This clever crop of free podcasts sheds light on science topics for the entire family. Download a few for your next road trip, or whenever you need a little break from answering “Why is the sky blue?” We can feel our neurons making connections already.

BRAINS ON!

Kid cohosts help puzzle out life’s mysteries, like why we laugh when we’re tickled. The 13- to 38-minute podcasts are produced by Minnesota Public Radio News and Southern California Public Radio. Ages 6 to 12; brainson.org

TUMBLE SCIENCE

A science journalist and a teacher interview experts (and kids) about everything from bacteria farmers to black holes in these 12- to 17-minute segments. Ages 6 to 12; sciencepodcast forkids.com

QUESTION OF THE WEEK

These short podcasts from The Naked Scientists address Q’s kids will love: “Why do our stomachs grumble?” and “Did the cavemen have names?” Ages 8 and up; thenakedscientists.com