortment of petals and pollen that a plant produces to reproduce. The pollen of a flower contains the genetic information to make seeds and new plants. Besides being pretty, flowers actually make fruits possible! A fruit is what is left after a flower dies and sugar is put into the dead flower bulb. Thank …

Episode 94: The Secret Senses of Plants!

Can plants feel pain? No, they don’t feel pain. But, they have some amazing secret senses! Akshay wonders about these plant senses and explores the science behind the secret superpowers of plants! Plants are able to defend each other and themselves, recognize bugs that attack them, and even figure out which direction to grow!! Please …

May 15-16 – Amazing Lunar Eclipse!

Yesterday was a total lunar eclipse over the United States! I was very excited for this eclipse to happen! Just a refresher, a lunar eclipse is when Earth’s shadow is cast on the Moon. This causes the Moon to appear red because of the light being scattered on Earth. This is called the “Blood Moon”. Before the …

Rate The Lunar Eclipse That Is Coming Up!

Get ready, because tonight, a total lunar eclipse is visible over the United States! Check out our post yesterday about lunar eclipses to refresh yourself. While you’re watching the lunar eclipse, use our worksheet, Rate a Lunar Eclipse, to use the Danjon Scale to rate what color the Moon is an how bright it is! …

How Does Earth’s Tilt Cause Seasons?

Seasons are different climate patterns that happen throughout different times in a year! Places on Earth experience seasons at different times. Some seasons are noticeable and others are not. We have seasons because the Earth is slightly tilted on its axis. An axis is an imaginary rod going from the top to the bottom where …

How Do We See Things And Know What Color They Are?

Let’s start with light. Light can be broken up into a few colors: red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet! When we see white light coming from the Sun or a lightbulb, that white light is all of the rainbow colors together. When the white light hits an object it reflections, or bounces of …

What is Hair And Why Is It Important?

Hair is a strand of string protein that grows out of hair follicles or tiny sacs in your skin. Hair is made up of keratin, the same material your fingernails are made out of. Hair grows through a process of cells dividing and getting pushed out of the follicle. This causes a strand of cells …

Why Is Earth The Only Planet In Our Solar System That Supports Life?

There are a few reasons why Earth is the only planet in the Solar System to support life. One is that Earth is located in the “Goldilocks Zone” from the Sun. The “Goldilocks Zone” is a specific distance from the Sun where it is not too hot or not too cold. It is just right! …

Why Will Your Weight Change If You Are On Another Planet?

Go to projects.spectacularsci.com/calculate-your-weight-on-planets to try out my new weight calculator on planets! This will tell you how much you will weigh if you are on another planet in the Solar System! If you try out the calculator, you might notice that your Earth weight differs from planet to planet! But, why does that happen? It …

What Is The Difference Between Viruses and Bacteria?

A virus is infectious object that depends on living organisms’ cells to multiply. They are bad for living organisms and take over cells. Viruses infect a body and travel to a cell and inject it’s DNA code into the cell which will make the virus multiply and will destroy the cell. This is how viruses make us …

How Do Black Holes Consume Stars and Matter?

A black hole is a place in space that is extremely dense and has a strong gravitational pull. This is because a lot of matter has been squeezed into a tiny space. This usually happens when a star is dying. Black holes can suck in entire stars and planets! Black holes can be from the size of a single atom to …

Episode 90: Beyond the Planets! The Kuiper Belt and Oort Cloud

We all know our Solar System and it is our home. But, have you ever thought about the objects beyond Neptune? That is what we are learning about today! Akshay gets curious about the Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud which are outside of the planetary region! We will learn what these objects beyond the …

What Caused The Formation of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a divergent tectonic plate boundary that is on the ocean floor. A divergent boundary is when two tectonic plates move apart from each other. In this case, the plates are the South American Plate and the African Plate. As those plates pull apart, magma from below the Earth’s crust rises up and cools …

Why Does Pollen Give Some People Allergies?

Pollen is a sticky substance that is found inside of most flowering plants. Pollen is in the middle of the flower of the plant. Pollen is attached to long structures called stamens and smaller structures called pistils. This pollen helps make new plants grow through a process called pollination. That is when pollen is transferred …

Why Are Bees Important For Flowers?

Bees are important in a lot of ways, but the most important is pollination. Pollen is a sticky substance that is found inside of most flowering plants. Pollen is in the middle of the flower of the plant. Pollen is attached to long structures called stamens and smaller structures called pistils. This pollen helps make …

What Causes A Chemical Reaction?

Chemical reactions are when two or more materials combine to make a new material! The two materials usually react with each other, producing that new material. This happens when molecular and atomic bonds are broken apart or connected. A great example is when you mix baking soda and vinegar to make Carbon dioxide gas! There …

What Makes Graphite Weaker Than Diamond Even Though They Are Made Of The Same Element?

Graphite and diamonds are both made out of Carbon. Carbon is a very abundant element. But, why is diamond stronger than graphite if they are made out of the same material? It is all because of the arrangement of the atoms into molecules. Atoms are the microscopic building blocks of the universe. They make up …

What Is Run-Off Of Water?

Run-off is when precipitation (snow, rain sleet, or hail) hits the ground and drains into rivers, lakes, and oceans. This run-off is what causes accumulations or build-ups of water. Run-off is also a cause of erosion, which can break down and carry rocks to different places. Millions of years ago, planet Earth did not really have rivers …

What Is A Stethoscope?

A stethoscope is a instrument used by doctors and other medical specialists. It is used to measure people’s heartbeat and their breathing. It is placed on the area where the heart is or on the back. A modern stethoscope is made up of a Y-shaped flexible plastic tube. An earpiece is attached to each end of the Y and a sound-detecting device at the other end. The sound-detecting device …

What Are Some Ways Rocks Can Weather?

Weathering is when rocks get broken down into pieces. Weathering can happen in many different ways, from salt to clay to ice! We are going to focus on the 5 main ways: water, ice, salt crystallization, clay formation, and plant roots. To learn more about weathering, check out our episode about weathering! Weathering with water happens …

Episode 86: How Did The Universe Form? – With Dr. Paul M. Sutter

Have you ever looked up in the night sky and wondered how everything got there? I’m talking about the origins of our universe! The one thing that formed this universe!! Akshay wonders about that when he goes stargazing, so he visits Dr. Paul M. Sutter, an astrophysicist and author of Your Place in the Universe …

What Is The Nervous System?

The nervous system is the collection of all the nerves in your body and its function is to receive and send information on what’s going with the body. The nervous system includes your brain and spinal cord. Your brain and spinal cord are the centers where the information is being sent and received. Without the …

What Are The 3 Types of Heat Transfer?

Heat transfer is the spread of heat between objects. There are three types: conduction, radiation, and convection. Conduction is heat that is transferred through direct contact. Conductors are materials that allow heat to pass through them. An example of conduction is touching a hot pot on a stove (NEVER do that!). Then, there is radiation. …

How Do SPG Nerves Cause Brain Freezes?

A brain freeze is an informal term for Sphenopalatine Ganglion Neuralgia. It is when the blood vessels in your brain expand to cause a headache! This is all caused SPG nerves. These nerves are at the back of your mouth and are very sensitive to cold foods like ice cream. SPG nerves or the sphenopalatine …

How Do The Continents Move?

They move thanks to convection currents. Convection currents all start with density. Density is how much “stuff” (atoms and molecules) that are packed into one thing. If something has a high density, all of the atoms and molecules are close together and will sink. If something has a low density, the atoms and molecules are …

Episode 85: 142-Year-Old Seed Experiment! – With Dr. David Lowry

Have you wondered how long seeds last underground before they can’t sprout anymore? Akshay wonders the same thing! So, Akshay talks to Dr. David Lowry from Michigan State University about the amazing Beal Seed Experiment. Join Akshay and Dr. Lowry on an adventure to discover what the Beal Seed Experiment is and go on a …

How Do Cumulonimbus Clouds Form?

Cumulonimbus clouds are storm clouds. Clouds are large collections of water droplets that can be frozen, but only sometimes. They form due to condensation, when water evaporates into a gas and cools down above the Earth. Then, the water drops attach to pieces of dust or dirt that are above the Earth. As more droplets …

What Are Low Pressure Systems?

Air molecules around us push down on us all the time. The air from the atmosphere takes up space, so it has mass (weight). The more atmosphere above you, the more the air pressure. There is actually 14.7 pounds per square inch of your body pushing down on you right now!! That means that your …

What Are Flowers and What Is Their Purpose?

Flowers are an assortment of petals and pollen that a plant produces to reproduce. The pollen of a flower contains the genetic information to make seeds and new plants. Besides being pretty, flowers actually make fruits possible! A fruit is what is left after a flower dies and sugar is put into the dead flower bulb. Thank …

Why Is There So Much Pollen In The Air During Spring?

There is so much pollen in the air because lots of flowers bloom in the Spring. Pollen is a sticky substance that is found inside of most flowering plants. Pollen is in the middle of the flower of the plant. Pollen is attached to long structures called stamens and smaller structures called pistils. This pollen …

What Is The Greenhouse Effect and What Causes It?

The Greenhouse Effect is what climate change is caused by. This effect is when gases like Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Methane (CH4) are released into the atmosphere. These gases, also known as greenhouse gases trap the heat that the Sun beams out inside of Earth’s atmosphere. This happens because these gases are able to absorb …

Why Do Leaves That Fall On The Ground Dry Up?

During the Fall, leaves from trees fall to the ground and the trees become dormant. Over time, those leaves on the ground start to shrink and turn brown. Then, they dry up. Why? It is all because the leaf is not receiving or making water or nutrients. When a leaf is attached to a tree …

How Do Plants Know When To Grow?

Plants know when to grow because of the change in temperature. As spring approaches, there will be an increase in temperature because the Earth is tilted towards the Sun. The temperature change is very noticeable for animals and plants too! When the seed or dormant plant senses that the temperature is increasing, it starts sprouting …

How Does Photosynthesis Work?

