Coronavirus Episodes and Resources
The coronavirus has turned much of the world upside down and we want to help families understand what’s going on. What exactly is it? How does it spread? Can I protect myself? We answer all those questions and more in our series.
Our team also worked with friends at the Science Museum of Minnesota to compile this resource guide of articles and web pages with tips on how to talk about pandemic-related topics with children. You can check out more about our coronavirus research with them here.
Click below to listen to the episodes and find resources.
Episodes
A guide to getting your COVID shot (November 9, 2021)
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Kids over 5 can now get a COVID vaccine in the U.S. We know a lot of you have been waiting for this day and lots of you have sent us questions about the vaccine since the pandemic started: like what's in the COVID vaccine? How does it work? How do scientists know it's safe? And even if the vaccine isn’t available to you where you live yet, this episode will answer those questions -- and there are some fun games you can play along with us!
Parents: Find answers to your questions about the COVID vaccine for kids right here:
The heroes we need to defeat the coronavirus (October 5, 2021)
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Eighteen months into our fight with this coronavirus, it may feel frustrating that we're still in this battle, but there are many reasons to feel hopeful. One reason is that we know a lot about this virus now and have plenty of tools to fight it. We meet the superheroes prepared to help us defeat the coronavirus: Sgt. Socially Distanced, the Masked Mentor, the Testmaster and the Vaxinator! Plus: Gilly, one half of the hit podcast Going Viral with Kara and Gilly, and a special guest explain what a virus variant is and how the delta variant is different from the original coronavirus. Also, journalist Sarah Zhang helps us understand how the pandemic could end.
Vaccines for kids and silver linings: Our second COVID summer (June 29, 2021)
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Adults around the world are getting vaccinated against the coronavirus, and now, in a handful of countries (including the U.S.) kids over 12 can get vaccinated too.
We hear from a 13-year-old who participated in a clinical trial for a vaccine and get tips for how to navigate the world when only some people in your family are able to be vaccinated. Plus, Kara and Gilly share expert advice on how to handle big feelings as the world starts to open back up.
What's in the COVID vaccine? (Feb. 23, 2021)
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In this episode, we're using our zoom ray to zoom way in and answer your questions about the COVID vaccine. What's in the COVID vaccine? How does it work? And how do they make it? We'll also look at how our fight against the new coronavirus has had a huge impact on another virus: influenza. And, we'll head to a stadium to learn what 95% effective means for a vaccine. (Warning: There are seagulls overhead!)
A super special shot: All about coronavirus vaccines (Jan. 26, 2021)
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In December, people started getting vaccinated against COVID-19. This is a huge scientific accomplishment and an important step in making it safe for us to hang out in person again. So how did scientists develop these vaccines so fast? And how did they test the vaccines to make sure they’re safe? And how do these mRNA vaccines work? We have answers to all your questions, plus New York Times science journalist Apoorva Mandavilli explains what scientists have found out about how long immunity lasts to this new coronavirus.
Past, present and future: Using time to understand this pandemic (Oct. 6, 2020)
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If time feels weird to you lately, you’re not alone. The pandemic has changed the pace of life for people around the world. We’ll talk to a psychologist about how our sense of time works. We’ll look back into the past to see how a similar pandemic played out 100 years ago. Plus, we’ll ask experts to tell us what they think life will be like six months from now.
Masks and mouth mist: What we know about the coronavirus now (July 28, 2020)
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In this episode, we find out why masks are an important tool in the fight against this new coronavirus. We’ll also talk about this unusual time we’re living through and how to deal with the uncertainty of it all. Plus: Kara and Gilly debut their first single. They’re hoping it’s a viral sensation (pun very much intended). And, of course, a new mystery sound and a Moment of Um that answers the question: Why do sharks have to keep moving to stay alive?
Coronavirus: How to be a helper from home (May 19, 2020)
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In this episode we look at some ways you can help from home, like by making masks, donating to food banks or writing letters. Two stars of the World Handwashing Federation stop by to explain the science of how water actually dries out our hands. Plus, Kara and Gilly interview science journalist Carl Zimmer on the weird world of viruses, including some viruses that help people!
Virus Busters: How scientists are working to stop the coronavirus (April 7, 2020)
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In this episode we’ll explain how these treatments work and we’ll give you some tips on keeping six feet from other people while taking a stroll outside. Oh, and Kara and Gilly stop by to drop some epic virus facts. Plus a Mystery Sound and a Moment of Um that looks at whether or not worms sleep.
Staying home: How social distancing helps fight coronavirus (March 24, 2020)
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In this episode we’ll explain how all of this could help slow the spread of the new coronavirus. We’ll explain some terms you’re probably hearing too, like “social distancing” and “flattening the curve.”
Understanding coronavirus and how germs spread (March 10, 2020)
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In this episode we’ll breakdown what we know about this new virus and tell you how to stay safe. Plus, we’ll listen to a podcast hosted by two chatty viruses to learn how these germs spread (and how our bodies fight back). We’ve also got a special message from some super tough hand washers.
Related Episodes
For more on how our immune system fights viruses, check out our episode:
How do flu vaccines work?
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For more on how to know which sources of information are trustworthy, you can check out our four-part series Prove It:
Part one: A brief history of facts
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Science under the microscope
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The scoop on journalism
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How to find the facts
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More Resources
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Resource Guide - Children’s Questions Worries & Information Needs during the COVID19 Pandemic (Science Museum of Minnesota)