What's Dark Matter? | Tumble Episode
- Mar 20
- 2 min read
Updated: Mar 31
Why does most of the universe seem to be made of something we can’t even see? And if dark matter is invisible, how do scientists know it’s there—or find it? In this episode, you’ll meet physicist Alvaro Chavarria, who’s searching for answers deep inside a laboratory hidden under a mountain in the French Alps. Join us as we go underground to explore one of the biggest mysteries in science—and discover why everything we think we know about the universe might still be up for debate.
🎧 Listen to the Episode
🌌 What Kids Will Learn
Why scientists think most of the universe is made of invisible “dark matter” — and how we can infer it exists.
How scientists design experiments to search for dark matter particles — including building super-sensitive detectors deep underground.
Why science sometimes means waiting a long time for tiny clues, and how even finding “nothing” can help rule out ideas and move discoveries forward.
How big mysteries in science can lead to surprising possibilities — including the idea that everything we think we know could change.
🔎About The Featured Expert
Alvaro E. Chavarria is an Associate Professor in the Department of Physics and the Center for Experimental Nuclear Physics and Astrophysics (CENPA) at the University of Washington in Seattle. Born and raised in northern Costa Rica, he developed a love for science since childhood. He earned his Ph.D. from Princeton University, after graduating summa cum laude from Duke University, and held postdoctoral fellowships at the University of Chicago before joining the University of Washington.
Dr. Chavarria studies big questions about what the universe is made of. He builds very sensitive tools to look for dark matter, which we can’t see but think is out there. He also studies tiny particles called neutrinos to learn more about how matter works. His research helps scientists understand how stars shine and what everything around us is made of.
🧑🏫 Classroom & Home Resources
🔗 NGSS Alignment: MS-ESS1-2
📜Crosscutting Concepts: Systems and System Models
📚 Learn More:
💬 Discussion Questions
Do you think we'll find Dark Matter in our lifetime? Why or why not?
What do you think it's like working under a mountain? Does it sound interesting and fun? Explain your thinking!
🎧 More Episodes About Space: How Did Earth Start?, Was There Ever Nothing?, How Does it Feel to be in Space?
📚 For Teachers: Explore our Audio Courses for NGSS-aligned science learning.
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