It’s Good to Be Smart! https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com Hey friends, I’m Dr. Dave! I am a college professor and former math and science teacher, and I love to learn new things. This podcast is a chance for us to all keep learning things together, because there is always something new to discover. One of my deeply held beliefs is that “smart” is not something that you *are,* but rather it’s something you *become* as you learn new things. Sometimes you might not feel very smart; there have been plenty of times in my life when that has been the case for me! But here’s the thing: there are so many interesting, curious, mysterious, downright amazing things about this world! If you have your eyes and ears open, you can always learn something new–and get smarter in the process. So that’s the plan for this podcast: each episode will be a short burst of learning, a boost for finding out something amazing about the way this world works. I’m excited to share fascinating facts and super science stories with you in every episode. Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:07:00 -0600 https://podbean.com/?v=5.5 en Copyright 2025 All rights reserved. Education 1440 serial Dr. Dave Mulder Dr. Dave Mulder No false https://pbcdn1.podbean.com/imglogo/image-logo/20057640/It_s_Good_to_Be_Smart74fv7.png It’s Good to Be Smart! https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com 144 144 Welcome to "It's Good to Be Smart!" Welcome to "It's Good to Be Smart!" https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/welcome-to-its-good-to-be-smart/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/welcome-to-its-good-to-be-smart/#comments Tue, 07 Jan 2025 20:02:08 -0600 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/eac96aa0-0c4e-3e22-b310-c1a055f518af Hey friends! I'm Dr. Dave, and welcome to "It's Good to Be Smart!" 

This podcast is a chance for us to all keep learning things together, because there is always something new to discover. If you have your eyes and ears open, you can always learn something new–and get smarter in the process. So that’s the plan: each episode will be a short burst of learning, full of fascinating facts and super science stories. Subscribe so you never miss an episode!

]]> Hey friends! I'm Dr. Dave, and welcome to "It's Good to Be Smart!" 

This podcast is a chance for us to all keep learning things together, because there is always something new to discover. If you have your eyes and ears open, you can always learn something new–and get smarter in the process. So that’s the plan: each episode will be a short burst of learning, full of fascinating facts and super science stories. Subscribe so you never miss an episode!

