News Time
From amazing animals to sensational sport, interesting insects to dino discoveries, mars missions and beyond. Join Emily Anderson every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday to count down the weird and wonderful. News Time is perfect for 4-9 year olds who want to know more about the world around them.
Meddling moths and six-legged calf
The forecast for today's episode is sunny with a chance of... moths? I'll tell you about a moth problem causing headaches for weather predictors, we'll kick a ball around with the Paratillies and Pararoos, and then meet a calf with six legs!
Quiz Questions
1.What sort of weather are the bogong moths tricking meteorologists into predicting?2.What is the 'tillies' part of the team name Paratillies short for? 3.How many legs was this calf born with? Was it 4, 6, or 100?Answers
1.Rain.2.Matildas. They're the Paramatildas. 3.Six!News Noodler
Do you think the ca...
World's oldest shipwreck and rice-sized bee
On today’s show, we’ll visit a preschool teaching languages to more than just kids... we’ll explore the oldest ever shipwreck and bumble along with some endangered bees. Are you ready?
Quiz Questions
1.Which language are the kids and adults learning?2.About how old is the shipwreck?3.In which country would you find the rare bee, Hylaeus navai?Answers
1.Gumbaynggirr2.4,500 years.3.Fiji.News Noodler
Think about the different languages spoken by people you know or have met... why is it important to learn, protect and speak different languages?
Prehistoric platypus and lap of the world
On today’s show we’ll discover a creature that resembles a prehistoric platypus, we’ll meet a man who walked and swam a lap of the world, and we’ll visit Victoria’s High Country for Talk of the Town.
Quiz Questions
1.In what period did Megacauda live?2.How many years did Karl take to walk around the world?3.What famous bushranger spent time in Beechworth?Answers
1.The Middle Jurassic2.283.Ned KellyNews Noodler
Why would anyone choose to walk around the world (instead of using transport)?
For more great...
Rare snails and oldest man
On today's episode, we’ll rediscover a rare snail, we’ll examine a photo that’s out of this world, and we’ll celebrate the birthday of Australia’s oldest man.
Quiz Questions
1.When did the Darling River snail start disappearing?2.What is the name of the rover that took the photo on Mars?3.Where does the world’s oldest man live?Answers
1.Around the 1960s 2.Curiosity3.BrazilFor more great kids podcasts, download the free ABC listen app (Australia). There you’ll find more kids news podcasts, educational children’s stories and storytelling, podcas...
Olympics ideas and shark scares
On today's episode we'll visit some green classrooms, we'll brainstorm some ideas for the Brisbane Olympics, and we'll discuss the scariness of sharks.
Quiz Questions
1.What is the name of the organisation that has been installing greenhouses in schools?2.In which year will the Olympics and Paralympics be held in Brisbane?3.What university does Juliana, the shark fear researcher, work at?Answers
1.Food Ladder2.20323.Adelaide UniversityNews Noodler
Why do you think so many people are scared of sharks?
For more great kids podcasts, download the free ABC listen...
Ice age gums and portrait prize
On today’s episode we’ll meet a prize-winning portrait artist, we’ll hear about the race to protect some ice age trees, and we'll visit a village famous for its red soil on Talk of the Town.
Quiz Questions
1.Who did Jazz get to paint as her prize?2.How many ice age gums are left in the wild?3.In which state or territory would you find Alstonville?Answers
1.Justine Clarke (from Play School)2.Six3.New South WalesNews Noodler
If you were to create a portrait of someone, who would you ch...
Hero chihuahua and prehistoric bird
On today's show we'll meet a tiny dog with a big job, we'll celebrate White Sunday, and we'll find some fossils belonging to a prehistoric bird!
Quiz Questions
1.How tall is Commando the chihuahua?2.In which month is White Sunday?3.Which period did Tenuicruris Piscanexum live in?Answers
1.21 centimetres (about as tall as a milk carton)2.October3.The CretaceousNews Noodler
Should dogs be used as workers to help humans? Why or why not?
For more great kids podcasts, download the free ABC listen app (Australia). There you’ll find...