Photosynthesis is the process of taking sunlight and Carbon dioxide and making it into Oxygen gas and sugar! The word “photo” means light. Photosynthesis is used by green plants, algae, and bacteria. That helps the bacteria, plants, or algae make food for themselves. Photosynthesis also made our Oxygen atmosphere! These organisms use a part of their …

What Is The Differences Between Solids and Liquids?

A solid has the atoms packed tightly together, without any gaps. Solids have a definite size and shape. The solid state of matter is very common in the universe. The atoms make the solid positively charged (more protons) or negatively charged (more electrons). Electrons and protons are even smaller parts of atoms. When solids heat …

What Are The Layers of a Tree’s Bark?

Just like an onion, there are many layers to a tree’s bark. The 5 main layers are the outer bark, inner bark (phloem), cambium cell layer, sapwood, and heartwood. The outer bark is the tree’s first line of defense from rain, extreme temperatures, and insects. It is always renewed by the inner bark, which is …

How Do Tectonic Plates On Earth Move?

They move thanks to convection currents. Convection currents all start with density. Density is how much “stuff” (atoms and molecules) that are packed into one thing. If something has a high density, all of the atoms and molecules are close together and will sink. If something has a low density, the atoms and molecules are …

What Is The Mid-Atlantic Ridge?

The Mid-Atlantic Ridge is a divergent tectonic plate boundary that is on the ocean floor. A divergent boundary is when two tectonic plates move apart from each other. In this case, the plates are the South American Plate and the African Plate. As those plates pull apart, magma from below the Earth’s crust rises up …

How Does Hydroelectricity Work?

Hydroelectricity or hydropower is a way of harnessing water in order to make electricity! This is a renewable source of power. Renewable resources are resources that can be replaced and do not run out. Renewable means that we can constantly renew or make/get more of these resources. They can be replaced in a human lifetime …

What Are Warm-Blooded Animals?

Warm-blooded animals always have a fixed body temperature and is always different from the outside temperature. Most warm-blooded animals are vertebrates. Vertebrates are animals with a backbone. The backbone is also known as the vertebrate! The backbone is a row of connected bones that run down the back. Vertebrates animals make up only 5% of …

What Are Cold-Blooded Animals?

Cold-blooded animals are animals that rely on the outdoor temperature to determine their own body temperature. Most cold-blooded animals are invertebrates. Invertebrates are animals without a backbone. That means that they are the opposite of vertebrate animals. Invertebrates make up 95% if the Earth’s animals! Some invertebrates have a hard covering on the outside of …

How Do Ocean Waves Form?

 Waves are created by energy passing through water, causing it to move in a circular motion. However, water does not actually travel in waves. Waves transmit energy, not water, across the ocean and if not obstructed by anything. Ocean waves are most commonly caused by wind. Wind-driven waves, or surface waves, are created by the friction …

Episode 78: Gecko-Inspired Robot! – With Dane Brouwer

Akshay is curious about how geckos can walk on glass! Then, he discovers that some scientists have actually built a robot that is inspired by gecko feet! In this episode, Akshay talks to Mr. Dane Brouwer, from Stanford University, about farmHand, a gecko robot hand! Join Akshay and Mr. Brouwer as they talk about the …

What Are Severe Thunderstorms?

Thunderstorms are storms with cumulonimbus or storm clouds. The clouds have water inside of them and the water pours down on the ground below. Thunderstorms can also have heavy winds. Lightning and thunder are the main things in thunderstorms. First, we have to start off with a storm cloud. Tiny pieces of ice, which are …

What Are The Ways Moons Can Form?

A moon is a natural satellite that orbits around a larger object like a planet. A natural satellite is different from a human made satellite because natural satellites are produced naturally.  Moons usually have a stable orbit. This means that the rate of which the moon circles around the planet is just the right speed. …

What Is Water Pollution?

Water pollution is when humans dump trash and harmful or toxic chemicals into waterways like oceans, streams, rivers, and ponds. This trash and chemicals can cause problems for marine life. This trash can also come back to humans! When humans drink water, the water may be polluted! This is also a very big problem in …

Episode 77: How Do Flamingos Stand On One Leg? – With Dr. Young-Hui Chang

Have you ever wondered how flamingos can stand or even sleep on one leg? Akshay wonders this same exact thing when he tries to balance on one leg! Akshay visits Dr. Young-Hui Chang, a professor in the School of Biological Sciences at the Georgia Institute of Technology who studies movement in animals. Join Akshay and Dr. …

What Conditions Have To Be Met To Snow?

The white, powdery precipitation called snow is a winter’s delight! It falls from the sky as snowflakes. One condition is the temperature. It has to be below freezing or below 32°F or 0°C. This freezing temperature makes the water in the atmosphere freeze and turn into snowflakes! The other condition is atmospheric lift. This is …

What Are Reptiles?

Reptiles are cold-blooded vertebrate (has a backbone) animals. Reptiles are ectothermic, meaning that they rely on the Sun’s energy to heat them up and match the temperature in the air around them. When it is cold outside, reptiles become more inactive in order to maintain a body temperature and are very active when it warms …

What Are Amphibians?

Amphibians are a group of animals that live part of their lives in water and part on land! They are cold-blooded, small invertebrates that need water or a moist environment to survive. Amphibians include frogs, toads, newts, salamanders, and caecilians. They depend on the sun for warmth because they are ectothermic. Ectothermic means that they …

What Is The Difference Between Air and Water Pressure?

Right now, as you are reading this, there are tons of air pushing down on you. That is air pressure. As you might know, the Earth is covered with a blanket of gases. That is called the atmosphere. The air from the atmosphere takes up space, so it has mass (weight). The more atmosphere above …

Episode 76: Welcome to Season 4 – Light!

We are starting off Season 4 of Spectacular Science with a really bright episode! This episode is all about light! Light makes our world bright and helps animals and plants survive! In this episode, Akshay explores the science of the visible light around us. Please follow/subscribe to Spectacular Science! Learn how to follow this podcast …

What Is Evapotranspiration?

Evapotranspiration is the process of evaporation and transpiration combined. Evaporation is when water evaporates from the ground. This is when the sunlight heats the water and turns it into a gas called water vapor. As the sunlight heats up the water, the molecules get farther apart and start to turn into a gas or water …

What Are The Parts of An Atom?

Atoms are the microscopic building blocks of the universe. They make up almost ANY material including solids, liquids, and gases! A human has more than 1 billion atoms! Atoms have specific parts. There is the nucleus, which is the center of the atom. Then, there are even smaller parts. They are protons, neutrons, and electrons! …

What Is Adhesion of Water?

Adhesion is a property that water has. Adhesion means that water molecules like to “stick” to other water molecules and other things. That is actually why water forms in round drops! Adhesion also makes water more vulnerable to pollution because water sticks to many materials. Adhesion also helps plant suck up water from the ground. …

What Are Natural Plastics?

Natural plastics are any natural material that has the polymer structure. That is a structure that has a chain of molecules. Natural plastics were used before human-made plastics were invented. Natural plastics are formed with the polymer structure. Examples of these natural plastics are rubber, skin, bones, and even DNA. Rubber from rubber trees were …

What Causes Seasons?

Seasons are different climate patterns that happen throughout different times in a year! Places on Earth experience seasons at different times. Some seasons are noticeable and others are not. We have seasons because the Earth is slightly tilted on it’s axis. An axis is an imaginary rod going from the top to the bottom where …

Why Does The Sun Rise and Set?

The Sun rises and sets because of Earth’s rotation. The Earth and the planets orbit the Sun, but they also spin on their own axis,. The axis is the point from which the planet rotates on. Earth’s axis is tilted, which is what makes seasons! When the Earth spins, different sides of the planet experience …

Recycling! Start 2022 With Something Good for Earth

Happy New Year! Welcome to 2022! Recycling is the process of making used or old things into new things. Recycling usually happens with some plastics, glass, and paper. They melt/shred the materials and make new objects out of them. Recycling reuses the material and shapes it into new objects that can be used again! Recycling …

What Is Mount Everest?

Located on the border of Tibet and Nepal, Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world. It reaches a height of 8,848 meters above sea level, which is equal to the height of 5.5 miles! Mount Everest was formed because of converging tectonic plates. Tectonic plates are giant slabs of rock that move. Tectonic plates make up the curst, the thinnest …

All About the North Pole – The Arctic!

When you talk about the North Pole, it can mean the North Magnetic Pole or the North Geographic Pole. In this post, we are going to focus on the North Geographic Pole. That is the point on Earth where all the lines of longitude meet to form a single point. The North Pole is located …

Why Is Plastic Used In So Many Things?

Plastic is a type of polymer, or a chain of atoms and molecules. That chain pattern gives plastic some amazing abilities! They are flexible because the chains of atoms can be twisted or turned in many different shapes, sometimes even when the object is a solid! It is moldable (or easy to twist into different …

Episode 75: Season 3 Finale! – How Do Lightbulbs Work?

This is our Season 3 Finale and our last episode of 2021! In this episode, Akshay is exploring the science behind something that we use everyday but don’t really notice, lightbulbs! Lightbulbs light up our world! Akshay is exploring three types of lightbulbs today: incandescent lights, fluorescent lights, and LED lights. This episode is going …

How Do Humans Harness The Earth’s Energy?

Deep inside of the Earth, there is a lot of energy stored. The Earth’s mantle is super hot, meaning that is has a lot of energy in it! But, how do humans harness that energy for electricity? They make geothermal electricity. Geothermal power is a renewable source of making electricity. It harnesses the heat from …

How Do Incandescent Lights Work?

Incandescent lights were the first type of lightbulb to be created. They are different from LED Lights. Read our post about LED Lights to learn more! Incandescent lights work with using the heat and light that is produced when electricity flows through things. Inside of incandescent lights, there is a small part called a filament. …

What Are Convection Currents?

