Interested in a fun, intellectual break between classes or homework? These podcasts make curiosity fun, offering ways for eager teens to learn amazing facts without all the boring-ness of textbooks. If science is your gig (whether space, biology, psychology, tech, etc.), all ten of these podcasts will drop you into a little pocket of science with humor, real-life examples, and causal explanations. Are you a second-semester high schooler trying to boost your STEM game or just want something interesting to listen to on a break? These science podcasts will help keep your brain working while having fun.
1. Tumble
Tumble is a storytelling science podcast that interviews actual scientists and brings discoveries to life. On a teenager level, this podcast has adventures with real-life scientific concepts. Each podcast episode (ranging from 20-30 min) covers a wide variety of topics like fossils, black holes, and experiments gone right or wrong! The format of the podcast also demonstrates how research is done, and is informative and fun all at the same time. When memorable stories like these replace widely less compelling classroom lectures, there is hope to engage or excite audiences about science! This podcast uses storytelling, but in an educational way, that can reach any age.
2. Science Vs
Science Vs is a podcast presented by Wendy Zukerman where facts take on myths. Each podcast tackles a controversial topic (GMOs, diets, climate change) and uses real science to find the answers! This podcast is great for teenagers who have an appetite for truth and a passion for disproving what they read in articles. Science Vs uses a humorous and well-researched format to make every episode a science battle! If you want to win arguments and/or be the smartest person in the room get into this science podcast.
3. Ologies
Ologies is a really funny and informative podcast where the host, Alie Ward, interviews experts in strange fields of science, such as volcanology, bryology. The conversations feel conversational and fun but are filled with content. You'd be surprised how much your teens might find these science podcasts with these relatively obscure topics enjoyable! If you want something new to think about in terms of careers in science, or you just want to learn something interesting, Ologies is an exciting fun foray into new ideas.
4. The Infinite Monkey Cage
This British comedy and serious science podcast from BBC has its shares of gravity and levity. Co-hosted by physics professor Brian Cox and comic Robin Ince, The Infinite Monkey Cage investigates questions such as "What is time?" or "Can we trust AI?" It's a perfect mix for a teen who wants to learn something new while laughing. It has a diverse mix of young scientists and comics to explore lasts topics despite the deep questions. If you enjoy fun, intelligent banter and easy-to-think-about science, subscribe to this one.
5. StarTalk
Hosted by astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, StarTalk combines pop culture with science in an engaging podcast format. Each episode involves celebrities, scientists, and comedians answering cosmic questions. This is a great fit for teens involved in space and physics. The podcast also invites listeners to submit “cosmic queries”. This science podcast is great at making astrophysics feel fun and approachable. The episodes are about 60 minutes which means it is a good-length episode for a deeper exploration that can really help your passion for astronomy and applied science grow.
6. Hidden Brain
Although it is more focused on psychology, Hidden Brain is a science podcast that investigates how we think, how we make decisions, and how we relate to each other. Hosted by Shankar Vedantam, each of the podcasts uses a story to help explain psychological science/research studies on behavior. This podcast is ideal for high schoolers interested in mental health, sociology, or getting to know themselves better. Episodes vary anywhere around 30–60 minutes, and always provide another way to view the world through science and human nature.
7. Science Friday
Science Friday (or "SciFri" for short) is a highly regarded science podcast. Hosted by Ira Flatow, the show delves deep into the most relevant science news for the week. The show contains many segments, such as interviews with leading scientists and listener questions, and many more, with segments on technology, biology, etc. Teens interested in current events and discoveries in a timely context can take advantage of having a variety of topics. The episodes are long (~90 minutes) but can be taken in chunks and be engaged with science in real-world moments!
8. Teen Scientist
Led by a teenager too—Abigail Wood—Teen Scientist is a different kind of science podcast that highlights young people who try to solve problems around the globe. Each podcast features interviews with high school researchers and STEM students who are making a difference. It's empowering to listen to people your own age doing actual science. And this podcast shows that whether you're into robotics, medical research, or climate solutions, we can do science today, not just when we're grown up.
9. Found in Space
Found in Space is a quick science podcast about astronomy. In each episode, space educator Arwen Hubbard delivers bite-sized and easily digestible science content in 10-15 minutes, answering cool questions about the universe. The show is perfect for teenagers who love stars, planets and galaxies, and keeps it simple yet exciting. If you are studying for a quiz or just dreaming of life on Mars, this space science bite will satisfy your curiosity and give you the foundational knowledge in space science.
10. Sleep Tight Science
Bedtime Science is a calm, clear, and relaxing podcast that is excellent for winding down. Each podcast talks about a science concept (like memory or animal camouflage) with a soft, kid-style approach. Teens who want to take their time or want to learn without fear are going to appreciate this. Sheryl, and Clark created this and the podcasts focus on questions from listeners. This is excellent for enhancing general science knowledge, even when you fall asleep.
Science has never been so exciting! These science podcasts illustrate that learning can be fun—taking textbook facts and transforming them into relatable stories that allow you to discover the diverse and intriguing world of science. Everyone learns differently and whether you're studying for a test, searching for your next career move, or simply looking for answers, these science podcasts are the opportunities to explore. So plug in your headphones and let science happen—in your ears, in your mind and maybe even in your future. Your STEM journey starts with one great podcast episode.
FAQs
Q1: How long are the episodes?
Each podcast is unique – some are rather short (10-20 min), whereas others are - longer (60-90 min). Thus, there is a science podcast for every time frame!
Q2: Are these podcasts school-safe?
Absolutely! Every science podcast here is classroom-friendly; often shared by teachers or STEM organizations, suggesting that each podcast is appropriate for young adults/teens.
Q3: Do I need to be good at science to enjoy these?
No! These podcasts make it easy by explaining everything in simple terms. Even difficult science topics appear easy and fun!
Q4: Can podcasts help me in school?
Yes, without a doubt. Listening to science podcasts will help sharpen your comprehension, improve your vocabulary, even spark ideas for science fair or essay topics!
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