Podcast Cover

[Exploring Nature's Wonders: Trees, Eagles, and the 'Wow in the World' Experience]-[Two Whats?! And A Wow! - You're Not That Bald, Eagles (encore)]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2020-07-22

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

Unveiling the 'Wood Wide Web'

In a recent episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz dove into the fascinating world of botany and animal behavior. The show highlighted the scientific reality behind the game 'Two Whats and a Wow,' where listeners were challenged to identify a true fact about trees. The winning answer, confirmed by a young listener named Forrest, was that trees communicate through a network of roots and fungi—a phenomenon often referred to by scientists as the "wood wide web." This intricate system allows trees to share vital resources like water and nutrients, and even transmit warning signals regarding disease or insect attacks.

Debunking Myths and Celebrating Nature

Beyond the scientific facts, the episode addressed common misconceptions. While the hosts jokingly discussed their own eccentric projects—such as Mindy’s attempt to craft wigs for bald eagles—they steered the conversation back to educational inquiry. They clarified that while there is no naturally occurring 'polka dot tree,' the rainbow eucalyptus in the Philippines is a real-life marvel with a brilliantly colored, rainbow-streaked trunk. Similarly, while treehouses are not typically home to dentist offices, they serve as creative hubs for hotels, theaters, and restaurants, showcasing human ingenuity in nature.

The 'Two Whats and a Wow' Eagle Challenge

Moving from trees to avian life, the hosts introduced a new round of their game show focused on eagles. They presented three intriguing statements to test the audience's knowledge:

  • A: Golden eagles enjoying covering themselves with ants.
  • B: The wings of the great Nicobar serpent eagle being so large they are mistaken for small planes.
  • C: The world's largest eagle nest measuring 20 feet deep, or the size of five seven-year-olds.

Listeners are invited to determine which of these is the 'true scientific wow' and participate in the show's interactive 'Operation Spread Your Wings' challenge. This project encourages children to build their own wings using household items like cardboard boxes, hangers, and felt, fostering creativity and a hands-on connection to the subject matter.

Community and Milestones

As the show approaches its 250th episode, the Wow in the World team is preparing for a musical celebration. The hosts announced a members-only listening party scheduled for November 22nd, inviting the 'World Organization of Wowzers' to join them in celebrating this milestone. With upcoming guest appearances from Sesame Street’s Elmo and collaborations with Circle Round and Terrestrials, the podcast continues to provide an engaging, ad-free educational experience for families, further supported by their new Think and Tinker Playbook.

🎯Key Sentences

1
I think they prefer it that way.
2
Well, then how do you know?
3
Can we put this on hold until after?
4
You know it.
5
Let's clear the room.
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📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
get on with the show
3
put this on hold
4
get this show on the road
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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