Convection currents are the movement of hot and cold things. Convection currents all start with density. Density is how much “stuff” (atoms and molecules) that are packed into one thing. If something has a high density, all of the atoms and molecules are close together and will sink. If something has a low density, the …

How Do Electromagnets Work?

Magnetism is an invisible force that attracts or repels certain objects. Magnets attract or repel things made out of iron, nickel, and cobalt. Objects are magnetic because the electrons, which spin around an atom’s nucleus, are spinning in the same direction (they are all lined up). The spinning electrons create an invisible magnetic field, which …

How Do Telescopes Work?

Telescopes are devices that let people see things that are far away. People at sea also use telescopes. Telescopes are most commonly used to look at space. The inventor of the telescopes was Galileo Galilei. He invented the telescope with eyeglass parts. Telescopes work using light. Light is everywhere! The telescope has two mirrors. They …

What Are The Layers of the Earth?

Believe it or not, the Earth has layers just like an onion! Let’s start at the top. The part we walk on is called the crust. It is a thin layer that harbors life. Next, is the mantle. This layer is underneath the crust. Lot’s of minerals form in this area including diamonds and emeralds. …

Why Do Some People Have Pollen Allergies?

Pollen is a sticky substance that is found inside of most flowering plants. Pollen is in the middle of the flower of the plant. Pollen is attached to long structures called stamens and smaller structures called pistils. This pollen helps make new plants grow through a process called pollination. That is when pollen is transferred …

What Are Magnetic Domains?

Magnetism is an invisible force that attracts or repels certain objects. Magnets attract or repel things made out of iron, nickel, and cobalt. Objects are magnetic because the electrons, which spin around an atom’s nucleus, are spinning in the same direction (they are all lined up). The spinning electrons create an invisible magnetic field, which …

How Do Earthquakes Happen?

Earthquakes are energy that is released in the tectonic plate boundaries. Tectonic plates are giant slabs of rock that move around! The crust (outermost layer of the Earth) is made up of these tectonic plates. These tectonic plates can get stuck. When they do this, lots of pressure builds up. Kind of like when you …

How Are Mountains Formed?

Mountains are tall slabs of rock that pop up on the crust. Mountains can be very tall or very small, depending on how they are formed. Mountains can form because of magma cooling or tectonic plate movement. We are going to tell you about both! Mountains can form in two main ways: magma cooling and …

Episode 70: The Science of Smell with Dr. Rachel Herz!

Have you ever wondered how we smell? Akshay wonders about the same thing while he smells things around the kitchen! That is why Akshay visits Dr. Rachel Herz, a neuroscientist and an expert on the psychology of smell. Join Akshay and Dr. Herz on an adventure to find out how we actually smell! Dr. Herz …

What Are The Building Blocks of Soil?

Soil is just rock that has been weathered. Weathering is when wind, water, or other natural agent wears away at rock. This take millions of years to happen. As the wind or water etches away at the rock, the pieces of soil or rock that come off get carried to someplace new. Soil is not …

How Does It Rain Diamonds On Uranus and Neptune?

You might think that it only rains diamonds in fairy tales or movies, but it turns out that it actually rains diamonds on Uranus and Neptune! These diamonds fall towards the cores of these planets! These diamonds are not the size of ring diamonds, they are the size of BOULDERS!!!! How in the universe does …

How Do Sinkholes Form?

Sinkholes are large holes in the ground that form when water seeps into the ground. Limestone, a type of rock can dissolve very easily in water. As the water seeps into the cracks on the ground, it dissolves the limestone rock under the surface. The limestone becomes weak and creates a hole under all of …

Hurricanes! What They Are

Hurricanes are a group of storm clouds that create a very dangerous storm. If you see a hurricane from space, you will see a giant swirling cloud. Hurricanes can bring heavy rain, wind, and sometimes minor tornadoes. Hurricanes are formed when storm clouds form over warm water. As the storm clouds move, the warm water …

What is Bernoulli’s Principle?

Daniel Bernoulli was a famous scientist and discovered or property or principle of fluids and air. The thing that Bernoulli discovered that… Fast moving air creates an area of low pressure Bernoulli’s Principle Pressure is how much air is pushing down on an object. The area of low pressure means that the air will be …

What Are Bacteria?

Bacteria are single-celled organisms or living things. They are also called microorganisms. They are called this because microorganisms are living things that can not be seen with the naked eye. Bacteria can be good for you or bad for you. We are going to learn about the good and bad about bacteria. Bacteria can help …

Episode 68: How Do Plants Produce Food From Sunlight? All About Photosynthesis

We all think that plants are just sitting there, but there is so much going on inside and around the plant! Today, we are going to focus on plants making their won food. Plants don’t go to the grocery store to buy food and they definitely do not order food delivery, so how do they …

What Are The 4 Types of Precipitation?

Precipitation is part of the water cycle. Precipitation is when the liquid water falls to the ground. This happens when a cloud becomes heavy and all the water will fall to the ground. There are three different types of precipitation. Rain, snow, sleet, and hail. We are going to talk about each of them! Rain is …

Halloween Special Experiment!! Expanding Jack-O-Lantern!

Today, October 31st, is Halloween! We decorate our homes with spooky and fun decorations, go out trick or treating, and count all of the candy you got! In this blog post, we will be making our own expanding Jack-O-Lantern using science! Materials You Will Need: An orange balloon A permanent marker Empty and clean plastic …

How Does The Volume of Thunder Change?

Thunder happens because of lightning. Here is how lightning happens: First, we have to start off with a storm cloud. Tiny pieces of ice, which are actually frozen water droplets, clash around inside of the storm cloud. This clashing makes an electric charge that is then stored inside of the cloud. The positively charged electricity …

What Are Invertebrate Animals?

Invertebrates are animals without a backbone. That means that they are the opposite of vertebrate animals. Invertebrates make up 95% if the Earth’s animals! Some invertebrates have a hard covering on the outside of their bodies called an exoskeleton. Besides that, invertebrates are usually creatures that do not have bones as a support. Invertebrates are …

What Are Vertebrate Animals?

Vertebrates (pronounced ver-ti-brates) are animals with a backbone. The backbone is also known as the vertebrate! The backbone is a row of connected bones that run down the back. Vertebrates animals make up only 5% of all of the animals on Earth. Besides having a backbone, vertebrate animals have a skeleton with bones as a …

How Are Sand Dunes Formed?

Have you ever seen a picture of a desert? Did the picture have these sand “waves”? Those wavy hill structures are called Sand Dunes. Sand Dunes are big hill-like piles of sand or soil that get blown by the wind or can be impacted by other living animals. Sand Dunes form when a powerful wind …

What is Hail?

Hail is a type of frozen precipitation. Precipitation is part of the water cycle. Precipitation is when the liquid water falls to the ground. This happens when a cloud becomes heavy and all the water will fall to the ground. There are three different types of precipitation. Rain, snow, sleet, and hail. We are going to …

What Are the Two Types of Weathering?

Weathering is the breaking down of rock by many natural agents like water, wind, and gravity. There are two types of weathering: Mechanical and Chemical Weathering. Mechanical Weathering is when rocks are broken down WITHOUT a chemical change. They are changing their physical properties. Mechanical weathering can split rocks in half and turn them into dust! …

What is The Rock Cycle?

The Rock Cycle is the transformation of rocks over time. The different types of rock that are in the cycle are metamorphic, sedimentary, and igneous. Igneous rocks are formed by the cooling of lava or magma, which is melted rock. This can happen outside of or inside of Earth’s crust. Sedimentary rocks are tiny pieces …

Why Is Water Important For Life?

Water is a substance that is found everywhere on Earth! It can be a solid, liquid, or gas. It is necessary for life on Earth. It’s chemical compound is H2O. That means two Hydrogen (H2) atoms and one Oxygen (O₂) atom. This bond is called a Water Molecule. Because of water pollution, the freshwater in the world …

What Happens When There Is A Short Circuit?

A circuit is a path that current electricity or electrons can flow through. Current electricity is a type of human-made electricity. A simple circuit is made out of four parts: the power source, wires, the load, and a switch! A simple circuit works by electrons, which are negatively charged, exit from the negative terminal of …

What’s Inside Of A Leaf?

Inside of a leaf, there are passageways that water and nutrients can travel through, but the most important and dominant part of the leaves are the chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is made up of even smaller parts called chloroplasts. Chloroplasts have a green color to them. Leaves have chloroplast because they help the plant or tree collect …

Falling Leaves! Why Trees Loose Their Leaves and Go Dormant

Trees are living things, just like us. They are called organisms. You’ve seen that some trees lose all of their leaves in the fall and go dormant or in a resting stage in the winter. Only some trees do this weird behavior. We are going to find out why. Trees go dormant because the water …

What Makes Something Magnetic?

Magnetism is an invisible force that attracts or repels certain objects. Magnets attract or repel things made out of iron, nickel, and cobalt. Magnets have 2 poles: a North and South pole. Like poles repel and unlike poles attract each other. Magnetic domains in a metal make that metal magnetic. Magnetic domains are tiny arrangements …

How Do Electrical Wires Transport Electricity?

This is because the material inside of the wires is a conductor. Conductors are materials that electrons can travel through easily. Conductors are usually made out of metals. Conductors are used in the electrical wiring itself! Humans are also conductors of electricity (that is very dangerous) That is why humans should wear insulators to protect themselves from …

Conservation of Natural Resources

A natural resource is any resource that occurs in nature that is used for survival, energy, or to make money for countries. Certain places on Earth have different types or different amounts of natural resources. These resources can be anything from coal to fruits to sunlight! These are only a few examples of natural resources …

Episode 64: Natural Resources!

Trees? Sunlight? Air? Iron? Coal? They are all natural resources! Natural resources are used all around us from our computers, to cars, and even electricity production! Natural resources make up most of the materials we use today for energy and construction. In this episode, Akshay discovers what natural resources are and they different types! It …

What is Magnetism?