Fat Bear Week and moth swarms
Today, we’ll find out why masses of moths are on the move, we'll cheer for the winner of Fat Bear Week, and we'll dive deep underground to find relics of an ancient coral reef.
Quiz questions:
1.When did bogong moth numbers start falling?2.What is the name of Backpack's mum?3.How deep was the hole drilled by geologists in outback Queensland?Answers:
1.The 1980s2.Holly3.3kmNews Noodler:
How would a prehistoric reef differ from reefs today?
For more great kids podcasts, download the free ABC listen app (Au...
Amazing athletes and Kalkadoon cowgirl
On today’s episode we’ll cheer on the athletes in the Australian Transplant Games, we’ll meet a Queensland cowgirl who is about to travel to the USA, and we’ll visit a capital city for Talk of the Town!
Quiz Questions
1.Where were the Australian Transplant Games held this year?2.What colour is Lareece, the cowgirl’s helmet?3.What is the nickname for the Brisbane River?Answers
1.Launceston, Tasmania2.Pink3.The Brown SnakeNews Noodler
Would you ever compete in a rodeo? Why or why not?
For more great...
Squishy warning and Yung Milla
Today we celebrate The Voice winner Yung Milla, we find out how squishy toys can be dangerous, and we applaud a girl who rescued her friend from drowning.
Quiz Questions
1.What is Yung Milla’s mum’s name?2.Finish this sentence: You should never put a squishy somewhere hot like in the sun, the oven, or the...3.How old is Aylah the rescue hero?Answers
1.Kylie Miller2.Microwave3.EightNews Noodler
Should it be compulsory for kids to do swimming lessons?
For more great kids podcasts, download the free ABC...
Insect discovery and Rubik's record
Today, we’ll find out why a dictionary just got bigger, we’ll discover two new insect species, and we’ll meet the latest world record holder in Rubik's cubing.
Quiz Questions
1.How many new words have just been added to the Merriam-Webster?2.Where were the new species of stick insect discovered?3.How old is the new women’s world record holder in Rubik's cubing?Answers
1.1,4002.Far North Queensland3.SixNews Noodler
If you could set the world record in something, what would it be?
For more great kids podcasts...
Planes, trains and Lego worlds
On today’s episode we’ll meet a man who built his very own plane, we’ll visit an art exhibition made of Lego, and we’ll head to the home of the world’s steepest train for Talk of the Town.
Quiz Questions:
1.What is the name of the man who built his own plane in Central Queensland?2.How many minifigures were used in Jackson and Alex's exhibition?3.What is the closest capital city to the Blue Mountains?Answers:
1.Len Neale2.2,5003.SydneyNews Noodler:
If you could build anything in the world...
Bluey dollarbucks and burping bovines
On today's episode we’ll visit an apple orchard in Tasmania, we’ll find out what’s on the latest dollarbucks released by the Royal Australian Mint, and we’ll learn why cow burps are bad for the planet.
Quiz Questions
1.In which state did they find the abandoned apple orchard?2.Who is on the new one dollar coin with Bluey?3.What is the name of the problem gas that cows burp out?Answers
1.Tasmania2.Rusty3.MethaneNews Noodler
Can you brainstorm any ways to reduce global warming (other than less cow burp...
Three kids and big dreams
Today's episode is all about cool kids! We'll meet a talented teen welder, a boy who impressed the prime minister of Australia, and a 13-year-old surfing world champion!
Quiz Questions
1.How much did Charlie sell his wolf sculpture for?2.What is the name of the charity Dusty is supporting? 3.How old is Leihani Zoric?Answers
1.$8,0002.Little Wings3.13News Noodler
This is something to ponder with no right or wrong answer... what big goal (like winning a surfing world championship) would you like to achieve yourself one day?
For more...
Aura farming and tiny homes
On today’s episode we’ll meet some teenagers gaining skills and helping their community at the same time.
Then we’ll be farming, but not for apples or corn... we’ll be aura farming. Yep!
Plus, we’re headed to “the festival state” for Talk of the Town. If you’re not sure which state that is... listen on!
Quiz Questions
1.What do kids learn about in the first 2 weeks of the construction course? 2.What are these people farming? 3.In which state or territory would you find Stirling, in the Adelaide Hills?Answers<...
