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[Exploring Science and Paleontology: A Recap of 'Two Whats and a Wow']-[Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Can You Dig It (encore)]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2020-06-30

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

Introduction to the 'Wow in the World' Experience

In this episode of the popular children's science podcast Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz guide listeners through a blend of entertainment and educational discovery. The show opens with exciting announcements regarding their upcoming 250th episode, which will be a unique musical celebration. Mindy also introduces a humorous subplot involving "fossil counseling," where she attempts to help a "lizard fish fossil" named Bones process his past, adding a quirky, lighthearted tone to the broadcast.

The Science of Continental Drift

The core of the episode features the scientific game show "Two Whats and a Wow." The hosts begin by revisiting a previous challenge regarding geological movements. The winning "wow"—correctly identified by a listener named Wyatt—is the fascinating fact that "your fingernails grow at the same speed as continents move apart." The hosts clarify that these tectonic plates drift at a rate of approximately the width of a "five-cent nickel every year." This segment effectively demystifies complex geological concepts by comparing them to everyday human biology, making the "groundbreaking" science accessible to young "Wowzers."

Fossil Trivia and the 'Operation Can You Dig It' Challenge

Transitioning to the episode's featured theme, the hosts present a new round of "Two Whats and a Wow" focused on paleontology. Listeners are tasked with identifying the truth among three claims:

  1. Whether fossils have been found on every continent except Antarctica.
  2. Whether a Spinosaurus tooth holds the record as the most expensive fossil at 15 million dollars.
  3. Whether "fossilized dinosaur poop is used for jewelry."

To encourage hands-on learning, the hosts launch "Operation Can You Dig It?" This challenge invites children to "embrace your inner paleontologist" by exploring their own backyards. They suggest using simple household tools like "shovels, old toothbrushes, or pencils" to hunt for "interesting rocks, shells, or time capsules." By encouraging listeners to act as scientists who "use fossils to understand the history of the Earth," the podcast fosters a spirit of inquiry and exploration.

Conclusion and Educational Impact

The episode concludes by emphasizing the importance of curiosity and community. Through their "Wow in the World" toy line and interactive listening parties, Mindy and Guy Raz continue to promote "wow and wonder" for families. By balancing humor, trivia, and actionable scientific challenges, the podcast succeeds in its mission to "keep on wowing," turning everyday environments into laboratories for discovery. Whether listeners are learning about the "thinning" of the Earth's crust or the slow movement of continents, they are invited to engage with the natural world in a meaningful and entertaining way.

🎯Key Sentences

1
That's it.
2
It's going to be a November to remember.
3
But for now, let's get on with the show.
4
It's not like Bones is going anywhere anytime soon.
5
Winner, winner, fingernails for dinner.
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📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
get on with the show
3
put something on hold
4
work through their feelings
5
where we left off
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📖 Transcript

Grownups, Wondery Plus subscribers can listen to Wow in the World early and ad-free right now.
Join Wondery Plus in the Wondery app or Wondery Kids Plus on Apple Podcasts.
Hey, Wowzer fans, Mindy here.
And before we start the show, I gotta let you know that this November, with a special new episode featuring our friends at Circle Round and Terrestrials on Radiolab for Kids,
And don't miss when Elmo from Sesame Street stops by Wow in the World to make us all belly laugh on November 24th.
Oh, but that's not all, Reg.

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