Tempered Glass: A Scientific History

In this episode we talk about the science of glass and the difference between glass that shatters into pieces and glass that crumbles. It's a SCIENCE EPISODE of Hello From the Van!Sources: SG Glass Manufacturers, "The History o...

All About TIDES

I recently took my kids on a field trip to Dana Point, California to visit the tide pools at low tide. That field trip led to a lot of questions from the kids and from me! In this episode we talk about why tides happen, how long humans have kno...

Memorial Day Explained!

What do the Civil War, parking lots, and Memorial Day have in common?! We talk about all of them today on Hello From the Van.In this shorter holiday episode, we discuss the origins of the Memorial Day and it's close ties to the rich hist...

How To Write A Story

**SUMMER STORYWRITING RULES BELOW EPISODE DESCRIPTION**Aristotle wasn't just a philosopher, he was a playwright and scientist. This week we learn all about plot structure as explained in the Poetics. Using the story of The Thr...

What the Fox *Actually* Says...

Is the Fox a feline or a canine, a cat or a dog?? This week we learn all about this amazing animal and it's impact (for better or for worse) all across the world. And yes, we do answer the question, "What does the fox say?". #educat...

Equinox and Solstice Explained

Magical Mutating Cells: CANCER! Explained.

In this episode we take a clinical overview of cancer, what it is, why it happens, and it's different stages. This is a great episode is a great place for families to start when facing rouge mutating cells. #cancerexplai...

Earthquakes! For Kids!

This week we dive deeper into natural disasters and explore Earthquakes! We answer the questions:- What causes earthquakes? - How to prepare for an earthquake?and- What to do during and after an earthquake. ...

Puma, Cougar, Panther or Mountain Lion??

Cougar, Panther, Mountain Lion, Catamount, Red Tiger...it goes by a lot of names! But this week, we're just calling it the puma. Join us as we talk about this amazing cat and it's incredible life. References: ...

It's Spring Break Baby!

Wonder why kids and college students get a week-off of school around March and April each year? This week we research the answer! #hellofromthevan #familyfriendlypodcast #familypodcast #education #homeschool #homeschoollesson <...

Bees vs Wasps & How To Tell the Difference

Is it a bee or a wasp? A hornet or a yellow jacket? Today we learn about the differences between all four, as well as which one is most likely to sting you. We finish the episode with family-friendly tips on how to support native pollinators.&n...

The Egg-cellent Episode

Which came first, the chicken or the egg? We don't know! But we do know a lot of other chicken facts! In this episode we're talking all about the modern chicken, how eggs get to grocery stores, and lots of other fun chicken fact. We round out t...

What Makes a "bad" Word a "BAD" Word?

Disclaimer: No actual bad words are used in this episode. We're family-friendly around here. In this episode we discuss the history of foul language and how cultures change language through time. Parents, this is a great jump...

What Makes a Weed?

This week we tackle the philosophical question, "What makes a plant a weed??" It's a lesson in personal preference, lost knowledge, and ecology. Prefer a visual podcast? Each episode is also available on Youtube at Hello From the Van!

It's a Disaster!

Disasters, let's talk about them! This week we discuss the difference between different types of natural and environmental disasters and how to prepare for the worst. As always, this is done in a family-friendly and educational way. 

But Can It Throw-Up? The Emesis Episode

We've recently been plagued by the flu at the Faatz household, which has led to a lot of questions about emesis (vomit). In this episode we delicately talk around the subject, which animals can do it and which cannot, and why. For the queasy am...

Butterfly or Moth?

I recently found myself on a fieldtrip without internet access...and realized I know next to nothing when it comes to butterflies and moths. Come with me as I learn more about these winged insects, their similarities, and their differences.&nbs...

That Time I Wrecked Myself: Olympic Storytime

It's the beginning of the Winter Olympics and we're feeling nostalgic over here at Hello From the Van. Join us this week for a brief history of the winter olympic games, followed by a ridiculous story time of my own skiing catastrophe. 

The History of Legossss!

In today's episode we explore the history of the Lego Group, legos, and the language surrounding them. Note: lego vs legos is a very contentious topic apparently. If you find yourself raging about the conclusions discussed here, we ...

It's a Conspiracy Man! ...Or Is It?!

Truth, Fact, Hoax, or Conspiracy? Today we talk about the definition of all four words, give examples of each, and discuss when to use them. Parents-- worried we're talking about conspiracies? As always, we approach each topic from ...

BONUS EPISODE: Guess That Sound

In this Bonus Episode we play five rounds of Guess That Sound to help put the theory of the Scientific Method into practice! This is fun for the whole family. Be prepared to complete all 5 steps of the scientific method together. TH...

The Scientific Method Makes My Stomach Hurt

Have you ever wondered how scientists go about gathering information? It's the Scientific Method and has been around for over 3,000 years! Today we talk about what it is, why it's important, and practice putting it into action with a fun game o...

Statistically, I Am Not Unique: The History of Car Paint in the US

Have you noticed that a lot of cars seem void of any real color these days? Same. Today we research why 4 of every 5 cars will statistically be white, grey, or black, as well as the history of the modern automobile. This is a great episode for ...

Auld Lang Syne and Why We Sing It

Have you ever watched a sappy Christmas movie and wondered why they sing Auld Lang Syne? Yeah,  me too! In this episode we explore the rich history of this Scottish hit. We'll listen to and discuss clips of two wonderful versio...

Day 12: The Nativity Story, Reading Luke & Matthew 2

We made it! Day 12 of the Twelve Days of Christmas. In honor of the season, we read Luke 2, Matthew 2, and a portion of John. A huge thank-you to all of our listeners who participated in this amazing tradition through our podcast an...