Lean screen time and dino poo
Today’s episode features some big news about screen time that might be changing things at your school. We’ll stay off the screens as we visit a unique vending machine that’s full of something a little surprising, and definitely not edible.
And then we’ll leave modern screens behind as we head back to prehistoric times for a dinoriffic, pooptastic Wow of the Week.
Quiz Questions
1. With this new idea, are New South Wales public school kids likely to have more time or less time on screens in school?2.In which state or territo...Baby chimp and Saturn surprise
In today’s episode, we’ll meet an amateur Aussie astronomer making big discoveries from their backyard.
We’ll spend some time with a cute chimpanzee looking for a new family, and then it’s time to whip out any globes or maps of the world lying around, because a big change is coming.
Quiz Questions
1.How many sides does the decagon wave have?2.Which bone did baby Cassie break?3.Does the new map make Africa look bigger or smaller than it used to look?Answers
1.102.Leg3.BiggerNews Noodler
Why do y...
Missing moths and warm weather
Get excited friends, because today’s Talk of the Town takes us far beyond the Australian shoreline – we're headed overseas!
Plus, we might be in for a hot hot summer – find out why.
And some migrating moths have gone missing! Hear why the scientists tracking them aren’t too worried.
Questions
1.Does El Nino mean it will probably be a summer that’s hotter than usual, or cooler than usual?2.How many tagged moths did the scientists find when they came back to check on them?3.On which continent would you find Hong Kong? I’l...Burying undies and grassy art
Today’s episode is particularly grassy... we’ll learn about a new sort of burial that’s kinder to the environment.
We’ll learn about artists taking unwanted weeds and turning them into art.
And find out why thousands of people have been burying their undies in the backyard, for a good cause, of course!
Quiz Questions
1.What’s the technical term for the roots of mushrooms, used to make the coffin? 2.What’s the name of the invasive grass in the Northern Territory? 3.Why were people burying their undies?Answers
1.Mycelium 2...Silent room and quirky kakapo
We ask and answer some big questions on today’s episode.
We’re encouraged to reach out to the people around us and ask how they’re going for R U OK day.
We also ask ‘why is it that famous authors are writing books that might never be read by anyone alive today?’
And ‘how can we save a weird, waddley owl-parrot from extinction’?
You’ll have to listen to find out!
Questions
1.Do you have to wait until R U OK day to check on someone?2.Where will they get the...Bush school and snapping jaws
In today’s episode we’re spending some time outdoors with a group of lucky school kids getting up close and personal with nature.
We’ll travel back in time to learn something new about the extinct Tasmanian Tiger, and then it’s time for Talk of the Town. I wonder where we’re headings today?
Quiz Questions
1.How often did the year 1 students get to have class outside?2.Do the researchers think Thylacines would be better snapping up bigger or smaller animals as prey?3.In which state would you find Manly, Sydney?Answers
1...Donor doggos and humming Earth
On today’s episode, we’ll meet some kind canines helping other dogs, and we’ll kick a footy around with some budding Aussie rules athletes in the Top End.
Plus, your Wow of the Week is about a sound that’s constantly around you, that you’ve never heard...
Quiz Questions
1.In which state or territory are young girls getting into AFL?2.Can all dogs donate blood?3.What is causing the Earth’s hum?Answers
1.Northern Territory2.No, only fit and healthy adult dogs3.Ocean swells/ wavesNews Noodler
Do you think t...
Mushroom kingdom and plastic bikkies
In today’s episode, we’ll hear about some strange cookies that you might think can’t be eaten, but actually can!
We’ll hear news about some mushrooms that you might think can be eaten, but can’t.
And we’ll visit a writer’s festival all about books – no confusion there, you definitely shouldn’t eat books.
Quiz Questions
1. What are the three words that refer to plants, animals and mushrooms? All starting with F.2.Where is the Blak and Bright festival being held?3.What are the NASA cookies made using – plastic and wh...Community cycle and rapid robot
We’re on the move in today’s episode – first, we’ll join a fun community bike ride for a good cause. Then we’re off the bikes and on to the racing track for a run with a speedy robot!