Magnetism is an invisible force that attracts or repels certain objects. Magnets attract or repel things made out of iron, nickel, and cobalt. Objects are magnetic because the electrons, which spin around an atom’s nucleus, are spinning in the same direction (they are all lined up). The spinning electrons create an invisible magnetic field, which …

How Does Solar Energy Work?

Solar cells are a sheet filled with hundreds of tiny receptors that are sensitive to the Sun’s energy. The solar cells use these receptors (Photovoltaic Receptors) to create electricity with the Sun’s light. The photons in the Sun’s light knock off the electrons on existing atoms inside of the solar cell. That causes an electric …

Run-Off of Water

Run-off is when precipitation (snow, rain sleet, or hail) hits the ground and drains into rivers, lakes, and oceans. This run-off is what causes accumulations or build-ups of water. Run-off is also a cause of erosion, which can break down and carry rocks to different places. Millions of years ago, planet Earth did not really have rivers …

The Season of Fall (Autumn)!

Fall or Autumn is a transition season between Summer and Winter. The temperature drops and the leaves on some trees fall off. That is why it is called the Fall season! During fall, the mornings can be cold and the evenings can be warmer. The temperatures do not drop below 0, but close to that …

How Do Lithium Ion Batteries Work?

Batteries provide portable, convenient sources of power without wires. It makes many mobile devices possible! Regular dry cell batteries are the most common, but lithium ion batteries are more reliable and rechargeable! That means that when the battery “dies”, you can recharge the battery! Lithium ion batteries work using the anode, cathode, and electrolyte. The anode …

Bacteria! Tiny Living Creatures

Bacteria are single-celled organisms or living things. They are also called microorganisms. They are called this because microorganisms are living things that can not be seen with the naked eye. Bacteria can be good for you or bad for you. We are going to learn about the good and bad about bacteria. Bacteria can help …

Episode 62: How Do We Breathe?

You always breathe every day! But, have you ever stopped to notice how we breathe? We take breathing for granted, but on this episode, Akshay explores the science of the respiratory system, which helps us breathe! Don’t hold your breath, but this episode is all about breathing! Please contact us by going to www.spectacularsci.com/contact. We …

Dissolution: Happens Every Day!

Dissolution is when water or another liquid, known as a solvent, dissolves a material, called a solute. Liquids dissolve different materials because the liquids break down the materials and make them smaller. That’s why if you stir sugar in water, the sugar disappear. It doesn’t actually disappear, it just looks like it. The sugar is …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!!: Dry Ice vs. Liquid Nitrogen

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is…Dry Ice vs. Liquid Nitrogen! Remember, please send us what type of cooling agent you think is cooler by going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform-dryice-vs-liquidnitrogen/ and fill out our poll. Dry Ice Dry ice is not just regular ice, it is special! …

How Are Auroras Formed?

Auroras are lights that are only found at the North Pole and the South Pole. They light up the night skies with red, blue, and pink colors! These are known as “The Greatest Light Show on Earth!”. Auroras happen because of “solar winds”. The Sun releases a bunch of highly charged particles called electrons in …

Why Do Flames Go Out When You Blow On It?

Blowing out birthday candles on a cake is an old tradition. But why does the candle go out when you blow on it? That happens for 3 different reasons. One is that your breath pushes away all of the Oxygen gas. Your breath is mostly made out of Carbon dioxide. The Carbon dioxide pushes away …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!!: Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Natural Resources

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is…Renewable vs. Nonrenewable Natural Resources! Remember, please send us what type of weathering you think is cooler by going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our poll. Nonrenewable Natural Resources Nonrenewable resource are resources that can’t be replaced or take …

5 Ways Rocks Can Weather

Weathering is when rocks get broken down into pieces. Weathering can happen in many different ways, from salt to clay to ice! We are going to focus on the 5 main ways: water, ice, salt crystallization, clay formation, and plant roots. To learn more about weathering, check out our episode about weathering! Weathering with water …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!!: Mechanical Weathering vs. Chemical Weathering

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is…Mechanical Weathering vs. Chemical Weathering! Remember, please send us what type of weathering you think is cooler by going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our poll. What is Weathering? Weathering is the breaking down of rock by many natural …

How Do Hurricanes Form?

Hurricanes are a group of storm clouds that create a very dangerous storm. If you see a hurricane from space, you will see a giant swirling cloud. Hurricanes can bring heavy rain, wind, and sometimes minor tornadoes. Hurricanes are formed when storm clouds form over warm water. As the storm clouds move, the warm water …

Episode 60: The Tumble Science Podcast For Kids With Lindsay Patterson!

On this episode, Akshay meets Lindsay Patterson, creator, producer, and host of the Tumble science podcast, in the “podcast neighborhood”. Lindsay and Marshall host the awesome Tumble podcast! Akshay runs into Lindsay and gets to know what the Tumble science podcast is! To listen to episodes and to learn more about this awesome show, head …

The History of the Internet!

The Internet is what you are using right NOW to read this blog post! The Internet is a series of computers that are linked together. Today, millions of computers are linked together around the world! Internet can be accessed everywhere from your house, to your school, to your local library! Servers are computers that store …

Nonrenewable Natural Resources

A natural resource is any resource that occurs in nature that is used for survival, energy, or to make money for countries. Certain places on Earth have different types or different amounts of natural resources. These resources can be anything from coal to fruits to sunlight! Read our post about natural resources to learn more! …

Renewable Natural Resources

A natural resource is any resource that occurs in nature that is used for survival, energy, or to make money for countries. Certain places on Earth have different types or different amounts of natural resources. These resources can be anything from coal to fruits to sunlight! Read our post about natural resources to learn more! …

How Do Fuels From Inside The Earth Form Naturally?

Fossil fuels are a liquid that is very easy to burn. They are there fuels found inside of the Earth. That means that fossil fuels are flammable. These fuels are formed by decaying plants and animals that have been underground for millions of years. Fossil fuels are organic or natural materials. Fossil fuels are created …

Natural Resources!

A natural resource is any resource that occurs in nature that is used for survival, energy, or to make money for countries. Certain places on Earth have different types or different amounts of natural resources. These resources can be anything from coal to fruits to sunlight! These are only a few examples of natural resources …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!!: Natural Plastics vs. Human-Made Plastics

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Natural Plastics vs. Human-Made Plastics! Remember, please send us what type of material you think is more useful by going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our poll. Human-Made Plastics Plastic is a type of polymer. Polymers are certain …

How Do Electric Rice Cookers Work?

Electric rice cookers work in a similar way as a pressure cooker. Read about pressure cookers here! (spectacularsci.com/2021/01/pressure-cookers/) The main parts of a basic electric rice cooker are the outer pot, inner pot, the heating element, lid, and button controls. The outer pot contains the heating element. The inner pot, where the uncooked rice goes, …

Lift, Drag, Thrust, and Weight: The Four Forces of Flight

Airplanes are machines that can fly with engine or propeller power. They are able to use aerodynamics (how air and objects move) to fly. Airplanes make it so that we can travel around the world in just a few hours! Airplanes can come in all shapes and sizes like the tiny airplanes that you see …

Air Pollution + Rain = Acid Rain

What is Acid Rain? Acid rain is rain that has pollutants in it. It usually has air pollutants inside of it. Air pollution is when humans put toxic chemicals or smoke into the air. This can make our air dirty. This can lead to breathing problems for humans and other animals. Plants can also be …

Different Ways Mountains Are Formed!

Mountains are tall slabs of rock that pop up on the crust. Mountains can be very tall or very small, depending on how they are formed. Mountains can form because of magma cooling or tectonic plate movement. We are going to tell you about both! Mountains can form in two main ways: magma cooling and …

Teeny Tiny Plastics: A Big Problem

Plastic is a type of polymer. Polymers are certain materials that have atoms that are bonded together in a link pattern. Atoms are the tiny building blocks of all elements. When atoms bond together, like in polymers, they form molecules! Plastic is made when the oil is refined or cleaned up. Then, the oil goes …

Episode 57: Cells! Building Blocks of Life

On planet Earth, life is thriving. But, what are the building blocks of life? On this episode of Spectacular Science, Akshay discovers what cells, the building blocks of life, are! Bring your microscopes because we are discovering the science behind tiny cells. Please contact us by going to www.spectacularsci.com/contact. Here is an article! It is …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!: Batteries vs. Current Electricity!

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Batteries vs. Current Electricity! Remember, please send us what type of electricity you think is more useful by going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form. Batteries Batteries provide portable, convenient sources of power without wires. It makes …

Why Are Most Invertebrate Animals Small?

Invertebrates are animals without a backbone. That means that they are the opposite of vertebrate animals. Invertebrates make up 95% if the Earth’s animals! Some invertebrates have a hard covering on the outside of their bodies called an exoskeleton. Besides that, invertebrates are usually creatures that do not have bones as a support. Invertebrates are …

How is Plastic Made?

Plastic is a type of polymer. Polymers are certain materials that have atoms that are bonded together in a link pattern. Atoms are the tiny building blocks of all elements. When atoms bond together, like in polymers, they form molecules! Poly means many and mer or mers means units. Polymers means many units! A great example of a human-made polymer is …

How Do Wind Turbines Convert Wind Into Electricity?

Wind is air that is moving at high speeds. It happens when warm and cool air rise and sink. That rising and sinking action makes the air move. Warm air rises and cold air sinks. There is this giant mass of air and wind called the Jet Stream. The Jet Stream is a system of …

Why is Soap Important For Washing Hands?

We all are using soap a lot these days. But, how does it really work? Well, there are tiny pin-shaped molecules in soap. Those pin-shaped molecules have two parts to them: the hydrophilic head and the hydrophobic tail. Hydrophilic means that it bonds or mixes with water and hydrophobic means that it is repelled by …

Why are Bees Important?