]]> Hey friends! I’m Dr. Dave, and welcome to ”It’s Good to Be Smart!”  This podcast is a chance for us to all keep learning things together, because there is always something new to discover. If you have your eyes and ears open, you can always learn something new–and get smarter in the process. So that’s the plan: each episode will be a short burst of learning, full of fascinating facts and super science stories. Subscribe so you never miss an episode! Dr. Dave Mulder false No 175 1 full Episode 01-01 - What is Matter? Episode 01-01 - What is Matter? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-01-what-is-matter/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-01-what-is-matter/#comments Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0600 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/36acc640-2b73-32f0-8a2f-309df833e39d This episode will help you answer the question, “What is Matter?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What is Matter?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What is Matter?” Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 376 1 1 full Episode 01-02 - What are Atoms? Episode 01-02 - What are Atoms? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-02-what-are-atoms/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-02-what-are-atoms/#comments Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0600 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/61e3c94b-5fcb-3449-81ea-3a1c0dd47226 This episode will help you answer the question, “What are Atoms?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What are Atoms?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What are Atoms?” Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 532 1 2 full Episode 01-03 - What are Some Properties of Matter? Episode 01-03 - What are Some Properties of Matter? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-03-what-are-some-properties-of-matter/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-03-what-are-some-properties-of-matter/#comments Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0600 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/ebf9bc93-fdb6-3cbe-b99d-a9bd9a91004b This episode will help you answer the question, “What are Some Properties of Matter?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What are Some Properties of Matter?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What are Some Properties of Matter?” Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 436 1 3 full Episode 01-04 - How Can We Mix Up Different Types of Matter? Episode 01-04 - How Can We Mix Up Different Types of Matter? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-04-how-can-we-mix-up-different-types-of-matter/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-04-how-can-we-mix-up-different-types-of-matter/#comments Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0600 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/79b4cb57-76bf-3db1-91a3-ed3dcb313d50 This episode will help you answer the question, “How Can We Mix Up Different Types of Matter?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “How Can We Mix Up Different Types of Matter?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “How Can We Mix Up Different Types of Matter?” Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 520 1 4 full Episode 01-05 - What are Physical and Chemical Changes in Matter? Episode 01-05 - What are Physical and Chemical Changes in Matter? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-05-what-are-physical-and-chemical-changes-in-matter/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-05-what-are-physical-and-chemical-changes-in-matter/#comments Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0600 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/5c2f33dd-016c-33ff-9e99-e8176da14114 This episode will help you answer the question, “What are Physical and Chemical Changes in Matter?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What are Physical and Chemical Changes in Matter?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What are Physical and Chemical Changes in Matter?” Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 451 1 5 full Episode 01-06 - What is a Molecule? Episode 01-06 - What is a Molecule? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-06-what-is-a-molecule/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-06-what-is-a-molecule/#comments Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0600 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e0df235a-139d-3055-967b-30f7e9cd413e This episode will help you answer the question, “What is a Molecule?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What is a Molecule?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What is a Molecule?” Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 524 1 6 full Episode 01-07 - What are Elements and Compounds? Episode 01-07 - What are Elements and Compounds? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-07-what-are-elements-and-compounds/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-07-what-are-elements-and-compounds/#comments Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0600 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/02b525d5-44c6-358f-8148-03bcb4f0030a This episode will help you answer the question, “What are Elements and Compounds?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What are Elements and Compounds?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What are Elements and Compounds?” Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 523 1 7 full Episode 01-08 - What is the Periodic Table? Episode 01-08 - What is the Periodic Table? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-08-what-is-the-periodic-table/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-08-what-is-the-periodic-table/#comments Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0600 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/c7e52b98-7128-3a2a-a6cb-5952792d075f This episode will help you answer the question, “What is the Periodic Table?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What is the Periodic Table?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What is the Periodic Table?” Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 466 1 8 full Episode 01-09 - How Can We Identify Chemical Reactions? Episode 01-09 - How Can We Identify Chemical Reactions? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-09-how-can-we-identify-chemical-reactions/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-09-how-can-we-identify-chemical-reactions/#comments Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0600 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/205769d9-3005-3715-a0d9-89560bd9da33 This episode will help you answer the question, “How Can We Identify Chemical Reactions?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “How Can We Identify Chemical Reactions?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “How Can We Identify Chemical Reactions?” Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 501 1 9 full Episode 01-10 - How is Energy Related to Chemical Reactions? Episode 01-10 - How is Energy Related to Chemical Reactions? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-10-how-is-energy-related-to-chemical-reactions/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-01-10-how-is-energy-related-to-chemical-reactions/#comments Tue, 04 Feb 2025 13:00:00 -0600 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/bb1af840-d4ca-36e2-984c-c0fc5cf09445 This episode will help you answer the question, “How is Energy Related to Chemical Reactions?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “How is Energy Related to Chemical Reactions?”

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “How is Energy Related to Chemical Reactions?” Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of matter. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at http://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 590 1 10 full Episode 02-01 - Living? Non-Living? Dead? Episode 02-01 - Living? Non-Living? Dead? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-01-living-non-living-dead/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-01-living-non-living-dead/#comments Mon, 21 Apr 2025 06:00:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/11fb7258-164d-37de-9f2e-60c0cca29c52 This episode will help you answer the question, “What is the difference between 'living,' 'non-living,' and 'dead?'" That might sound obvious, but this episode will help to clarify the meanings of these important terms, and use the illustration of an ecosystem to see how living, non-living, and dead things interact in the real world.

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What is the difference between 'living,' 'non-living,' and 'dead?'" That might sound obvious, but this episode will help to clarify the meanings of these important terms, and use the illustration of an ecosystem to see how living, non-living, and dead things interact in the real world.

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What is the difference between ’living,’ ’non-living,’ and ’dead?’” That might sound obvious, but this episode will help to clarify the meanings of these important terms, and use the illustration of an ecosystem to see how living, non-living, and dead things interact in the real world. Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 480 2 11 full Episode 02-02 - How Do We Recognize Living Things? Episode 02-02 - How Do We Recognize Living Things? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-02-how-do-we-recognize-living-things/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-02-how-do-we-recognize-living-things/#comments Mon, 21 Apr 2025 06:01:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/93f54d04-3e14-307c-8fc7-5445e8e301ba This episode will help you answer the question, “How do we recognize living things?” and help you understand key characteristics that ALL living things have in common.

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “How do we recognize living things?” and help you understand key characteristics that ALL living things have in common.

