Dialogue For Kids

Galaxies

Tue, 18 Sep 2012 16:30:00 MST

Dr. Amber Straughn, a Research Astrophysicist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, answers students' questions about galaxies and space. Straughn also describes the James Webb Space Telescope and explains the advantages it offers for scientific research.

Butterflies

Tue, 15 May 2012 16:30:00 MST

Poets have described butterflies as flying flowers. But these amazing insects are more than just pretty decorations. They play an important role in nature. Find out why we need butterflies and how they are transformed from caterpillars from guest scientists Steve Burns, Director of Zoo Boise, and Dr. Paul Castrovillo, an entomologist and Insect Curator at the Orma J. Smith Museum of Natural History at the College of Idaho.

Idaho Ecosystems

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 16:30:00 MST

Idaho has many different ecosystems, including forests, wetlands, deserts and grasslands. Guest scientists Beth Paragamian and Vicky Runnoe, both with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, help explain the differences and similarities among these ecosystems and how they are important to the plants and animals in the state.

Animal Migration

Tue, 20 Mar 2012 16:30:00 MST

Animal migrations don't just happen in the spring and aren't just something birds do. Lots of different animals migrate and for good reasons. What is it that drives animals to move from one part of the country to another and then back again? Guest scientists Jeff Knetter and Vicky Runnoe, both with the Idaho Department of Fish and Game, help unravel the mysteries of this unique animal behavior.

Predators

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 16:30:00 MST

Predators are animals that eat other animals. They don't have to be big, but they do have to be really lucky to survive. Predators play an important role in the food chain and the health of an ecosystem. How? Wildlife experts Gregg Losinski and Jon Rachael of the Idaho Department of Fish and Game share their knowledge about these important creatures.

Geology

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:30:00 MST

Idaho is known as "The Gem State" for good reason. You can find over 240 different minerals in the state. Some are very rare and valuable. Others play an important role every day in our homes, schools, and businesses. Geologists Reed Lewis of the Idaho Geological Survey and Megan Dixon of the College of Idaho guest.

Flight

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 16:30:00 MST

How do planes stay up in the air? People have to overcome four physical forces to fly, and so do birds and bugs and anything else that wants to soar. Joan Cartan-Hansen and her guests, Frank Lester, education coordinator for the aeronautics division of the Idaho Transportation Department, and pilot Lori MacNichol, explain the mechanics of flight for both creatures and machines.

The Moon

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:30:00 MST

The Moon is the easiest thing to see in the night sky. About the fourth the size of Earth, the Moon has long fascinated scientists and it remains the only body in space explored by humans in person. Joan Cartan-Hansen and her guest scientists, Jason Barnes, professor of astronomy from the University of Idaho and Daryl Macomb, associate professor of physics from Boise State University, answer questions about our celestial neighbor.

Skeletons

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 16:30:00 MST

206 different bones make up your skeletal system. Your bones give you structure, protect your internal organs and do a whole lot more. How do your bones work together? How do they help you move? And why are your bones important to your blood? Guest scientists Dr. Jeffrey Shilt, Dr. Jeff Seegmiller and Benjamin Davis help provide some answers!

Sports Physiology

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 16:30:00 MST

Athletes can make sports look easy, but there is a science behind being the best and staying healthy. Sport physiology is the study of how all of the body's parts work together to produce a good athlete. How can you run faster? How can you prevent injuries? Why is getting enough sleep and eating right an important part of winning the game?