Bees are important in a lot of ways, but the most important is pollination. Pollen is a sticky substance that is found inside of most flowering plants. Pollen is in the middle of the flower of the plant. Pollen is attached to long structures called stamens and smaller structures called pistils. This pollen helps make …

What are Cells and Why are They Important?

Cells are the makeup of every living thing! There are two types of cells: plant and animal cells. We are going to talk about Cells in general. Cells make energy by getting Carbon in the form of sugar. Depending on the organism, it make it’s own food or eat food to survive. Cells also make …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!: Vertebrates vs. Invertebrates

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Vertebrates vs. Invertebrates! Remember, please send us what type of animal you think is cooler by going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form. Vertebrates! Vertebrates (pronounced ver-ti-brates) are animals with a backbone. The backbone is also known …

Episode 55: The Brains On Science Podcast with Marc Sanchez!

On this episode, Akshay meets Mr. Marc Sanchez, producer of the Brains On science podcast, in the “podcast neighborhood”. Akshay talks with Mr. Sanchez discover what the Brains On science podcast for kids is really about and how it came to be. If you want to learn more about Brains On or Mr. Sanchez, head …

What is the Process of Experimentation?

The process of experimentation or the scientific method is a process that scientists use to conduct experiments. If you want to learn more about science and the scientific method, check out our episode with science teacher and television host, Mr. Steve Spangler! This is what the scientific method is: make a question/observation, make a hypothesis, …

Climate Change Causes Sea-Level Rise

Sea-level rise is when the ice caps of the Earth make the ocean waters rise. The ice caps of the Earth are the North and South poles. Because of Climate Change, when the Earth gets hotter, the ice melts and flows into the ocean. When ice melts, it becomes water. When that extra water makes …

Why Do Flowers Smell Good?

Flowers are an assortment of petals and pollen that a plant produces to reproduce. The pollen of a flower contains the genetic information to make seeds and new plants. Besides being pretty, flowers actually make fruits possible! Flowers are very important to plants and even us! Flowers help attract pollinators to the flowers so that an animal can spread …

Episode 54: The Challenges During the Pandemic

During this pandemic, we have all faced challenges like schools opening and uncertainty about the future. Akshay wants to go on a Summer vacation trip, but is a little nervous about the pandemic. On this episode, we will learn how to cope with those feelings with clinical psychologist Dr. Saori Maruyama, Ph.D. Check out this …

How Do Microwaves Heat Up Our Food?

Microwaves are a very complicated machine, but let me break it down for you. First, there is a device inside of the microwave called a Magnetron. This Magnetron produces microwaves, which are a low energy wave on the Visible Light Spectrum. The humming sound is actually the fan that keeps the Magnetron cool. When you …

Steve Spangler Science STEM Science Kit: Electricity Science!

This kit has it all: human circuits, conductors and insulators of electricity, and static electricity! With this kit, you have your own electricity lab! The kit was packaged very neatly. The unboxing process took a small amount of time. When I opened the box, I saw the science supplies and information cards that explained the …

The Amazing Telescopes! Changed Astronomy Forever

What are Telescopes? Telescopes are devices that let people see things that are far away. People at sea also use telescopes. Telescopes are most commonly used to look at space. The inventor of the telescopes was Galileo Galilei. He invented the telescope with eyeglass parts. How Do Telescopes Work? Telescopes work using light. Light is …

Why Do Helium Balloons Float in the Air?

Helium (He) is an element that is found all over the universe. It is the second most-abundant element in the universe! It is also the second lightest element in the universe. Helium is called a “Noble Gas”. This is because Helium can’t mix well with other elements. Scientists are predicting a Helium shortage in the …

Why are Some Fruits Multi-Layered and Protected?

What are Fruits? Fruits are pieces of plants that have sugar inside of them. They don’t always have to be sweet to be a fruit! Fruits have either of these two things: seeds or come from flowering plants. The entire purpose of fruits is to help the plant reproduce. The seeds help the plants make …

Is Cooking a Chemical Change?

Chemical changes are changes in the molecular structure of a substance. Usually in a Chemical Change, a new substance is formed. There are a few indicators that tell you that a chemical change has happened: Gas is produced (bubbles seen) Light is produced Change in color Change is temperature Precipitate formed (leftover substance) Look for …

Why Does the Volume of a Thunderclap Vary or Change?

How Does Thunder Happen? Thunder happens because of lightning. Here is how lightning happens: First, we have to start off with a storm cloud. Tiny pieces of ice, which are actually frozen water droplets, clash around inside of the storm cloud. This clashing makes an electric charge that is then stored inside of the cloud. …

The Internet! Connect People From Around the World

What is the Internet? The Internet is what you are using right NOW to read this blog post! The Internet is a series of computers that are linked together. Today, millions of computers are linked together around the world! Internet can be accessed everywhere from your house, to your school, to your local library! Servers …

Episode 51: The Science of Science with Steve Spangler!

This podcast is all about science. But, do you know what science really is? I had the same question! So, to find out, join me and Mr. Steve Spangler, science teacher extraordinaire and television host, on an adventure to find out what science really is! If you want to learn more about Mr. Spangler, head …

Air Pollution: Fueling Climate Change

Air pollution is when humans put toxic chemicals or smoke into the air. This can make our air dirty. This can lead to breathing problems for humans and other animals. Plants can also be harmed because the air that they bring in is not clean. This is a very big problem in big cities and …

Evaporation!! A Big Part of the Water Cycle

How Does Water Evaporate Into Water Vapor? Water, or H20, is a liquid that is found all over the Earth! Water can be in different states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases. Water vapor, or steam, is in the gas state of matter. When water is a liquid, the molecules in the water are flowing …

Why is Climate Change Speeding Up?

What is Climate Change? Climate Change is when the Earth’s temperature changes because of the environment. The temperature is changing because of Greenhouse Gases. These gases are produced whenever we burn stuff like gasoline for our cars. These gases trap the heat from the Sun in the atmosphere. This causes the planet to heat up. …

What’s Up With This Summer Heat in The Northern Hemisphere?

Why is it Warmer During the Summer? Here in the Northern hemisphere of the Earth, it’s summertime! The season, Summer, can be hotter or cooler depending on where you live, but on average, the temperatures do rise during the Summer. This is due to the way the Earth orbits the Sun. The Earth’s orbit is …

How Do Birds Soar in the Air?

How Do Birds Soar in the Air? Bird wings are shaped in a unique way, so that they create pressure differential or tiny tornadoes on their wings. That lifts them into the air. Birds don’t just fly because of their wings. Sure, wing help them get off of the ground and helps them steer, but …

What Makes a Metal Magnetic?

What Makes a Metal Magnetic? Magnetism is an invisible force that attracts or repels certain objects. Magnets attract or repel things made out of iron, nickel, and cobalt. Magnets have 2 poles: a North and South pole. Like poles repel and unlike poles attract each other. Magnetic domains in a metal make that metal magnetic. …

Why Are Days Longer in the Summer, Than the Winter?

Why Are Days Longer in the Summer, Than the Winter? Days are longer during the Summer and shorter during the Winter because of the Earth’s tilt. Earth is slightly tilted toward the Sun. As the Earth orbits, or circles around the Sun, different parts of the world get stronger or weaker amounts of sunlight. The …

Episode 49: Clinical Research! Testing Medications for Safety

The medicine that you use if you have a fever, had to be tested by clinical researchers! Clinical research helps get safe medicines to us! But, how does that really work? On this episode, I am talking to Ms. Lavanya Veda, a clinical researcher, about how clinical trials work! We are just one episode away …

Water Pollution: A Big Problem

What is Water Pollution? Water pollution is when humans dump trash and harmful or toxic chemicals into waterways like oceans, streams, rivers, and ponds. This trash and chemicals can cause problems for marine life. This trash can also come back to humans! When humans drink water, the water MAY be polluted! This is also a …

Why Do Plants Need Sunlight?

Why Do Plants Need Sunlight? Plants need sunlight because plants use the Sun to make food. Chlorophyll helps plants collect the sunlight. Chlorophyll is made up of even smaller parts called Chloroplasts. Chloroplasts have a green color to them. Leaves have Chloroplast because they help the plant or tree collect sunlight and turn it into …

Steve Spangler Science STEM Science Kit: Amazing Scientist!

I am a very big fan of Mr. Steve Spangler’s T.V. shows, science toys, and camps. When I got this “Amazing Scientist” kit, I was thrilled!!! This kit is just like it’s name, amazing! The packaging was amazing! The box that the kit came in was very easy to open. The unboxing process took less …

Why is the Equator the Warmest Place on Earth?

Why is the Equator the Warmest Place on Earth? The Equator is the halfway point on Earth. Even though there are lots of other places on Earth that are hotter, the Equator has the warmest stable climate on Earth! Climate is what temperatures and precipitation a certain place experience during a long period of time. …

What Happens During a Solar Eclipse?

What Happens During a Solar Eclipse? A Solar Eclipse is a natural phenomenon when the Moon blocks part of or the full Sun when viewed from Earth. Solar Eclipses only happen about 2-4 times every year. This includes from different parts of the world! Total Solar Eclipses are very rare. A Solar Eclipse happens in a specific …

How Do Clouds Move Around The World?

What are Clouds? Clouds are large collections of water droplets that can be frozen, but only sometimes. They form due to condensation, when water evaporates into a gas and cools down above the Earth. Then, the water drops attach to pieces of dust or dirt that are above the Earth. As more droplets attach to …

How Do Flowers Turn Into Fruits?

What are Flowers? Flowers are an assortment of petals and pollen that a plant produces to reproduce. The pollen of a flower contains the genetic information to make seeds and new plants. Besides being pretty, flowers actually make fruits possible! Flowers are very important to plants and even us! Flowers help attract pollinators to the flowers so that an …

Physical Appearances/Changes of Objects

What are Physical Apperances/Changes? Physical appearances are what matter looks like or feels like. That can be a color, size, or texture. Physical changes are any change in physical properties. Some physical properties are size, shape, color, and texture. Physical Changes do NOT form a new substance. The substance stays the same, but it changes …

Crush A Soda Can With… Air?!?