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “How do we recognize living things?” and help you understand key characteristics that ALL living things have in common. Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 769 2 12 full Episode 02-03 The Chemistry of Life Episode 02-03 The Chemistry of Life https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-03-the-chemistry-of-life/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-03-the-chemistry-of-life/#comments Mon, 21 Apr 2025 06:02:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/f86c093c-6f81-3f36-8f72-9dfbd1ce6ff5 This episode will help you answer the question, “What are organic compounds?” and give you an introduction to the chemistry of life: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What are organic compounds?” and give you an introduction to the chemistry of life: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What are organic compounds?” and give you an introduction to the chemistry of life: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 614 2 13 full Episode 02-04 - What Makes an Organism? Episode 02-04 - What Makes an Organism? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-04-what-makes-an-organism/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-04-what-makes-an-organism/#comments Mon, 21 Apr 2025 06:04:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/495fb492-1a95-3815-bba5-60f16a46d694 This episode will help you answer the question, “What are the layers of organization within an organism?” from organic compounds up to cells, all the way up to whole creatures!

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What are the layers of organization within an organism?” from organic compounds up to cells, all the way up to whole creatures!

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What are the layers of organization within an organism?” from organic compounds up to cells, all the way up to whole creatures! Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 433 2 14 full Episode 02-05 - How Do We Know All Living Things Are Made of Cells? Episode 02-05 - How Do We Know All Living Things Are Made of Cells? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-05-how-do-we-know-all-living-things-are-made-of-cells/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-05-how-do-we-know-all-living-things-are-made-of-cells/#comments Mon, 21 Apr 2025 06:05:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/fddb43fd-d717-324f-9bbd-b6d4c219a46a This episode will help you answer the question, “How do we know all living things are made of cells?”--an introduction to the three parts of cell theory, and the historical development of this essential theory for understanding biology!

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “How do we know all living things are made of cells?”--an introduction to the three parts of cell theory, and the historical development of this essential theory for understanding biology!

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “How do we know all living things are made of cells?”--an introduction to the three parts of cell theory, and the historical development of this essential theory for understanding biology! Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 454 2 15 full Episode 02-06 - Where Does Life Come From? Episode 02-06 - Where Does Life Come From? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-06-where-does-life-come-from/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-06-where-does-life-come-from/#comments Mon, 21 Apr 2025 06:06:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/a33a75bb-4364-3143-864b-b38f4e478e7a This episode will help you answer the question, “Where does life come from?” and introduces the (debunked) theory of spontaneous generation and the (strongly supported by evidence) theory of biogenesis.

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “Where does life come from?” and introduces the (debunked) theory of spontaneous generation and the (strongly supported by evidence) theory of biogenesis.

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “Where does life come from?” and introduces the (debunked) theory of spontaneous generation and the (strongly supported by evidence) theory of biogenesis. Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 505 2 16 full Episode 02-07 - How Do We Know Biogenesis is True? Episode 02-07 - How Do We Know Biogenesis is True? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-07-how-do-we-know-biogenesis-is-true/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-07-how-do-we-know-biogenesis-is-true/#comments Mon, 21 Apr 2025 06:07:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/8ff827a0-1a7f-3c7a-9afa-62e4c236d96b This episode will help you answer the question, “How do we know biogenesis is true?” by exploring several important experiments from the history of science--some pretty clever ideas by some exceptional scientific minds!

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “How do we know biogenesis is true?” by exploring several important experiments from the history of science--some pretty clever ideas by some exceptional scientific minds!

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “How do we know biogenesis is true?” by exploring several important experiments from the history of science--some pretty clever ideas by some exceptional scientific minds! Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 398 2 17 full Episode 02-08 - What’s the Difference Between Bacteria and Humans? Episode 02-08 - What’s the Difference Between Bacteria and Humans? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-08-what-s-the-difference-between-bacteria-and-humans/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-08-what-s-the-difference-between-bacteria-and-humans/#comments Mon, 21 Apr 2025 06:08:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/ac919b57-ee6e-3e99-8821-e50c757931bb This episode will help you answer the question, “What is the difference between bacteria and humans?” That might sound like a ridiculous question, but you might be surprised to see the things humans and simple, single-celled creatures have in common. (And, you're right...there are also some pretty humongous differences between them as well!) You'll also meet another interesting domain of life in this episode: Archaea!

