Science Podcasts For High Schoolers

Are you a podcast lover? Once I find one I like, I get hooked (cough, cough... Serial). You may have students who have never listened to a podcast before, and given the opportunity would really enjoy them! Especially for your kiddos who love to learn but don't love to read.

HOW YOU CAN USE PODCASTS IN THE CLASSROOM
Not sure how you would use podcasts with students? Here are a few ideas:

1. Write out questions that go along with the podcast episode and assign it for homework. This is great listening skill practice (especially for ELL students!)

2. Assigning a podcast episode that has tougher to digest content? Listen to the podcast together as a class and pause it periodically to do small group or whole class discussions.

3. Have them listen to a podcast at home and hold an in-class Socratic seminar or philosophical chairs.

4. After listening, have students create a one-pager or infographic based on what they learned.

5. You could even have students create their own podcast! Have them pick a science related topic, conduct authentic research, and record!


LIST OF SCIENCE PODCASTS:
Listed in no particular order. (Note: I have not listened to all of these podcasts, and encourage you to preview any podcast episodes you assign to students).

1. TUMBLE: This podcast tells stories of scientific discoveries with the help of scientist.

2. 60 SECOND SCIENCE: Have a few minutes left at the end of class? Check out this podcast from Scientific American.

3. SKEPTOID: This podcast takes popular myths and reveals the true science and history behind them.

4. BIG BIOLOGY: This podcast is "scientists talking to scientists" about biology topics. I would recommend this podcast to older students, as some of the topics are more complex.

5. BRAINS ON: If you teach younger students they might enjoy Brains On, where kids find answers to fascinating questions about our world.

6. NATURE: The journal Nature also has a podcast.

7. SCIENCE MAGAZINE: Comes out with weekly podcast episodes.

8. 30 ANIMALS THAT MADE US SMARTER: Put out by the BBC.

9. THE WILD: Explores how nature survives and thrives along side (and often despite) humans.

10. SCIENCE VS: This podcast takes on fads and trends to find out what's fact, what's not, and what's somewhere in between.

11. OVERHEARD: This Nat Geo podcast dives into "one of the curiously delightful conversations we've overheard at National Geographic's headquarters."

12. UNDISCOVERED: Is a podcast about the left turns, missteps, and lucky breaks that make science happen.

13. THE BIG FIB: Each week, a kid interviews two experts in a particular topic, one of which is a genuine credentialed expert, and the other is a liar. Students learn to weigh evidence and trust their gut!

14. NASA SCIENCE CASTS: Join NASA as they look into the science behind discoveries on Earth, the Solar System, and beyond.

15. SHABAM: Blends fictional stories with real science.

16. STAR TALK: Talks about everything under the sun and has hosts including Bill Nye and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

17. SHORTWAVE: An NPR podcast about new discoveries, everyday mysteries, and the science behind the headlines.

18. SCIENCE FRIDAY: This podcast is great for class because the episodes are shorter than others and on interesting current topics.

19. USGS CORE FACTS: If you want a QUICK (and I mean quick... generally around 1 minute) podcast that answers an earth science question, check out core facts.


Have any other science themed podcasts you love? Leave them in the comments! Also, let me know if any of the links break and I'll update!