And finally, we’ll travel to the bottom of the mainland of Australia for Talk of the Town... and remember, if you’d like your town to be the star of Talk of the Town, ask your grown up to head to the News Time page on the ABC kids listen website.
Quiz Questions
1. Who has th...Deep dark skies and meaningful footy games
On today’s episode, we’ll hear about some special footy games happening in the next few weeks honouring a sporting star. And, speaking of stars, we’ll head to a remote part of Australia to peer deep into the Milky Way galaxy.
Plus, it’s Wear it Purple day! So, pop your best purple accessories on and let’s get going.
Quiz Questions
1.Which team does Jai Arrow play for?2.What colour should people wear to show their support for LGBTQIA+ youth?3.In which state or territory would you find the newest Dark Sky Sanctuar...Clever dolphins and cosmic discovery
In today’s episode we’ll meet some very intelligent dolphins, learn about a newly discovered cosmic object and hear all about which book characters you’re dressing up as for Book Week!
Quiz Questions
1.Who do the marine researchers think the dolphins are learning the hunting skill of shelling from? 2.What does LRDs stand for? 3.What is the theme for this year’s Book Week?Answers
1.Their mothers2.Little Red Dots3.Symphony of StoriesNews Noodler
What else do you think the James Webb Space Telescope might discover that we don’t know about y
Your favourite podcasts now have a new home on ABC listen!
From next week, the ABC kids listen app will be closed. ABC kids listen radio and podcasts are packing up and moving over to the ABC listen app. There you’ll find a kids’ tab where you can create your very own kids’ profile and pick a fun avatar!
Look out for brand new episodes of your favourite podcasts like Dino Dome and Imagine This coming in September!
For awesome podcasts to play, music to move to and stories and soundtracks for sleep, ask your grown-up to head to the kids’ tab on the ABC listen app...
Recovering reef and Talk of the Town
On today's episode we’ll hear about some promising signs from the Great Barrier Reef and meet some remote school kids who aren’t able to get to school. Then, we’ll hit the road for our Talk of the Town. I wonder where we’ll visit today?
Quiz Questions
1.What type of weather do scientists think helped the Great Barrier Reef show signs of recovery?2.When did the very long bus service begin?3.In which state would you find Port Stephens?Answers
1.A monsoon that brought cooler water temperatures 2.2021 3.NSWNews Noodler
Why d...
A long walk and a slow concert
On today’s episode, we’ll meet a 12-year-old walking a verrrry long way for a good cause, and we’ll attend the world’s sloooooowest concert!
Quiz Questions
1.In what state is the Cape York Peninsula? 2.What is the name of the charity Dusty is helping? 3.What is the name of the song being played by the organ in Germany?Answers
1.Queensland2.Little Wings3.As Slow As PossibleNews Noodler
Why do you think someone would write a song that would take more than 600 years to finish?
For more great ki...
Delayed departure and protected penguins
On today’s episode, you’ll hear about a flight that didn’t quite go to plan... and learn about a threat to birds around the country – and a potential solution, too.
Quiz Questions
1.In which country was the flight that couldn’t take off?2.What sort of bird is being vaccinated against bird flu?3.How many words did Dineth study per day to prepare?Answers
1.Canada2.Penguins3.200News Noodler
Choose a game you might like to get really good at, like Dineth did. What steps could you take to get better at i
National Science Week! And Talk of the Town
It’s Science Week! So this episode is particularly scientific terrific. Plus, we’ll hit the road and make our way to the coast for Talk of the Town.
Quiz Questions
1.What is the name for the science that studies living things? Hint: it starts with B2.What process, starting with C, are they using to save this flower?3.In which state would you find Stockton?Answers
1.Biology2.Cloning3.NSW - New South WalesNews Noodler
Why do you think it’s important for everyday people – people who aren’t scientists as a job – t...
Sunny snaps and creative cooperation
There’s lots to marvel at in today’s episode – we'll take a peek at pictures that scientists have been trying to capture for hundreds of years! We’ll uncover a well-preserved thigh bone from a Thylacine, and inspect an art exhibition with some unlikely contributors.