Use the experiment video below to do this experiment yourself! Then, read the explanation below the video that tells you what happened. What Happened During the Experiment? When you poured the hot water into the soda can, the water vapor or steam pushed all of the gases, like Oxygen or Nitrogen, outside of the can. …

What Happens When Greenhouse Gases Collect in Earth’s Atmosphere?

What Happens When Greenhouse Gases Collect in Earth’s Atmosphere? Greenhouse gases are special types of gases that can trap heat in Earth’s atmosphere. They are called Greenhouse gases because they trap the heat close to Earth, like how a greenhouse for plants can keep the plants warm during the winter. Some examples of Greenhouse gases …

How Does Water Evaporate Into Water Vapor?

How Does Water Evaporate Into Water Vapor? Water, or H20, is a liquid that is found all over the Earth! Water can be in different states of matter: solids, liquids, and gases. Water vapor, or steam, is in the gas state of matter. When water is a liquid, the molecules in the water are flowing …

The Amazing Oxygen! We All Need It!

What is Oxygen? Oxygen or O2 is a chemical found in the universe. Humans need Oxygen to survive. Oxygen is in our atmosphere and the air that we breathe!! Oxygen helps the animals on this planet survive. Oxygen is a building block of so many elements like Water, or even Carbon Monoxide. Oxygen can be useful …

How Can The Moon Change Color During a Lunar Eclipse?

What are Lunar Eclipses? A Lunar Eclipse is when the Moon moves into the Earth’s shadow. The Sun is shining on the Earth and the Moon is behind the Earth. The Moon can appear to change color sometimes when it is a total Lunar Eclipse. How Does The Moon Appear to Change Colors? The Moon …

Reflection, Refraction, and Absorption! The Properties of Light!

What is Light? Light is a type of energy that is made up of tiny particles called photons. These photons can zip around the universe at very high speeds! The speed of light is the ultimate universe speed limit, up to 180,000 miles per second! Light is one of the main sources of life on …

Why is Plastic Bad For The Environment?

What is Plastic? Plastic is a type of polymer. Polymers are certain materials that have atoms that are bonded together in a link pattern. Atoms are the tiny building blocks of all elements. When atoms bond together, like in polymers, they form molecules! Plastic is made when the oil is refined or cleaned up. Then, …

Plastic!

What is Plastic? Plastic is a type of polymer. Polymers are certain materials that have atoms that are bonded together in a link pattern. Atoms are the tiny building blocks of all elements. When atoms bond together, like in polymers, they form molecules! Poly means many and mer or mers means units. Polymers means many units! Some examples of natural polymers …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!: Insulators vs. Conductors of Electricity

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Insulators vs. Conductors of Electricity! Remember, please send us what type of object you think is more useful by going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form. Insulators Insulators and materials that do not let electrons flow through …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!! Moon Showdown! – Europa vs. Titan

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Europa vs. Titan! Europa is one of Jupiter’s moons. Remember, please send us what moon you think is cooler by going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form. Europa! Europa is one of Jupiter’s moons. It takes 85 …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!!: Permanent Magnets vs. Electromagnets

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Permanent Magnets vs. Electromagnets! Remember, please send us what side you think is more useful by going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form. Permanent Magnets Magnetism is an invisible force that attracts or repels certain objects. Magnets …

Fossil Fuels and Climate Change

What are Fossil Fuels? Fossil fuels are a liquid that is very easy to burn. That means that fossil fuels are flammable. These fuels are formed by decaying plants and animals that have been underground for millions of years. Fossil fuels are organic or natural materials. Fossil fuels are created when dead plants get buried …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!!!: Vascular vs. Non-Vascular Plants!

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Vascular vs. Non-Vascular Plants! Remember, please send us what side you think is cooler by going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form. Vascular Plants Vascular plants are plants that have a series of tubes running through their …

Severe Thunderstorms

What are Severe Thunderstorms and What Do They Contain? Thunderstorms are storms with cumulonimbus or storm clouds. The clouds have water inside of them and the water pours down on the ground below. Thunderstorms can also have heavy winds. Lightning and thunder are the main things in thunderstorms. Here is how lightning happens: First, we …

Photosynthesis!

What is Photosynthesis? Photosynthesis is the process of taking sunlight and Carbon dioxide and making it into Oxygen gas and sugar! The word “photo” means light. Photosynthesis is used by green plants, algae, and bacteria. That helps the bacteria, plants, or algae make food for themselves. Photosynthesis also made our Oxygen atmosphere! These organisms use …

Where Does Oxygen Come From?

What is Oxygen? Oxygen or O2 is a chemical found in the universe. Humans need Oxygen to survive. Oxygen is in our atmosphere and the air that we breathe!! Oxygen helps the animals on this planet survive. Oxygen is a building block of so many elements like Water, or even Carbon Monoxide. Oxygen can be useful …

Why Are Leaves Green?

Why are Leaves Green? Leaves are green because of a green part of the leaf called Chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is made up of even smaller parts called Chloroplasts. Chloroplasts have a green color to them. Leaves have Chloroplast because they help the plant or tree collect sunlight and turn it into sugar. That process is called …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!!: Air Pressure vs. Water Pressure?

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Air Pressure vs. Water Pressure! Remember, please send us what side you think is cooler by going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form. Air Pressure! Right now, as you are reading this, there are tons of air …

Episode 41: The Weird and Wacky World of Water!

We all know what water is. The clear liquid that comes out of faucets and in oceans! Have you ever wondered about the properties of water? On this episode, we are putting on our wetsuits and diving into the science behind water! Contact this podcast by going to www.spectacularsci.com/contact. Check out this article! It is …

Insulators and Conductors of Electricity!

What is an Electrical Circuit? A circuit is a path that current electricity or electrons can flow through. Current electricity is a type of human-made electricity. A simple circuit is made out of four parts: the power source, wires, the load, and a switch! A simple circuit works by electrons, which are negatively charged, exit …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!!!: Newtonian Fluids vs. Non-Newtonian Fluids

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Newtonian Fluids vs. Non-Newtonian Fluids! Remember, please send us what side you agree with going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form. Newtonian Fluids A Newtonian fluid is a fluid that has the same viscosity or thickness all …

Are Cement and Concrete the Same Thing?

The short answer is no, Concrete is not the same as Cement. Here’s why: What is Concrete and What is Cement? Concrete is a mix of rocks, powders, chemicals, and water. When Concrete hardens, it becomes a very strong building material. Concrete actually is a human-made material. Concrete can be used to hold things together, …

Short Circuits! A Big Electrical Problem!!

What is an Electrical Circuit? A circuit is a path that current electricity or electrons can flow through. Current electricity is a type of human-made electricity. A simple circuit is made out of four parts: the power source, wires, the load, and a switch! A simple circuit works by electrons, which are negatively charged, exit …

Earth Day 2021! How to Help the Earth!

What is Earth Day? Every April 22nd, we celebrate a day we call Earth Day. Earth Day is a day that we do good things for the environment. This holiday was created by Senator Gaylord Nelson. He wanted to make a day where people could recognize and care for the environment! The first Earth Day …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!!: Airplanes vs. Helicopters!

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Airplanes vs. Helicopters! Remember, please send us what side you agree with going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form Airplanes Airplanes are machines that can fly with engine or propeller power. They are able to use aerodynamics …

Natural Electricity vs. Human-made Electricity

Natural Electricity Natural electricity means that electricity is created in the natural world. Natural electricity can not be controlled by humans. This type of electricity happens naturally without any human interference. Some examples are lightning and static electricity. Static electricity happens in a big burst. Human-made Electricity Human-made electricity means that the electricity is produced …

Masks! How They Keep Us Safe

What are Masks? Masks are a piece of cloth or paper that people wear to cover their noses and mouths. Wuh Lien-tuh was a Chinese doctor that invented masks in the early 1900’s. Wuh Lien-tuh invented layered masks because there was a virus outbreak. We are using masks right now! How Do Masks Work? Masks …

Sir Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Motion!

NOTE: Check out the previous posts about Isaac Newton’s first law of motion and Isaac Newton’s second law of motion. What is Isaac Newton’s Third Law of Motion? Sir Isaac Newton’s first law of motion is basically an action that Sir Isaac Newton, a famous scientist and mathematician, observed in the universe. The word “law” …

Episode 38: Tornadoes – Massive Swirling Clouds!

On this episode we are getting into a massive column of clouds! That’s right, we’re learning about tornadoes. These swirling clouds hold many secrets and mysteries. We are going to take a deep dive into the science of tornadoes, especially because Spring weather involves lots of tornadoes. By learning about tornadoes, we can be sure …

Sir Isaac Newton’s Second Law of Motion!

NOTE: Check out the previous post about Isaac Newton’s first law of motion. What is Isaac Newton’s Second Law of Motion? Sir Isaac Newton’s first law of motion is basically an action that Sir Isaac Newton, a famous scientist and mathematician, observed in the universe. The word “law” just means that this statement applies to …

Sir Isaac Newton’s First Law of Motion!

What is Isaac Newton’s First Law of Motion? Sir Isaac Newton’s first law of motion is basically an action that Sir Isaac Newton, a famous scientist and mathematician, observed in the universe. The word “law” just means that this statement applies to all things, not matter what size. The first law of motion states An …

Different Types of Precipitation!

