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[Antarctic Wonders and the Science of Giraffes: A 'Wow in the World' Special]-[Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Freezing Factoids]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2020-03-24

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

Exploring Wonders: From Giraffe Anatomy to Antarctic Extremes

In this episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz bring their signature blend of humor and scientific curiosity to listeners, focusing on the mysteries of the natural world through their popular game show, "Two Whats and a Wow."

Unlocking the Secrets of Giraffes

The episode begins by revisiting a previous challenge regarding giraffe biology. The hosts clarify three specific claims:

  • Giraffe Tongues: Contrary to the 12-inch ruler comparison, giraffe tongues are actually much longer, reaching up to 20 inches.
  • Walking Speed: While the show explored whether giraffes learn to walk "within seconds of being born," the reality is that it takes them approximately 30 minutes to figure it out.
  • Neck Bones: The "scientific wow" confirmed by listener Sienna from San Diego is that humans and giraffes share the same number of neck bones (vertebrae).

To celebrate these findings, Mindy playfully introduces "invisible giraffe-ing paper," a humorous reward that replaces standard graphing squares with giraffe patterns, proving that science can be both educational and whimsical.

Antarctica: The Frozen Desert

Transitioning to the episode's theme, Mindy transforms the studio into a "South Pole paradise" using air conditioning and hair conditioner (as a substitute for snow). This sets the stage for a new round of "Two Whats and a Wow" centered on Antarctica. The hosts present three potential facts for the audience to investigate:

  1. Ice Sheet Thickness: Is the average thickness of an Antarctic ice sheet about half a mile?
  2. Solar Phenomenon: Does the sun shine 24 hours a day on the coast for a few weeks in April?
  3. Climatic Classification: Is Antarctica actually a desert?

Listeners are encouraged to research these claims to identify the "real wow" among the "made-up scientific whats."

Citizen Science Challenge

The episode concludes with an interactive "scientific challenge" designed for young listeners: the Ice Cube Preservation Experiment. Mindy and Guy Raz task "citizen scientists" with finding the most effective way to prevent an ice cube from melting outside of a freezer. By timing the melting process across different surfaces (like a glass, paper towel, or washcloth) and sharing their results via Tinkercast, children are encouraged to engage in hands-on experimentation.

Upcoming Milestones

Beyond the science, the hosts share exciting news for the "World Organization of Wowzers":

  • The 250th Episode: The show is preparing for a musical celebration on December 1st, with an early listening party for members scheduled for November 22nd.
  • Special Guests: The show promises future collaborations, including appearances by characters from Circle Round, Terrestrials, and Elmo from Sesame Street on November 24th.

By blending community engagement, upcoming announcements, and rigorous fact-checking, Wow in the World continues to foster a sense of "wow and wonder" for curious minds of all ages.

🎯Key Sentences

1
Can you believe our luck?
2
I can't hear you.
3
We'll be right back.
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📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
get on with the show
3
can you believe our luck
4
locked in
5
don't feel bad
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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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