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What is the difference between bacteria and humans?” That might sound like a ridiculous question, but you might be surprised to see the things humans and simple, single-celled creatures have in common. (And, you're right...there are also some pretty humongous differences between them as well!) You'll also meet another interesting domain of life in this episode: Archaea!

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What is the difference between bacteria and humans?” That might sound like a ridiculous question, but you might be surprised to see the things humans and simple, single-celled creatures have in common. (And, you’re right...there are also some pretty humongous differences between them as well!) You’ll also meet another interesting domain of life in this episode: Archaea! Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 430 2 18 full Episode 02-09 - How Do We Classify Living Things? Episode 02-09 - How Do We Classify Living Things? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-09-how-do-we-classify-living-things/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-09-how-do-we-classify-living-things/#comments Mon, 21 Apr 2025 06:09:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/69749451-1cbe-3640-ad2a-17e886faf5b2 This episode will help you answer the question, “How do we classify living things?” and it will introduce you to the seven-level classification system that biologists use to make sense of the wild diversity of different kinds of organisms we see on this planet!

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “How do we classify living things?” and it will introduce you to the seven-level classification system that biologists use to make sense of the wild diversity of different kinds of organisms we see on this planet!

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “How do we classify living things?” and it will introduce you to the seven-level classification system that biologists use to make sense of the wild diversity of different kinds of organisms we see on this planet! Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 572 2 19 full Episode 02-10 - What's the Deal with Viruses? Episode 02-10 - What's the Deal with Viruses? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-10-whats-the-deal-with-viruses/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-02-10-whats-the-deal-with-viruses/#comments Mon, 21 Apr 2025 06:10:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/0dbcf33a-1e1c-3a26-a470-a06251374bba This episode will help you answer the question, “What's the deal with viruses?” Are viruses alive? Or are they non-living-but-similar-to-living-things? Or are they something else entirely? This episode will give you some food for thought so you can start to make up your own mind!

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What's the deal with viruses?” Are viruses alive? Or are they non-living-but-similar-to-living-things? Or are they something else entirely? This episode will give you some food for thought so you can start to make up your own mind!

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode will help you answer the question, “What’s the deal with viruses?” Are viruses alive? Or are they non-living-but-similar-to-living-things? Or are they something else entirely? This episode will give you some food for thought so you can start to make up your own mind! Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! This episode is part of a series all about understanding the nature of life—the characteristics of living things, how we classify life, and even where life comes from. Each season has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 352 2 20 full Episode 03-01 - What is Science? And Who is a Scientist? Episode 03-01 - What is Science? And Who is a Scientist? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/season-03-episode-01-what-is-science-and-who-is-a-scientist/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/season-03-episode-01-what-is-science-and-who-is-a-scientist/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:00:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/01caa1f7-de48-329b-986a-64fcf9ba3442 This episode is intended to help you answer two key questions:

1: What is Science?

2: Who is a Scientist?

In the process of answering these questions we'll learn more about the nature of science--how it works, how people do it, and what it all means.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is intended to help you answer two key questions:

1: What is Science?

2: Who is a Scientist?