What is Precipitation? Precipitation is part of the water cycle. Precipitation is when the liquid water falls to the ground. This happens when a cloud becomes heavy and all the water will fall to the ground. There are three different types of precipitation. Rain, snow, sleet, and hail. We are going to talk about each …

Lead Contamination in Water

What is Lead Contamination? Lead (pronounced l-e-d) contamination is when Lead, a poisonous chemical gets into the water that we drink or take baths in. Water can dissolve materials very easily. This is bad because Lead in our pipes leaks into the water. Some pipes that bring water into our homes are made out of …

Naturally- Harnessed Electricity and Human- Harnessed Electricity

Naturally- Harnessed Electricity! Naturally- Harnessed electricity means that electricity is created in the natural world. Naturally-harnessed electricity can not be controlled by humans. This type of electricity happens naturally without any human interference. Some examples are lightning and static electricty. Human-Harnessed Electricity! Human-harnessed electricity means that the electricity is produced or made by humans. Humans …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!: Tornadoes vs. Thunderstorms

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Tornadoes vs. Thunderstorms. Which one is more interesting or cooler? Please send us what side you agree with by going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form! Tornadoes Tornadoes are a rotating column of air that spins …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!!! Spring vs. Fall (Autumn)

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Spring vs. Fall (Autumn)! Remember, please send us what side you agree with going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form! Seasons Seasons are differences in the Earth’s orbit around the Sun. The Earth is slightly tilted. that …

Plants and Flowers: Two Important Things in Nature

Plants  Plants and trees are all around us. They are the grass you run on and the trees that are towering above you. Trees are large plants that have a long life cycle. That’s why they are so big. The parts of trees are roots, the trunk, branches, and leaves. The leaves take in carbon …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!!!: Neon vs. Helium

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Neon vs. Helium! This is a special debate because Neon and Helium are Noble Gases. They do not mix well with other elements. Remember, please send us what side you agree with going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!!: Regular Birds vs. Hummingbirds

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Regular Birds vs. Hummingbirds! Hummingbirds and regular birds have some things that make them different. Remember, please send us what side you agree with going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form! Birds (Examples: hawks, crows, sparrows) Birds …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!!: Solar Eclipse vs. Lunar Eclipses

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Solar Eclipses vs. Lunar Eclipses! Remember, please send us what side you agree with going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form! Solar Eclipses A Solar Eclipse is a natural phenomenon when the Moon blocks part of or …

Episode 35: Moons of Planets! All About These Natural Satellites

Do you love the view of the Moon in the night sky? What if there were 78 moons in the sky!?! Some planets have more than one moon! On this episode, we are blasting off into space and learning more about moons of planets! Here is an article! It is called Moons of Planets! (https://spectacularsci.com/moons-of-planets/) …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!!: Physical Changes vs. Chemical Changes

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Physical Changes vs. Chemical Changes! Remember, please send us what side you agree with going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form! Chemical Changes! Chemical changes are changes in the molecular structure of a substance. Usually in a …

How Do Hummingbirds Hover When They Are Flying?

How Do Hummingbirds Hover? If you have not seen a hummingbird before, it is a tiny bird and it… HOVERS in place like a helicopter!??!! That is the hummingbird’s specialty! Hummingbirds can hover for two reasons. One is the bones that are in a hummingbird wing. Most birds have arm bones in their wings, but …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!!!: Solar Cells vs. Wind Turbines

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Solar Cells vs. Wind Turbines. Remember, please send us what side you agree with going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form! Solar Cells Solar Cells are a sheet filled with hundreds of tiny receptors that are sensitive …

Run-Off of Water!!

What is Run-Off? Run-off is when precipitation (snow, rain sleet, or hail) hits the ground and drains into rivers, lakes, and oceans. This run-off is what causes accumulations or build-ups of water. Run-off is also a cause of Erosion, which can break down and carry rocks to different places. How is Run-Off Benificial? Millions of …

Mechanical Weathering and Chemical Weathering!

What is Weathering? Weathering is the breaking down of rock by many natural agents like water, wind, and gravity. There are two types of weathering: Mechanical and Chemical Weathering. Mechanical Weathering: Mechanical Weathering is when rocks are broken down WITHOUT a chemical change. They are changing their physical properties. Mechanical weathering can split rocks in …

Episode 33: Weathering and Erosion! Destructive Processes That Shape Our Earth!

On this episode, we will talk about Weathering and Erosion! These forces make out Earth that we see today. Without these forces, our Earth would not have life or anything else! We will learn about these different types of forces on this episode. Here is an article! It is called Erosion!(https://spectacularsci.com/erosion/) Here is an activity! …

Brain Freezes! Sphenopalatine Ganglion Neuralgia!!

To learn more, check out this article about the SPG nerves! What is a Brain Freeze? A brain freeze is an informal term for Sphenopalatine Ganglion Neuralgia. It is when the blood vessels in your brain expand to cause a headache! This is all caused SPG nerves. These nerves are at the back of your …

Sphenopalatine Ganglion (SPG) Nerves!

What are SPG Nerves? SPG nerves or the sphenopalatine ganglion are a bundle of nerves located on the roof of your mouth. These nerves are very sensitive to cold things. This is what causes a brain freeze. The SPG nerves can actually make your blood vessels in your brain expand when the nerves get cold! …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!!!: Viruses Vs. Bacteria!

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Viruses vs. Bacteria. Remember, please send us what side you agree with going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form! Viruses! A virus is infectious object that depends on living organisms’ cells to multiply. They are bad for …

Episode 32: Stars – Twinkling Balls of Gas

On this episode of Spectacular Science, we are launching ourselves into outer space to talk about Stars! These giant balls of gas have hidden secrets! We are going to learn about those hidden secrets and much more!! Please contact our podcast by going to spectacularsci.com/contact! We love hearing from you! Here is an article! It …

Rapid Eye Movement (REM) Sleep: How it Affects Your Body!

What is REM Sleep? REM Sleep or Rapid Eye Movement Sleep is a very important stage for human health. REM Sleep is the stage when your brain is active, dreams occur, and your eyes move back and forth rapidly under your eyelids. During this stage, your brain is very active! The brain organizes information it learned the …

How Are Fossil Fuels Created?

What are Fossil Fuels? Fossil fuels are a liquid that is very easy to burn. That means that fossil fuels are flammable. These fuels are formed by decaying plants and animals that have been underground for millions of years. Fossil fuels are organic or natural materials. How are Fossil Fuels Created? Fossil fuels are created …

Episode 31: Microorganisms Series – Part 5 of 5!: Protozoa

This episode of Spectacular Science is Part 5 of a 5 part series about the types of Microorganisms (microscopic animals). The types of Microorganisms are… viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae, and protozoa. We will talk about each of these Microorganisms in an episode. Today, we are focusing on Protozoa! This is the last episode of this …

Episode 30: Microorganisms Series – Part 4: Algae!!

This episode of Spectacular Science is Part 4 of a 5 part series about the types of Microorganisms (microscopic animals). The types of Microorganisms are… viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae, and protozoa. We will talk about each of these Microorganisms in an episode. Today, we are focusing on Algae or Protists! Please contact us by going …

Microphones: A New Era of Sound

What is a Microphone? A microphone is a device that makes sound waves into electrical signals. These electrical signals are stored inside of a computer or other recording device. FUN FACT: I actually use a podcast microphone to record my podcast! The microphone’s signals can go to two places: (1) to a computer or other …

The 3 Types of Pollution

What is Pollution? Pollution is when humans and other animals cause harm to environment. They can spill harmful chemicals or throw waste everywhere. Pollution can cause harm to the living things on Earth. There are 3 main types of pollution: land pollution, water pollution, and air pollution. We are going to talk about each type. …

Episode 29: Microorganisms Series – Part 3: Fungi!

This episode of Spectacular Science is Part 3 of a 5 part series about the types of Microorganisms (microscopic animals). The types of Microorganisms are… viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae, and protozoa. We will talk about each of these Microorganisms in an episode. Today, we are focusing on Fungi! Please contact us by going to www.spectacularsci.com/contact and leave …

Europa: One of Jupiter’s Moons!

What is Europa? Europa is one of Jupiter’s moons. It takes 85 hours to orbit Jupiter. Europa is mostly made of rocks and ice. The part that really got scientists interested is… water!! This water bursts out of the surface of the moon like jets of water. These eruptions release water. Europa Water Mystery Scientists …

Episode 28: Microorganisms Series – Part 2: Bacteria!!

This episode of Spectacular Science is Part 2 of a 5 part series about the types of Microorganisms (microscopic animals). The types of Microorganisms are… viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae, and protozoa. We will talk about each of these Microorganisms in an episode. Today, we are focusing on Bacteria! Please contact us by going to www.spectacularsci.com/contact …

Pitch, Frequency, and Volume!! Sound Waves Everywhere!!!

What are Sound Waves? Sound Waves are what sound travels in! They are little vibrations of air that travel through a medium or a material that it is travelling through. Sound Waves are why you can hear a jackhammer or my podcast!! Sound Waves work like this: First, an object or person has to make …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!!!: Oxygen vs. Carbon Dioxide

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is… Oxygen vs. Carbon Dioxide. Remember, please send us what side you agree with going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form! Oxygen Oxygen or O2 is a chemical found in the universe. Humans need Oxygen …

Episode 27: Microorganisms Series – Part 1: Viruses!

This episode of Spectacular Science is Part 1 of a 5 part series about the types of Microorganisms (microscopic animals). The types of Microorganisms are… viruses, bacteria, fungi, algae, and protozoa. We will talk about each of these Microorganisms in an episode. Today, we are focusing on Viruses! Here is an article! It is called …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!!!: Are Fungi More Beneficial or Harmful?

This blog post is another a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is…Fungi – Are they mostly good or bad? Remember, please send us what side you agree with going to www.spectacularsci.com/debateform and fill out our form! Fungi Are Mostly Good For You!! Fungi are mostly good for …

Spectacular Science DEBATE POST!!!: Viruses – Are They Alive or Not?

This blog post is a debate showdown! We take topics and make them into a debate!! Today’s topic is…Viruses – Are they alive or not? Viruses are Living! Viruses are living because they are able to reproduce, just like other living things. They reproduce by injecting their DNA and RNA makeup into a host cell. …

Episode 26: Volcanoes – Welcome to SEASON 2!!!!!

