Stories of Discovery

In-depth conversations with trailblazing scientists who have reshaped fields including biology, environmental science, physics, and beyond.

Unraveling the Mysteries of the Sea

Alessandro Bocconcelli is a leading researcher in the field of underwater acoustics.

All gradesMary KuechenmeisterMay 27, 2024Earth and Environment, Ocean, Science

Journey of the Universe

Yale University’s Mary Evelyn Tucker challenges us to better consider our place in the universe.

Grades 9-12Mary KuechenmeisterMay 1, 2024Earth and Environment

Working from the Ground Up in the Peruvian Amazon

Camino Verde works on projects aimed at sustainable land use, reforestation, and biodiversity conservation.

Grades 7-12Mary KuechenmeisterApril 25, 2024Earth and Environment, Conservation

Putting the Brakes on Climate Change

Last May, SPI sat down with Dr. Steven Wofsy, the principal investigator on the project MethaneSAT.

Grades 9-12Mary KuechenmeisterMarch 11, 2024Earth and Environment, Climate, Science

Working to Save the Monarch Butterfly

Dr. Karen Oberhauser is considered to be one of the foremost Conservation Biologists in the world.

Grades 4-12Mary KuechenmeisterMarch 1, 2024Science, Earth and Environment, Conservation

Giving Voice To That Which Cannot Speak

SPI’s recording of Terry Tempest Williams offers high school students an introduction to the work of a renowned writer, naturalist, and conservationist who defies categorization.

Grades 9-12Mary KuechenmeisterAugust 30, 2023Earth and Environment

What Do Fungi, a Methane Tracking Satellite, and One of NASA’s Most “Storied” Astronauts Have in Common?

Ours is a one-of-a-kind collection of primary source stories told by world-class scientists, adventurers, artists, writers, captains, colonels, cowgirls, thinkers and doers from all disciplines and walks of life.

K-3 Literacy, Grades 4-12Mary KuechenmeisterAugust 20, 2023Earth and Environment, Space and Flight

Understanding the Seasonal Cycle of Trees

Students listen to plant biologist, professor, researcher, and author (“What a Plant Knows”) Danny Chamovitz’s SPI recording and create their own nature notebook detailing the seasonal cycle of trees.

Grades 4-12Mary KuechenmeisterMarch 20, 2023Science, Art, Literacy, Earth and Environment

The Singing Life of Birds: Understanding The Natural World

SPI’s primary source recording of ornithologist Don Kroodsma (grades 7-12) reveals stunning details about bird communication and the evolution of birdsong.

Project Series, Grades 4-12Mary KuechenmeisterMay 1, 2022Science, Earth and Environment

Dayna Baumeister – Looking to Nature for Sustainable Design

Biomimicry is an approach to innovation that seeks sustainable solutions to human challenges by emulating nature’s time-tested patterns and strategies.

Project SeriesMary KuechenmeisterSeptember 10, 2021Earth and Environment, STEM

What a Plant Knows: Understanding The Natural World

Story Preservation Initiative’s primary source recording of plant biologist Danny Chamovitz offers students, grades 7-12, an intriguing look at how plants experience the world.

Project SeriesMary KuechenmeisterMay 25, 2021Science, Earth and Environment

SPI Science-based Stories: The Spark of Wonder

Story Preservation Initiative’s science-based stories inspire students in grades 4-12 and model curiosity. Every great discovery comes as a result of a natural sense of wonder about the world.

Project SeriesMary KuechenmeisterMarch 15, 2021Science, Earth and Environment