In the process of answering these questions we'll learn more about the nature of science--how it works, how people do it, and what it all means.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is intended to help you answer two key questions: 1: What is Science? 2: Who is a Scientist? In the process of answering these questions we’ll learn more about the nature of science--how it works, how people do it, and what it all means. This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world.  Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 381 3 21 full Episode 03-02 - Thales of Miletus: Methodology, Not Mythology Episode 03-02 - Thales of Miletus: Methodology, Not Mythology https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-02-thales-of-miletus-methodology-not-mythology/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-02-thales-of-miletus-methodology-not-mythology/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:01:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/60d6d69c-7adb-389e-9900-79f807b59658 This episode is all about Thales of Miletus, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of science as a way of thinking.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Thales of Miletus, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of science as a way of thinking.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Thales of Miletus, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of science as a way of thinking. This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world.  Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 370 3 22 full Episode 03-03 - Alfred Wegener: Moving and Shaking Episode 03-03 - Alfred Wegener: Moving and Shaking https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-03-alfred-wegener-moving-and-shaking/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-03-alfred-wegener-moving-and-shaking/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:02:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/f7616586-fe34-3088-8364-5d3028ce3564 This episode is all about Alfred Wegener, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of the Earth's structure.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Alfred Wegener, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of the Earth's structure.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Alfred Wegener, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of the Earth’s structure. This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world.  Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 375 3 23 full Episode 03-04 - Lise Meitner: The Hidden Genius of Nuclear Physics Episode 03-04 - Lise Meitner: The Hidden Genius of Nuclear Physics https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-04-lise-meitner-the-hidden-genius-of-nuclear-physics/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-04-lise-meitner-the-hidden-genius-of-nuclear-physics/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:03:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/db7ccdc8-7f33-3e4d-be7b-d71ee02dfd73 This episode is all about Lise Meitner, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of nuclear fission.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Lise Meitner, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of nuclear fission.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Lise Meitner, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of nuclear fission. This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world.  Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 366 3 24 full Episode 03-05 - John Snow: Epidemiological Pioneer Episode 03-05 - John Snow: Epidemiological Pioneer https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-05-john-snow-epidemiological-pioneer/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-05-john-snow-epidemiological-pioneer/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:04:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/d0d77a0b-0918-373b-9e82-c14c3faf5386 This episode is all about John Snow, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of how diseases spread, and how using data to track diseases can help us fight back.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about John Snow, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of how diseases spread, and how using data to track diseases can help us fight back.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about John Snow, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of how diseases spread, and how using data to track diseases can help us fight back. This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world.  Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 336 3 25 full Episode 03-06 - Henrietta Leavitt: Measuring the Universe Episode 03-06 - Henrietta Leavitt: Measuring the Universe https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-06-henrietta-leavitt-measuring-the-universe/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-06-henrietta-leavitt-measuring-the-universe/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:05:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/525e3088-9357-31f8-a0d1-5eb2bd839da0 This episode is all about Henrietta Leavitt, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of just how gigantic the universe actually is.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Henrietta Leavitt, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of just how gigantic the universe actually is.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Henrietta Leavitt, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of just how gigantic the universe actually is. This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world.  Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 389 3 26 full Episode 03-07 - Wangari Maathai: The Green Belt Movement Episode 03-07 - Wangari Maathai: The Green Belt Movement https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-07-wangari-maathai-the-green-belt-movement/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-07-wangari-maathai-the-green-belt-movement/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:06:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/04bf96ff-9755-3773-9479-5e0c40eb09fe This episode is all about Wangari Maathai, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of how planting trees can help push back the desert, and how to use science as a force for social good.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Wangari Maathai, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of how planting trees can help push back the desert, and how to use science as a force for social good.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Wangari Maathai, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of how planting trees can help push back the desert, and how to use science as a force for social good. This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world.  Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 388 3 27 full Episode 03-08 - Barbara McClintock: Jumping Genetics Episode 03-08 - Barbara McClintock: Jumping Genetics https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-08-barbara-mcclintock-jumping-genetics/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-08-barbara-mcclintock-jumping-genetics/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:07:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/b79030af-f5c7-3cd4-af14-6903de46f07c This episode is all about Barbara McClintock, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of how genetics really works.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Barbara McClintock, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of how genetics really works.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Barbara McClintock, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of how genetics really works. This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world.  Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 335 3 28 full Episode 03-09 - Joseph Priestly: Giving Oxygen to Modern Chemistry Episode 03-09 - Joseph Priestly: Giving Oxygen to Modern Chemistry https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-09-joseph-priestly-giving-oxygen-to-modern-chemistry/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-09-joseph-priestly-giving-oxygen-to-modern-chemistry/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:08:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/361001c9-deaa-3e85-8ee8-358b994353fd This episode is all about Joseph Priestly, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of the chemistry of air.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Joseph Priestly, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of the chemistry of air.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Joseph Priestly, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of the chemistry of air. This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world.  Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 368 3 29 full Episode 03-10 - Edward Jenner: The Farm Boy who Fought Smallpox Episode 03-10 - Edward Jenner: The Farm Boy who Fought Smallpox https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-10-edward-jenner-the-farm-boy-who-fought-smallpox/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-10-edward-jenner-the-farm-boy-who-fought-smallpox/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:09:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/7c4ab9c6-685a-34e2-95e1-c1c151511f9e This episode is all about Edward Jenner, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of vaccines and how to prevent viral diseases.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Edward Jenner, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of vaccines and how to prevent viral diseases.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Edward Jenner, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of vaccines and how to prevent viral diseases. This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world.  Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 352 3 30 full Episode 03-11 - Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar: Developing the Idea that Stars Develop Episode 03-11 - Subrahmanyan Chandrasekhar: Developing the Idea that Stars Develop https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-11-subrahmanyan-chandrasekhar-developing-the-idea-that-stars-develop/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-11-subrahmanyan-chandrasekhar-developing-the-idea-that-stars-develop/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:10:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/12e8eab2-cc3a-3099-a98d-6edf3efb82a7 This episode is all about Subrhmanyan Chandrasekhar, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of how stars develop and change over time, and what happens when stars run out of fuel.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Subrhmanyan Chandrasekhar, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of how stars develop and change over time, and what happens when stars run out of fuel.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Subrhmanyan Chandrasekhar, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of how stars develop and change over time, and what happens when stars run out of fuel. This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world.  Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 365 3 31 full Episode 03-12 - Dorothy Hodgkin: Uncovering Hidden Structures Episode 03-12 - Dorothy Hodgkin: Uncovering Hidden Structures https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-12-dorothy-hodgkin-uncovering-hidden-structures/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-12-dorothy-hodgkin-uncovering-hidden-structures/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:11:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e869ae65-ba23-31b2-9e4f-0dc42a00bd40 This episode is all about Dorothy Hodgkin, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of the structure of complex molecules.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Dorothy Hodgkin, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of the structure of complex molecules.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Dorothy Hodgkin, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of the structure of complex molecules. This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world.  Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 324 3 32 full Episode 03-13 - Christiaan Huygens: Journeying through Time and Space Episode 03-13 - Christiaan Huygens: Journeying through Time and Space https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-13-christiaan-huygens-journeying-through-time-and-space/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-13-christiaan-huygens-journeying-through-time-and-space/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:12:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/5d937d29-ef17-30cf-9388-e91dece31a0a This episode is all about Christiaan Huygens, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of many things, including creating more accurate clocks, explaining Saturn's rings, discovering moons around other planets, and the nature of light.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Christiaan Huygens, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of many things, including creating more accurate clocks, explaining Saturn's rings, discovering moons around other planets, and the nature of light.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Christiaan Huygens, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of many things, including creating more accurate clocks, explaining Saturn’s rings, discovering moons around other planets, and the nature of light. This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world.  Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 398 3 33 full Episode 03-14 - Dimitri Mendeleev: Organizer of the Elements Episode 03-14 - Dimitri Mendeleev: Organizer of the Elements https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-14-dimitri-mendeleev-organizer-of-the-elements/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-14-dimitri-mendeleev-organizer-of-the-elements/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:13:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/4175abdc-f1b1-3c3c-bc00-067f664730ca This episode is all about Dimitri Mendeleev, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of the properties of elements and how to organize them.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Dimitri Mendeleev, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of the properties of elements and how to organize them.

