How are records made?
4 April 2025 - 23 minsHow are records made? How does a record player make sound? Why are we still listening to and buying records when there are so many digital ways to listen to music?! But Why visits Gold Rush Vinyl in Austin, Texas to learn how little plastic beads become brightly colored records that can play back your favorite music or sounds.
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Series Episodes
300th Episode: What’s your favorite?
This is But Why’s 300th episode! It’s safe to say we’ve answered several thousand questions from kids all over the world. We asked our listeners to tell us about their favorite episodes and today we’re hearing from all of you! We also hear a bit from a few of the podcasts you have on repeat! Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
36 mins
18 September Finished
Why does my voice sound weird when it’s recorded?
How does our body make our voice? How do voice boxes work? What makes our voices so different? Why are boys' voices often lower than girls' voices? Why does your voice sound different when you are sick? Why does your voice sound weird when you listen to a recording of yourself? Answers to questions about voices with Dr. Anne Hseu, an otolaryngologist (ear, nose and throat doctor) at Boston Children’s Hospital. Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
25 mins
4 September Finished
What are fossils?
What is a fossil? How are they formed? Where are they found? What’s the oldest fossil, and what’s the biggest? When you think of a fossil you might be picturing a full dino skeleton preserved at a museum. But fossils come in many different shapes and sizes. We taped this episode all about fossils in front of a live audience at the South Burlington Public Library in Vermont, with special guest Charlotte Mehrtens, a retired geology professor from the University of Vermont. Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
30 mins
21 August Finished
Where do constellations come from?
How are constellations formed? How many stars are there? What are stars made of? Why are there stars in the sky? Why are stars white? Why are some stars red? Why do stars twinkle? Why do we only see the stars at night? Why is the north star always facing north? We answer your questions about the stars and astronomy with Talia Sepersky of the Museum of Science in Boston. Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
47 mins
7 August Finished
Why does space have so many planets?
Join us on a tour of our solar system with John O’Meara, chief scientist at the W.M. Keck Observatory in Hawaii. We’ll answer all of your questions about planets! How were the planets in our solar system made? Why are some planets made of gas and others are made of rock? How do planets stay in space? Why is Venus the hottest planet if it's not the closest to the sun? Why is Earth more like Mars than Venus? Why do dust storms happen on Mars? Why is the storm on Jupiter red? Why does Saturn have rings? What is a dwarf planet? Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
46 mins
24 July Finished
Do animals play?
Have you ever seen your dog play with another dog? Have you seen squirrels chasing each other in the woods? Are they playing or are they doing something else? We look at the behavior of animals with Marco Wendt, Wildlife Ambassador for the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance and host of Amazing Wildlife: A San Diego Zoo Podcast. Also in this episode: Why do pigs like to play in the mud? Why do elephants like to play in the mud? Why do hamsters like to play? Is it okay for animals to live at the zoo? Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide | Transcript
34 mins
10 July Finished
