Showing titles in Science & Technology

Stephen Hawking was one of the greatest minds of our time. His theories about the universe have changed the way we think about black holes and the Big Bang. Learn more about the physicist on wheels who traveled the world.

How did a boy with limited resources and a curious mind change the world? Meet Lewis Latimer, the inventor who made train journeys more comfortable and brought brighter light to our homes! In Bright Ideas for a Better World—Lewis Latimer, listeners ages 4 to 8 discover the amazing story of this unsung hero of invention. Lewis started his journey surrounded by the blueprints and ideas of others, and his own inventions soon followed! His biggest breakthrough came when he joined forces with Thomas Edison to make better lightbulbs.

Embark with us on a powerful journey where we walk side by side with some of the most iconic scientists in history, both male and female! We’ll be exploring everything from the mysterious cosmos and foundational laws of physics to the building blocks of life itself!

Mary Myers always dreamed of flying, but she lived when women were often told to stay put and stay quiet. Determined and fearless, Mary wouldn’t stay tied down. With the help of her husband, she transformed into Carlotta, the famous aeronaut, and took to the skies. Carlotta performed much more than aerial feats in her gas balloons. A skybound scientist, she collected information on currents, weather, and atmospheric pressure.

Formaldehyde, borax, salicylic acid. Today these chemicals are used in embalming fluids, cleaning supplies, and acne medications. But just over a hundred years ago, they were routinely added to all kinds of food by unregulated and unethical companies. Noted science and history writer Gail Jarrow introduces listeners to the relentless work of U.S. government chemist Dr. Harvey Washington Wiley, who mounted a thirty-year campaign to protect consumers from harmful food and drugs. As part of his research, he tested food additives by serving them to a squad of volunteers—the poison eaters.

Nikola Tesla was a scientist and inventor in the late 1800s and early 1900s. Among his many inventions and experiments, he helped create the modern electricity system. Learn more about Tesla's life as a famous inventor!