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Dimitri Mendeleev, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of the properties of elements and how to organize them. This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world.  Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 389 3 34 full Episode 03-15 - Gregor Mendel: The Gardener Geneticist Episode 03-15 - Gregor Mendel: The Gardener Geneticist https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-15-gregor-mendel-the-gardener-geneticist/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-03-15-gregor-mendel-the-gardener-geneticist/#comments Tue, 30 Sep 2025 12:14:00 -0500 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/66ee9edd-4f8d-3d9d-b2e6-5f78c8841b24 This episode is all about Gregor Mendel, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of the rules that govern how traits are passed on from parents to offspring..

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Gregor Mendel, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of the rules that govern how traits are passed on from parents to offspring..

 

This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world. 

 

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

 

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> This episode is all about Gregor Mendel, a less-than-famous (but very important scientist!) who helped deepen our understanding of the rules that govern how traits are passed on from parents to offspring.. This episode is part of a series about “less-than-famous scientists”—names you may have never heard before, but people you should know about! Each of these stories will help you understand more about the nature of science, and help you see how even small contributions can be important things that help us better understand our world.  Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 352 3 35 full Episode 04-01 - Meet Your Body's Defense Squad: What Is Immunity? Episode 04-01 - Meet Your Body's Defense Squad: What Is Immunity? https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-04-01-meet-your-bodys-defense-squad-what-is-immunity/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-04-01-meet-your-bodys-defense-squad-what-is-immunity/#comments Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:01:00 -0600 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/23b6eece-5100-3631-8293-c1a7200d002c In this episode, Dr. Dave introduces the immune system as a coordinated superhero team living inside you, explaining the fundamental differences between the rapid-response "innate" system you are born with and the highly specialized "adaptive" system that learns to recognize and remember specific threats.

