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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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! …

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! …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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/) …

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! …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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. …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

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