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[Exploring the Science of Seasons: A 'Two Whats and a Wow' Special]-[Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Hot Topic]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2021-10-15

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

Unlocking the Science of Seasons

In this episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz bring their signature brand of curiosity to the subject of seasons. Through their interactive game show segment, "Two Whats and a Wow," they challenge listeners to discern scientific fact from fiction, exploring how physics and history intersect with the changing weather.

The Phenomenon of Thermal Expansion

The central "Wow" of the episode centers on a surprising architectural fact: the Eiffel Tower actually grows during the summer. As Mindy explains, this is due to thermal expansion. When the metal frame of the tower is exposed to the heat of the summer sun, the molecules within the metal gain energy and move more vigorously, causing the structure to expand.

This expansion is not merely theoretical; the tower can grow as much as 15 centimeters (6 inches) in height. Furthermore, the heat causes the tower to lean. Because the sun hits one side of the structure more intensely, that side expands more, causing the tip of the tower to shift up to 18 centimeters (7 inches) away from the direction of the sun. It is a perfect, real-world example of how environmental temperature dictates the physical properties of matter.

Debunking Seasonal Myths

To keep listeners on their toes, the hosts presented two "Whats"—scientific-sounding statements that were, in fact, incorrect:

  1. The Lightning Temperature Myth: It was suggested that the air surrounding a bolt of lightning is freezing cold. In reality, the opposite is true. A bolt of lightning can reach temperatures of approximately 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit (28,000 degrees Celsius), making it five times hotter than the surface of the sun.
  2. The Ice Pop Invention Myth: Many might assume that a historical figure like Benjamin Franklin invented the summer treat known as the ice pop, given his penchant for innovation. However, the true story is a classic case of accidental discovery. In 1905, an 11-year-old named Frank Epperson left a mixture of soda powder and water outside on a chilly night. Upon finding it frozen solid the next morning, he discovered a delicious treat, thus sparking the history of the popsicle.

Hands-on Science: Operation Icefold Tower

Concluding the episode, the hosts encouraged "Wowzers" to engage in their own scientific experimentation with "Operation Icefold Tower." By building a tower out of ice cubes and applying salt and food coloring, listeners can observe the cooling and melting processes firsthand. This activity serves as a practical application of the episode's theme, encouraging children to observe how substances interact with their environment.

Through these engaging segments, Wow in the World successfully transforms the abstract concept of "seasons" into a tangible, exciting exploration of science, proving that wonder can be found in everything from the architecture of Paris to a simple, accidentally frozen drink.

🎯Key Sentences

1
That's a very interesting concept, Mindy.
2
Well, there will be plenty of time to make history later Mindy, but for now we've got a game show to do.
3
When you think you have it figured out, spring into action.
4
We're going to take a quick break to let you reason through the seasons.
5
And when we come back, we'll find out if your wow is the winning wow.
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📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
get on with the show
3
make history
4
soak up the sun
5
reason through
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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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