This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We'll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome!

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> In this episode, Dr. Dave introduces the immune system as a coordinated superhero team living inside you, explaining the fundamental differences between the rapid-response "innate" system you are born with and the highly specialized "adaptive" system that learns to recognize and remember specific threats.

This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We'll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome!

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> In this episode, Dr. Dave introduces the immune system as a coordinated superhero team living inside you, explaining the fundamental differences between the rapid-response ”innate” system you are born with and the highly specialized ”adaptive” system that learns to recognize and remember specific threats. This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We’ll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome! Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 461 4 1 full Episode 04-02 - Fortress Mode: Your Skin & First Line Defenses Episode 04-02 - Fortress Mode: Your Skin & First Line Defenses https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-04-02-fortress-mode-your-skin-first-line-defenses/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-04-02-fortress-mode-your-skin-first-line-defenses/#comments Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:02:00 -0600 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/304c0e44-1b49-3ce1-b12f-58bda09d328e In this episode, we explore "Fortress Mode" to discover how the body’s physical and chemical barriers—including skin, mucus, stomach acid, and even earwax—act as a protective castle wall that stops germs before they can ever get inside.

This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We'll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome!

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> In this episode, we explore "Fortress Mode" to discover how the body’s physical and chemical barriers—including skin, mucus, stomach acid, and even earwax—act as a protective castle wall that stops germs before they can ever get inside.

This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We'll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome!

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> In this episode, we explore ”Fortress Mode” to discover how the body’s physical and chemical barriers—including skin, mucus, stomach acid, and even earwax—act as a protective castle wall that stops germs before they can ever get inside. This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We’ll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome! Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 431 4 2 full Episode 04-03 - You've Been Invaded! Germs, Pathogens, & How They Attack Episode 04-03 - You've Been Invaded! Germs, Pathogens, & How They Attack https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-04-03-youve-been-invaded-germs-pathogens-how-they-attack/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-04-03-youve-been-invaded-germs-pathogens-how-they-attack/#comments Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:03:00 -0600 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/3f276a87-1f31-3da3-b3a1-63cb426448e1 In this episode, the "villains" of the microscopic world are unmasked as Dr. Dave defines the four major types of pathogens—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—and illustrates the different strategies these invaders use to hijack the body’s resources.

This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We'll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome!

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> In this episode, the "villains" of the microscopic world are unmasked as Dr. Dave defines the four major types of pathogens—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—and illustrates the different strategies these invaders use to hijack the body’s resources.

This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We'll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome!

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> In this episode, the ”villains” of the microscopic world are unmasked as Dr. Dave defines the four major types of pathogens—bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites—and illustrates the different strategies these invaders use to hijack the body’s resources. This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We’ll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome! Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 455 4 3 full Episode 04-04 - Your Inside Army: White Blood Cells to the Rescue! Episode 04-04 - Your Inside Army: White Blood Cells to the Rescue! https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-04-04-your-inside-army-white-blood-cells-to-the-rescue/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-04-04-your-inside-army-white-blood-cells-to-the-rescue/#comments Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:04:00 -0600 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/2be90d94-5ddd-3417-8448-28e06c762930 In this episode, the "Immunity League" assembles as we meet specific white blood cell heroes like the "big eating" Macrophages and the T-cell "Commanders," revealing how they use elite teamwork and communication to find and destroy invaders.

This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We'll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome!

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> In this episode, the "Immunity League" assembles as we meet specific white blood cell heroes like the "big eating" Macrophages and the T-cell "Commanders," revealing how they use elite teamwork and communication to find and destroy invaders.

This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We'll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome!

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> In this episode, the ”Immunity League” assembles as we meet specific white blood cell heroes like the ”big eating” Macrophages and the T-cell ”Commanders,” revealing how they use elite teamwork and communication to find and destroy invaders. This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We’ll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome! Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 436 4 4 full Episode 04-05 - Memory Mode: Antibodies, Immune Memory, & Why You Don't Get Some Sicknesses Twice Episode 04-05 - Memory Mode: Antibodies, Immune Memory, & Why You Don't Get Some Sicknesses Twice https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-04-05-memory-mode-antibodies-immune-memory-why-you-dont-get-some-sicknesses-twice/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-04-05-memory-mode-antibodies-immune-memory-why-you-dont-get-some-sicknesses-twice/#comments Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:05:00 -0600 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/74517277-68ee-34b9-893a-a8c56c55ebb4 In this episode, the focus shifts to the body's elite archives to explain how B-cells create custom-made "wanted posters" called antibodies and how memory cells store battle plans to ensure the body can shut down repeat invaders before you even feel sick.

