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17 Best Science Podcasts in 2023
Author: By Med Kharbach, PhD
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When it comes to mobile learning or learning on the go, podcasts (and audiobooks) are a game changer. They enable users to access a wealth of knowledge that can be consumed virtually anywhere, and anytime. There are tons of podcasts out there which makes it super hard for an already busy teacher to sift through the piles to find the relevant ones. I did the legwork!
I scoured the web, used my own excavation tools, and compiled for you the list below. These are science podcasts for teachers, students, young learners, and science aficionados. Some of these podcasts are hosted or co-hosted by (science) teachers and educators and cover a wide range of science topics from deforestation to the secret of Cheetah super speed. The purpose is to develop a deep love for science and make science understanding accessible to everyone. For informative podcasts, check out 25 best educational podcasts.
These science podcasts are available on various podcasting platforms including Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, and more. As a teacher, you can even create and host your own podcasts using a number of tools, check out educational podcasting to learn more.
1. Teaching Science in 3D
Teaching Science in 3D is a podcast launched by Nicole and Erin who share common passion for science education and the NGSS. The podcast which started in 2019 covers a wide variety of science topics all of which are meant to help teacher and educators navigate the NGSS.
There are over 100 episodes which you can access from the Episode Recaps tab. Some the topics Erin and Nicole tackled include: the importance of building relationships in the science classroom (episode 91), five easy strategies to improve scientific arguments (episode 78), using Science demos effectively for NGSS (episode 68), how you can evaluate student learning (episode 11), and many more.
2. PlanetGeo: The Geology Podcast
In PlanetGeo podcast, Chris (geology teacher) and Jesse (geoscience professor) discuss everything related to geology and earth science. Some of the topics covered include: Where Is The World’s Water? The Greenhouse Effect, Can Aliens See Us? Geothermal Energy- The Basics, Are Continents Growing? How We know What’s Inside of the Earth? Can Human Noise damage the Earth? and many more. PlanetGeo is available on a number of podcasting platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Amazon Music, Overcast, and many more.
3. Lab Out Loud
Lab Out Loud is a podcast co-hosted by two science teachers : Dale Basler and Brian Bartel. Lab Out Loud explores topics related to science pedagogy and science teaching in and out of the classroom. Dale and Brian ‘s podcast guests include researchers, teachers, educators, scientists, writers, and many more.
Some of the topics covered in previous episodes include: Using Phenomena to Help Students Explain the World, Code Breaking, Spy Hunting and Other Stories of Women in STEM; Learning Science, Finding Joy at Home with Plants; and many more. Lab Out Loud podcast is available at Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Amazon Podcasts, among others.
4. Unexplainable
Unexplainable is another interesting educational podcast that “takes listeners right up to the edge of what we know … and then keeps right on going. This Vox podcast explores scientific mysteries, unanswered questions, and all the things we learn by diving into the unknown. New episodes every Wednesday.”
5. Science in Between
Unlike other podcasts, Science in Between is about the broad field of science of education. Co-hosted by Scott McDonal (professor of Science Education at the Pennsylvania State University) and Oliver Dreon (professor in the School of Education and Human Services at Millersville University of Pennsylvania), Science in Between discusses how “science teaching can move between and connect different worlds – home and school, virtual and face-to-face, science and the classroom”. Some of the topics it covered in previous episodes include: Zoom Fatigue for learners, Next Generation Science Standards, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, and many more.
6. Tumble
Tumble is ‘a science podcast for kids’. Co-hosted by Lindsay Patterson (radio journalist) and Marshall Escamilla (music teacher), Tumble brings science to life through engaging conversations with scientists. Topics covered include: The Great Seal Count, The Biggest Space Telescope in the Universe, How to Be an Ocean Explorer? The Hunt for the Alien Viruses, What If Fish Had Legs? Music Meets Science, Do Trees Fart? The Secret Senses of Plants, The Secret to Cheetah’s Super Speed, Discover the Wildlife of Your Home, The Girl Who Spoke Science, and many more.
