Why Are Sticky Things Sticky? – Materials Science & Everyday Physics for Kids

Why Are Sticky Things Sticky? – Materials Science & Everyday Physics for Kids

From STEM with Dr. Owl by Orbital Owl

April 22, 2026 · 13 min · Episode 199

About this episode

Dr. Owl and friends explore the science behind stickiness and adhesives.

Learn the fascinating materials science and physics behind adhesives, tape, and stretchy toys! Dr. Owl, Emma, and Ziggy investigate microscopic bumps and sticky bonds to find out why duct tape is super strong, why Post-it notes are reusable, and how squishy sticky hands hold onto windows. Plus, find out why dust is the ultimate enemy of stickiness, and hear the amazing true story of how astronauts used duct tape on the Moon! Learning Connection: NGSS DCI: 2-PS1-2 – Structure and Properties of Matter

People in this episode

Host: Dr. Owl

Topics covered

  • materials science
  • physics
  • adhesives
  • duct tape
  • stickiness
  • space exploration

Keywords

  • sticky things
  • materials science
  • duct tape
  • Post-it notes
  • physics for kids
  • stretchy toys
  • space

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NASA

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