NPR's Student Podcast Challenge: Celebrating Fourth Grade Victors!

Throughout the year, fourth grade educators transformed classrooms into spaces for audio storytelling, where students shared captivating accounts, conducted interviews, and offered reflections.

Our panel of judges was thrilled by the diverse topics presented: from insightful reports on the evolution of math teaching methodologies and navigating technological detox, to spirited debates on whether childhood or adulthood holds more advantages.

The contest, now open for a second year to fourth graders upon teachers' requests, continues to discover podcasting talent among young students, building on the seven-year journey of this competition.

One standout from last year, Ameya Desai from Williams Elementary in San Jose, California, returned this year to win again, marking a first in the challenge's history.

From this year’s pool of entries, we have selected three outstanding podcasts and awarded two honorable mentions. Here's the list of top fourth grade podcasts for 2025, presented alphabetically:

Debate: Kids vs. Adults

Created by: Emma Chayon, Emma Perez, and Ella Elraviv, students at Acton Academy of Bergen County in Closter, New Jersey.

Mentored by: Ashley Edwards

In a delightful debate, Ella Elraviv finds herself contending with her teacher, Ms. Edwards, to determine whether children or adults have the upper hand in life. Classmates mediate this discussion, touching on topics like responsibilities, bedtime rules, and the merits of Oreos for dinner.

Ella champions the cause of children, highlighting that they enjoy numerous privileges such as no taxation and enjoyable snacks. Ms. Edwards, on the other hand, points out the freedom adults possess, like the ability to binge-watch TV shows and have unrestricted travel options. The debate, infused with laughter and youthful enthusiasm, navigates the advantages and shortcomings of both perspectives.

Exploring the Future of Entertainment

Student: Noah Brown, of Jefferson Elementary School in Union City, New Jersey.

Guided by: Andrew Bishop

Noah Brown, a fourth grader, dives into the subject of artificial intelligence and its significance within the entertainment sector. Charting a course from the 1700s, Brown discusses AI’s development and its current applications.

He forecasts that while roles requiring creativity, like writing scripts and performing vocals, remain secure for now, by 2026, AI might claim over 20% of jobs in this field.

Unplugging in the Countryside

Presented by: Alana Burwell from The Waldorf School of Philadelphia.

Supervised by: Anyta Thomas

During an agricultural field trip, Alana Burwell contends with the reality of spending three nights devoid of modern technology. Initially daunted, she finds unexpected delight as she bonds with classmates and embraces the farm life.

In her journey, Alana partakes in feeding livestock, gathering eggs, and interacting with various animals. The trip is filled with memorable moments like roasting marshmallows and embarking on scavenger hunts, transforming what seemed daunting into a cherished experience.

The Case for Pet Adoption

Delivered by: Finley Pritchard from Byron Kibler Elementary School in Enumclaw, Washington.

Partnered with: Nicole Webb

Finley Pritchard sheds light on the critical subject of pet adoption in his presentation. Speaking as an advocate for shelter animals, Pritchard underscores the grave issue of many animals being euthanized due to overpopulation and lack of responsible ownership.

He passionately appeals for increased adoptions from local shelters, highlighting the part individuals can play in providing loving homes to animals in need.

Rethinking Math Education

Project by: Kennedy Abramowitz of Eva Marshall Magnet Elementary School in Flagstaff, Arizona.

Sponsored by: Katie Krause

In this podcast, Kennedy Abramowitz explores the evolution of mathematical teaching methods. Engaging in a discussion with Ms. Jane, the district's math coordinator, Kennedy delves into the nuances of

"new math" and its progression.

Through this exploration, Kennedy reveals that despite parental complaints about the complexity of math instruction today, continual advancements seek to enhance student understanding and application of math concepts.