7. StarTalk
The StarTalk podcast, as defined by its founders, “bridges the intersection between science, pop culture and comedy with clarity, humor and passion. Through our various shows, we explore captivating subjects such as space travel, extra-terrestrial life, the Big Bang, the role science plays in people’s lives, the future of our Earth and the environment, the science behind the most iconic sports plays in history, and breaking news from the universe.
Or, as host Neil deGrasse Tyson says, “Everything under the sun; Or rather under the universe!” for an audience of “All the people who never knew how much they’d love learning about space and science.” Tyson and our other show hosts are joined each week by comedian co-hosts, celebrities, and other special guests”
8. Brains on
Brains On is a podcast dedicated specifically towards kids. it is “a science podcast for curious kids and adults from American Public Media. Each week, a different kid co-host joins Molly Bloom to find answers to fascinating questions about the world sent in by listeners. Like, do dogs know they’re dogs? Or, why do feet stink? Plus, we have mystery sounds for you to guess, songs for you to dance to, and lots of facts — all checked by experts.”
9. The Earth Rangers Podcast
Hosted by Emma, a wildlife biologists, the Earth Rangers podcast provides interesting educational content to help kids explore the mysteries of nature. “Earth Rangers is the kids’ conservation organization, dedicated to educating children and their families about biodiversity, inspiring them to adopt sustainable behaviours, and empowering them to become directly involved in protecting animals and their habitats”.
10. Wow in the World
Another excellent podcast for kids and young learners. In Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz “share stories about the latest news in science, technology, and innovation. Stories that give kids hope, agency and make us all say “WOW”!”
11. The Show About Science
“Created by Nate when he was 5 years-old, The Show About Science is an awesome adventure into the wondrous world of scientific research and discovery! For the last 4 years, Nate has filled each episode with fascinating information from scientists and educators from around the globe. Together, Nate and his guests explore everything from chemistry to climate change, evolution to extraterrestrials, and human brains to bat biology”.
12. The Naked Scientists
The Naked Scientists is a platform operated by a group of scientists and experts. It provides insightful materials such as podcasts, articles, experiments, interviews with scientists and researchers, answers to science questions, and many more. The Naked Scientist covering biology, chemistry, earth science, engineering, life, medicine, physics, space, and technology.
13. Science Vs
Science Vs is a science podcast that debunks fads and replaces them with scientific facts. The show’s team consists of numerous scientists, engineers, and journalists. A sample of its episodes include:When Science and Superstitions Collide, Hypnosis: Does it Really Work?; Deodorant: Is It Dangerous; The Male Pill: When Is It Coming; The Mystery of the Man Who Died Twice; Should We Compost Human Bodies; and more.
14. Ologies
In Ologies, “humorist and science correspondent Alie Ward asks smart people stupid questions and the answers might change your life…Volcanoes. Trees. Drunk butterflies. Mars missions. Slug sex. Death. Beauty standards. Anxiety busters. Beer science. Bee drama. Take away a pocket full of science knowledge and charming, bizarre stories about what fuels these professional -ologists’ obsessions.”
15. Science Friday
Science Friday is a science podcast that covers news about science, technology, and from the outer reaches of space to the tiniest microbes in our bodies.”Host Ira Flatow mixes it up by featuring people in the know and those who want to be. Science Friday frequently features listeners that call in with their most riveting science questions.”
16. Science.org Podcasts
The leading Science organization, published by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), known for sharing trailblazing science research offers a podcast section allowing users to access a wealth of science knowledge. Some of its recent episodes include Peering beyond the haze of alien worlds, and how failures help us make new discoveries; Artificial intelligence takes on diplomacy, and how much water do we really need?; Can wolves form close bonds with humans’; Testing planetary defenses against asteroids, and building a giant ‘water machine’; among others.
17. Stuff to Blow Your Mind
In Stuff to Blow Your Mind, Joe McCormick and Join Robert Lamb examine neurological problems, cosmic quandaries, and evolutionary mysteries through insightful discussions. Some of its latest episodes include: The Monster Fact: The Four Guards of Labyrinth; Humans Throwing Stuff; Animal Throwing Stuff series; Listener Mail: Dawn is a Feeling; and many more.