This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We'll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome!

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> In this episode, the focus shifts to the body's elite archives to explain how B-cells create custom-made "wanted posters" called antibodies and how memory cells store battle plans to ensure the body can shut down repeat invaders before you even feel sick.

This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We'll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome!

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> In this episode, the focus shifts to the body’s elite archives to explain how B-cells create custom-made ”wanted posters” called antibodies and how memory cells store battle plans to ensure the body can shut down repeat invaders before you even feel sick. This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We’ll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome! Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 411 4 5 full Episode 04-06 - Vaccines: Training Your Immune Heroes Without the Battle Episode 04-06 - Vaccines: Training Your Immune Heroes Without the Battle https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-04-06-vaccines-training-your-immune-heroes-without-the-battle/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-04-06-vaccines-training-your-immune-heroes-without-the-battle/#comments Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:06:00 -0600 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/f21a12a6-5332-3ba3-80bb-4c6b33456003 In this episode, Dr. Dave uses sports analogies to explain how vaccines act as "practice scrimmages" for the immune system, allowing your white blood cells to safely build protective memory so they are prepared to win the "real game" against dangerous diseases.

This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We'll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome!

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> In this episode, Dr. Dave uses sports analogies to explain how vaccines act as "practice scrimmages" for the immune system, allowing your white blood cells to safely build protective memory so they are prepared to win the "real game" against dangerous diseases.

This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We'll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome!

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> In this episode, Dr. Dave uses sports analogies to explain how vaccines act as ”practice scrimmages” for the immune system, allowing your white blood cells to safely build protective memory so they are prepared to win the ”real game” against dangerous diseases. This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We’ll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome! Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 432 4 6 full Episode 04-07 - When the System Misfires: Allergies, Autoimmune Reactions, & Staying Healthy Episode 04-07 - When the System Misfires: Allergies, Autoimmune Reactions, & Staying Healthy https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-04-07-when-the-system-misfires-allergies-autoimmune-reactions-staying-healthy/ https://goodtobesmart.podbean.com/e/episode-04-07-when-the-system-misfires-allergies-autoimmune-reactions-staying-healthy/#comments Mon, 02 Feb 2026 06:07:00 -0600 goodtobesmart.podbean.com/d0f46706-7dc0-341d-af34-51a32722f3a6 In this episode, we examine what happens when the immune system overreacts or gets confused, and explore four essential lifestyle habits—sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management—to help your internal defenders stay sharp and balanced.

This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We'll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome!

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> In this episode, we examine what happens when the immune system overreacts or gets confused, and explore four essential lifestyle habits—sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management—to help your internal defenders stay sharp and balanced.

This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We'll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome!

Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com 

Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day!

It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.

]]> In this episode, we examine what happens when the immune system overreacts or gets confused, and explore four essential lifestyle habits—sleep, nutrition, exercise, and stress management—to help your internal defenders stay sharp and balanced. This episode is part of a series all about your amazing immune system, and the way it is designed to both prevent you from getting sick in the first place, and to fight off invading germs if they do break through the defenses. We’ll also learn about different kinds of pathogens, how vaccines work, and things like allergies and autoimmune conditions. The big take-away: your immune system is awesome! Each season of this podcast has a different thematic focus, so if you found this episode interesting or helpful, check out the rest of the episodes in this season! Instructional resources for this episode, including the script, a thinksheet, and alignment with the Next Generation Science Standards can be accessed for free at https://goodtobesmart.com  Remember, “smart” is something we *become* as we learn new things. So, keep listening, keep learning, and keep getting smarter every day! It’s Good to Be Smart! is created by Dr. Dave Mulder with support from the National Science Foundation through a grant from the Robert Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program. This material is based upon work supported by the National Science Foundation under Grant No. (DUE-2243334). Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation. Dr. Dave Mulder false No 497 4 7 full