On this “lavaly” (lovely) episode of Spectacular Science, we are talking about Volcanoes. These mega-mounds of lava have lots of mysteries hidden inside of them. Grab your beach gear because it about to get as hot as lava. We will discover the secrets behind volcanoes and why they actually help…create land!!!???! Please contact our podcast …

Greenhouse Effect!!: Is It Hot In Here?

The Greenhouse Effect is what climate change is caused by. This effect is when gases like Carbon Dioxide (CO2) and Methane (CH4) are released into the atmosphere. These gases, also known as greenhouse gases trap the heat that the Sun beams out inside of Earth’s atmosphere. This causes the Earth to get hotter and hotter. …

The Nervous System: A Chain of Communicative Cells!!

NOTE: Check out our episode about the Nervous System!! What is the Nervous System? The nervous system is the collection of all the nerves in your body and its function is to receive and send information on what’s going with the body. The nervous system includes your brain and spinal cord. Your brain and spinal …

How Does Lightning Happen?

NOTE: Check out our episode about Thunderstorms!! How Does Lightning Happen? First, we have to start off with a storm cloud. Tiny pieces of ice, which are actually frozen water droplets, clash around inside of the storm cloud. This clashing makes an electric charge that is then stored inside of the cloud. The positively charged …

2020 Space Science Wrap-Up!

Since 2020 is almost over, this blog post is to honor all of the Space events that happened in 2020. Here is the list: Total Solar Eclipse could be visible over South America Lunar Eclipse over North America Lots of Meteor showers were visible all over the world Summer: Days get longer The Great Conjunction …

Tectonic Plates of the Earth

What are Tectonic Plates? Tectonic Plates are slabs of rock that are part of the crust, or the Earth’s outermost layer. Tectonic Plates helped form continents and mountains millions of years ago. Continents are still moving around the world!! This is because of Tectonic Plate movement. Earthquakes are also caused by Tectonic Plates. When the …

Episode 25: Season 1 FINALE!! – Masking Up For Safety

This episode is the Season 1 Finale! We are so happy that this podcast in 1 Season old! To wrap up the 1st season of the podcast and the year of 2020, we are talking about 2020’s greatest fashion statement, MASKS!! We will talk about how masks protect us from catching COVID-19 and other viruses. …

The Effects of Climate Change

NOTE: Check out our episode about Climate Change to learn more! What is Climate Change? Climate Change is when the Earth’s temperature changes because of the environment. The temperature is changing because of Greenhouse Gases. These gases are produced whenever we burn stuff like gasoline for our cars. These gases trap the heat from the …

The Internal Combustion Engine! The WHAT??

What is the Internal Combustion Engine? The Internal Combustion Engine is a real mouthful to say. The Internal Combustion Engine is a mechanism found in trucks, cars, and some trains! The Internal Combustion engine, or I.C.E, as I like to call it helps the vehicle’s wheels move. How Does The Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Work? …

Why Do Trees Go Dormant In The Winter?

NOTE: Check out our article about Plants and Trees!! Introduction Trees are living things, just like us. They are called organisms. You’ves seen that some trees lose all of their leaves in the Fall and go dormant or in a resting stage in the Winter. Only some trees do this weird behavior. We are going …

December 2020: The Great Space Events

December 2020’s Space Events The cosmic events will be listed below with the dates. If you get to see these events, send us pictures at spectacularsci.com/contact. December 13-14: The Geminids Meteor Shower will reach its maximum number of meteors December 14: A total Solar Eclipse will be visible in South America December 21-22: Ursids Meteor …

The “Christmas Star”: The Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn

NOTE: This image has been zoomed in for maximum quality. What is the “Christmas Star”? The Christmas Star or the Great Conjunction is when Jupiter and Saturn get the closest in their orbit around the Sun. This only happens every 800 years, so this is a very rare event! The two planets look like a giant …

Episode 23: Matter – It Really Matters!!

On this episode of Spectacular Science, we are going to learn about the thing that is everywhere: Matter!! We will talk about the different states of matter and the scientific matter tricksters, non-Newtonian fluids! Here is an activity! It is called The Recipe For Oobleck: A Non-Newtonian Fluid. (https://spectacularsci.com/the-recipe-for-oobleck/) Here is an article! It is …

Is There Life on Venus? Maybe Not

NOTE: Check out our blog post called Cloud Aliens on Venus!!! This is an update to that post. What Did Scientists Find That Made Them Say That Life Is On Venus??? Scientists thought earlier that the clouds of Venus contained a chemical called Phosphine. Phosphine is when one Phosphorus atom is bonded or connected to three Hydrogen atoms. …

The Wise Owls: All About the Amazing Owls!!!

Owls? What are they? Owls are nocturnal birds that live on every continent, except Antarctica. They are flying birds that eat small rodents and other small birds. Owls are carnivores, meaning that they ONLY eat meat. The Superpowers of Owls!! Owls are almost like superheroes! They have many amazing powers. They have very big eyes …

Episode 20: Planets of the Solar System: Neptune

On this episode of Spectacular Science, we are learning about the last planet from the Sun, Neptune! This is the last episode in our 8 part series about the planets of the Solar System. Here is an article to go with the episode. It is called The Solar System. (https://spectacularsci.com/the-solar-system-article/) Also, here is an activity! …

Episode 19: Planets of the Solar System: Uranus

On this episode of Spectacular Science, we are talking about Uranus, the 7th planet from the Sun. We will talk about this “diamondy” planet (SPOILER ALERT!!) on this episode. Here is an article. It is called The Solar System. (https://spectacularsci.com/the-solar-system-article/) Here is an activity that goes with this episode. It is called Solar System Model. …

Episode 18: Planets of the Solar System: Saturn

On this episode of Spectacular Science, we will learn about Saturn. We will tell the tale of Saturn’s rings and more on this episode of Spectacular Science. Here is an article. It is called The Solar System. (https://spectacularsci.com/the-solar-system-article/) Here is an activity that goes with this episode. It is called Solar System Model. (https://spectacularsci.com/solar-system-model/)

Episode 17: Planets of the Solar System: Jupiter

On this episode of Spectacular Science, we are going to learn about the mighty planet Jupiter!! We also have a special planet guest! This episode will also feature a travel commercial! To learn more, read this article about The Solar System. (https://spectacularsci.com/the-solar-system-article/) Here is an activity!! It is called Solar System Model. (https://spectacularsci.com/solar-system-model/)

Episode 16: Planets of the Solar System: Mars

On this episode of Spectacular Science, we are talking about our neighbor, Mars! We learn about this red planet on this episode. To learn more, read this article about The Solar System. (https://spectacularsci.com/the-solar-system-article/) Here is an activity!! It is called Solar System Model. (https://spectacularsci.com/solar-system-model/)

Episode 14: Planets of the Solar System: Venus

On this “stellar” episode of Spectacular Science (no pun intended) we are talking about our sister planet, VENUS!!! We will learn about this magnificent and “galactic” planet on this episode. Link to blog post: Cloud Aliens on Venus. (https://spectacularsci.com/2020/09/cloud-aliens-on-venus/) To learn more, read this article about The Solar System. (https://spectacularsci.com/the-solar-system-article/) Here is an activity!! It …

Black Hole Image For The First Time

The radio telescope Event Horizon Telescope captured a image of a black hole!! The radio telescope (EHT) collected data about a black hole and the scientists decided that data and made it into an image!! It detected the X-ray light and Visible light from the Event Horizon of the black hole and scientists made that …

Episode 13: Heart Health and Keeping Your Heart Healthy!!

On this episode of Spectacular Science, we talk to Dr. Indranee Rajapreyar about Heart Health! On this episode, Dr. Rajapreyar tells us about the heart and some tips on how to keep your heart healthy on this episode. Also, we will be back next week with an episode about Venus!! To learn more, read this …

Episode 12: Planets of the Solar System Part 1: Mercury

This is Part 1 of an 8 part series about the planets in our Solar System. On this episode (Part 1) we will learn about Mercury. The first planet from the Sun, We will learn more about this planet in this episode. To learn more, read this article about The Solar System. (https://spectacularsci.com/the-solar-system-article/) Here is …

Cloud Aliens on Venus!!

New Update On This Scientific Study! Read the post “Cloud Aliens on Venus? Maybe Not!” here! × Dismiss alert Believe it or not, there might be microbial life in the clouds on Venus! Scientists have found microbes, or tiny living organisms in the clouds of Venus. Scientists have detected phosphine. Phosphine is when one phosphorous …

Episode 10: Immune System

On this episode of Spectacular Science, we are talking about The Immune System. I am talking to Dr. Ramachandiran from Metaclipse Therapeutics about the Immune System. We will learn about our body’s inner defense system on this episode of Spectacular Science. To learn more, read this article about White Blood Cells. (https://spectacularsci.com/white-blood-cells/) Here is an …

Episode 8: Vaccines

On this episode of Spectacular Science, we are talking about vaccines! This lifesaving medicine that prevents us from catching viruses. We will talk to Dr. Vasanthi Govindu from Emory University. We learn about the science behind vaccines on this episode. To learn more read this article about The Father of Vaccinology. (https://spectacularsci.com/the-father-of-vaccinology/) Here is an …

Episode 7: Microphones

On this episode of Spectacular Science, we learn about the microphone. This amazing invention opened up a new era of sound. What is sound and what do microphones do and other questions are answered on this episode of Spectacular Science. To learn more, read this article about The First Microphone. (https://spectacularsci.com/the-first-microphone/) Here is an activity …

Welcome to Spectacular Science – Podcast Trailer

Welcome to Spectacular Science, a science podcast for curious kids and families! Join our enthusiastic host and curious kid, Akshay Jayaraman, as he embarks on fascinating explorations into the world of science. In each episode, Akshay delves into interesting topics that make science come alive, captivating young minds and sparking a sense of wonder. From …