Summer Listening 2020 Solve It! for Kids Podcast

 Launched just two months ago,  author Jennifer Swanson and host Jed Doherty present a new topic in each episode of the Solve It! for Kids podcast. It might be "How will we communicate with astronauts on Mars?" (the latest puzzling question), or perhaps "How do you map an underwater forest?" Whatever the conundrum, the dynamic duo always have an amazing guest on tap to discuss possibilities and current research. Ever wonder how to cut a person in half? Then listen as Sue-Ann Webster (internationally acclaimed magician) shares her thoughts on performing magic for an audience. Or perhaps you would rather hear Fabien Cousteau describe how to construct an underwater spaceship? They have it covered.

Each episode is packed with information about the featured topic.

Along with having the special guest share information about their current project(s), Jennifer and Jed encourage them to tell how they first became interested in their special field. The intrepid hosts also ask questions such as, "What is the coolest thing that has happened to you?" Listeners come to know a bit about the guest's experiences and what led them to their current work, as well as hearing first-hand stories of exploration and adventure.

The podcast by itself would be wonderful - but wait - there's more! The companion website, https://solveitforkids.com/, offers an episode guide, background information on the episode's guest, a challenge for kids and parents to solve, links to additional resources, and a book list for further reading. Listeners who share their solution to the challenge or post a comment on the episode page are even entered for a chance to win a free book. (And who wouldn't want to win a book like Buzz Aldrin's Welcome to Mars?)

Highly recommended for listeners of all ages who have an interest in STEAM - the podcast is also perfect for science and STEM teachers looking for ideas to inspire their students. The engineers, scientists, and other experts are engaging and passionate about their work. Jennifer and Jed are equally excited about getting kids to read, ask questions, and look for answers. The support materials on the website extend the learning experience whether used at home or in the classroom. Since the podcast is available from so many sources and kids can access it at home, it would very useful in the "flipped" classroom model. Students can listen to it ahead of time, then come in prepared to discuss it during class. It also would be very easy to post the links in Google Classroom or other learning management systems and use during distance/virtual instruction.

Be sure to tune in for the next episode, or get caught up on those you have missed. Look for Solve It! for Kids on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, or libsyn.