Quiz Questions
1.What’s hotter – the surface of the sun, or the corona – it's atmosphere?2.How many children helped with the artwork?3.In which part of the body would you find a femur bone?Answers
1.The Corona2.4003.The thigh, or legNews Noodler
Can you think of an art...
Juicy present and dry river
On today’s episode, you’ll meet some soccer players being rewarded for their efforts in a surprising way. Plus, a dry riverbed uncovers ancient artefacts, and some fresh fashions take the runway.
Quiz Questions
1.Which country are the tomato winning footy players from?2.What sort of animal bones were uncovered in the riverbed?3.The National Indigenous Fashion Awards were held in Darwin. Who are the traditional owners of that land? I’ll give you multiple choice.. Was it the Gadigal, the Noongar or the Larrakia?Answers
1.Spain2.Mammoth3.LarrakiaNews Noodler
What...
Counting Aussies and satisfying screaming
On today’s episode, find out why your grown-ups received a letter in the mail just like everyone else in the country. Plus, get ready to make lots of noise for a good reason. And, find out where we’re headed today for Talk of the Town.
Quiz Questions
1.Who is being asked to complete the census?2.Where do the people stand while they scream?3.In which state would you find the city of Townsville?Answers
1.Everyone in Australia2.On a bridge by a lake3.QueenslandNews Noodler
Can you think of some...
Sparkly poo and bizarre moons
In today’s episode, we’ll hear about a high-tech idea that has people talking. We’ll meet some zookeepers poking around piles of poo on purpose and then we’ll head about as far away from the poo as possible, deep into outer space, for our Wow of the Week.
Quiz Questions
1.What might you be able to use as a ticket at the footy?2.What are zookeepers searching for in the poo?3.What is the name of Neptune's biggest moon?Answers
1.Your face.2.Edible glitter3.TritonNews Noodler
Do you think it...
Long lost library book and strange snail
Today’s episode really has something for everyone... a mysterious library book racking up thousands in fines, a splendid snail who gives birth in a super strange way! And sporting success from Australia’s best.
Quiz Questions
1.How much was the fine for the library book?2.Where did Australia finish on the medal tally?3.Through which part of its body does this snail give birth?Answers
1.$28,000. But they didn't have to pay any!2.First - top of the table3.It's neckNews Noodler
Can you imagine why that book may have been b...
Hungry bear and Talk of the Town!
Find out where we'll visit for the first ever Talk of the Town! Listen until the end to hear how you can celebrate your town on a future episode of News Time.
Quiz Questions
1.What were the grasses likely used for?2.What sorts of food does the bear like to eat?3.In which state can you find the town of Bowral?Answers
1.Rituals – magic and healing. 2.Sweet things3.New South WalesNews Noodler
What could people in Japan do to help keep the bears out of their homes?
Fresh passionfruit and perplexing exoplanet
Happy Friday, friends! Get ready for a fruity, fishy, spacey episode of your favourite news podcast.
Quiz Questions
1.What two special things does this exoplanet have? 2.In how many different lakes can you find the red fin blue eye fish?3.What colour is the skin of the newly developed passionfruit?Answers
1.Liquid water, and an atmosphere2.Just one3.PurpleNews Noodler - a question you can chat about with the people around you
Do you think there might be living things on the distant exoplanet? Why?
Speedy Torrie and a Whale of a Story
The Commonwealth Games are in full swing, so we have some sporty stories to celebrate. And an awesome ocean story, too.
Quiz Questions
1.Who held the 100m Australian women’s record before Torrie beat it?2.What’s the name of the Sutherland team that play in the comp each week? Hint – it starts with T. 3.In which Australian state was the whale stranded?Answers
1.Torrie herself2.Titans3.Western AustraliaAnd your News Noodler – a question to chat about with the people around you.
How do you think the dolphins and the whale wer...
Peculiar primates and bizarre bikes
News Time on a Monday! What a novel thing.
Emily will deliver news to your podcast feed three times a week.
Quiz Questions
1.Where are the human artefacts being sent back to?2.What colour lips does this newly described monkey have?3.What’s the name for the bike with a big front wheel?Answers
1.Where they came from, Rapa Nui or Easter Island2.Orange3.Penny farthing