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[Exploring the World of Insects: From Antarctic Midges to Prehistoric Giants]-[Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Lightning Bug Lightning (9/15/23)]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2023-09-15

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

Introduction: A Month of Wonders

In this episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz kick off an exciting November, teasing upcoming collaborations with Circle Round and Terrestrials, as well as a special appearance by Elmo. The hosts also announce their milestone 250th episode, a musical event scheduled for December 1st, with an exclusive early listening party for members of the 'World Organization of Wowzers.'

The Spirit of Sustainability

Before diving into their signature game show, Mindy and Guy Raz engage in a lighthearted banter about their environmental challenges. Guy Raz highlights his use of a compost bin to turn food waste into fertilizer for his micro garden. In a classic, eccentric Wow in the World twist, Mindy reveals her own energy-saving solution: replacing all the light bulbs in her 'gingerbread mansion' with 50,000 fireflies, claiming they were 'out of work since the summer' and needed a job.

Two Whats and a Wow: The Insect Edition

The core of the episode features the popular game show Two Whats and a Wow, focusing on the fascinating world of insects. Listeners are presented with three scientific statements, and they must identify the single 'true wow':

  1. Statement A: There is only one kind of insect in Antarctica.
  2. Statement B: At the time of dinosaurs, insects were even smaller than they are today.
  3. Statement C: Some crickets are born pregnant.

Unveiling the Scientific Truths

With the help of a guest contestant, Chase from Massachusetts, the hosts reveal the winner.

  • The Winning Wow: Statement A is correct. The Antarctic midge is the only insect capable of surviving the extreme, freezing temperatures of Antarctica. These resilient creatures can remain 'frozen solid' for nine months and endure nearly a month without oxygen.
  • Debunking the Whats:
    • Regarding Statement B, the hosts explain that insects were actually much larger during prehistoric times. For instance, an ancestor of the modern dragonfly possessed a 'wingspan of 25 inches,' whereas today’s dragonflies typically measure only two to five inches.
    • Regarding Statement C, while crickets are not born pregnant, aphid nymphs are the true biological marvels, as they can be born pregnant and often begin giving birth when they are only '10 days old.'

Operation Insect Inspector: A Call to Action

To conclude the episode, Mindy and Guy Raz launch 'Operation Insect Inspector,' a field research challenge for their listeners. They encourage 'Wowzers' to explore their local outdoor spaces, observe bugs in their natural habitats, and document their findings in a notebook. By asking questions such as 'How is it moving?' or 'Does it make any sounds?', the hosts aim to foster a spirit of scientific curiosity in their young audience. The episode wraps up with a reminder that the Wow in the World journey continues, encouraging kids to keep observing and questioning the world around them.

🎯Key Sentences

1
I gotta let you know that
2
We think this one is going to be music to your ears.
3
Did I mention it's a musical?
4
That's right, we are throwing another listening party.
5
I think I might have got you beat.
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📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
get on with the show
3
I might have got you beat
4
hold on a sec
5
out of work
Expand All

📖 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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