logo
episode-header-image
Apr 2020
36m 19s

Can you dig to the center of the Earth?

American Public Media
About this episode
Like an onion, the Earth has layers. In this episode we’ll see if you can dig through those layers to get to the center of the planet. We’ll also hear about the Danish scientist who discovered more about Earth’s core by studying earthquakes. Plus, we investigate the phrase “dig a hole to China.” Children’s book author and illustrator Oliver Jeffers stops b ... Show More
Up next
Apr 28
How does soap work?
We wash our hands all the time, but do you ever wonder why? It turns out that soap is super good at attaching to dirt and germs and carrying that gunk off skin. Join Molly and co-hosts Hope and Heaven as they zoom in on soap to see how this sudsy stuff cleans so well. Plus we’ll ... Show More
34m 10s
Apr 21
How to build a house on the moon
Humans have visited the moon but we’ve never lived there. Could we build a home on our lunar neighbor? Join Molly and co-host Ira as they find out why the moon can be a dangerous place, and what it would take to live there. We’ll imagine a visit to a lunar hotel, hear about all t ... Show More
32m 7s
Apr 14
More sport science: Bats and black eyes
Sports and science go hand in hand, especially when it comes to softball and baseball. Join Molly and co-host Caris as they answer more of your questions about these two ballgames. Like why are bats measured in ounces? Or why do some players wear black paint under their eyes? Plu ... Show More
28m 10s
Recommended Episodes
Nov 2023
What are planets made of?
We spend a lot of time on top of our planet, but we don’t spend much time inside it. So it makes sense you might wonder what our planet is made of, deep deep down. Is it more rocks? Is it lava? Is it a gooey caramel center? And what about the other planets, like Mars and Jupiter? ... Show More
6m 52s
Apr 2024
✨Special Fun Facts:✨ The Earth 🌏
In this episode, we will explore the Earth through some engaging fun facts. We will investigate why Earth is often referred to as the "Blue Marble," examine the ten largest islands and their unique features, and dive into some of the remarkable animals native to Australia. Also, ... Show More
21m 12s
Mar 2021
Journey Toward the Center of the Earth
Sixty years ago, geologists tried to drill down through the Earth’s crust to pull up a piece of the Earth’s mantle. Their mission didn’t go exactly as planned. But it sowed the seeds for a new field of science that’s helped us rewrite not only the history of the planet, but, pote ... Show More
28m 22s
Jun 2022
What If Oceans Didn't Exist?
What would Earth be like if our oceans never existed? That’s what Charlie wants to know! We recruit Earth detective Lucia Perez-Diaz to help us track down clues hidden within our planet’s rocks. Our investigation takes us through the mysteries of how water got on Earth, the giant ... Show More
18m 31s
Jun 2017
Cho asks: What if humans found an alien spaceship?
Zack and Zizi investigate a strange new house in their local park, only to learn that it's some kind of thinking spaceship! When space-houses start springing up everywhere, the kids need to call an old friend for help: Peter the Realtor (aka Petey the Pirate).  Lessons include: ... Show More
23m 32s
Jun 2023
What If Oceans Didn't Exist? [ENCORE]
We'll be back with a new episode in two weeks! What would Earth be like if our oceans never existed? That’s what Charlie wants to know! We recruit Earth detective Lucia Perez-Diaz to help us track down clues hidden within our planet’s rocks. Our investigation takes us through ... Show More
18m 13s
Mar 2021
What Earth Looked Like 3.2 Billion Years Ago
Encore episode. The surface of the Earth is constantly recycled through the motion of plate tectonics. So how do researchers study what it used to look like? Planetary scientist Roger Fu talks to host Maddie Sofia about hunting for rocks that can tell us what Earth looked like a ... Show More
11m 30s
Feb 2023
273. David asks: What if Candy the Kid and his Butterscotch Boots were trapped on Mars?
When Candy the Kid’s parents ask him to stop his wandering ways and work for them, he runs away, but he ends up trapped on Mars! Lessons include: It can be hard to say how we feel, but your loved ones will always listen; connection and curiosity guide us through conflict better t ... Show More
20m 38s
Feb 2023
The Science of Ocean Sounds
Explore the sounds of ocean science on a sound scavenger hunt! Tune in as oceanographer Amy Bower takes us to the sea, to show us how she uses sound to study ocean currents and make ocean science accessible for blind and visually impaired people. Listen up and help us search for ... Show More
21m 45s