English 箭头
Podcast Cover

[Exploring Cosmic Scents, Scientific Games, and the Wonders of Mineral Hardness]-[Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Peanut Butter Diamonds (encore)]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2020-08-07

Preschool Enlightenment
Or study on the web version

📋 Summary

Exploring Science Through Play: A Recap of Wow in the World

This episode of Wow in the World blends excitement for upcoming programming with fascinating scientific inquiries, culminating in a celebration of their popular game show, Two Whats and a Wow.

Upcoming Adventures and Milestones

Mindy and Guy Raz kicked off the show by teasing a jam-packed November. Listeners can look forward to appearances by friends from Circle Round and Terrestrials, as well as a special visit from Elmo on November 24th. Most notably, the hosts announced the upcoming 250th episode, which will be a musical celebration. Members of the "World Organization of Wowzers" are invited to an exclusive early-access listening party on November 22nd, promising a chance to "dance along to our new songs" and engage in a live chat.

The Science of Cosmic Smells

The heart of the episode featured the conclusion of their game show segment, Two Whats and a Wow. The hosts revisited a scientific challenge regarding olfactory curiosities. The winning "wow" was the fact that "the center of the galaxy smells like raspberries." Mindy explained that astronomers discovered a chemical called "ethyl formate" in a dust cloud at the center of the Milky Way, which contributes to the scent and flavor of raspberries.

Conversely, the hosts debunked or clarified the other options:

  • Sleep Smells: While some might experience smells in dreams, the sense of smell is typically "turned off as you fall asleep."
  • Flatulence Genetics: The show humorously noted that "some elements of your flatulence trace back to your family," suggesting that if your relatives have particularly "smelly toots," there is a genetic component involved.

Operation Rock Scratcher: Understanding Hardness

To keep the scientific curiosity alive, the hosts introduced "Operation Rock Scratcher." This segment focused on "Mohs Mineral Hardness Scale," noting that diamonds rank the highest, meaning they can scratch other minerals like "talc, quartz, or topaz," but cannot be scratched by them. The hosts encouraged young listeners to conduct their own hardness tests at home using household items like pennies, fingernails, or paper clips to determine the durability of rocks found in their backyards.

Legacy and Resources

As the first season of Two Whats and a Wow concludes, the hosts highlighted the launch of the Two Whats and a Wow Think and Tinker Playbook, available for pre-order. This resource aims to bring the interactive spirit of the show into the homes of their listeners. By bridging the gap between entertainment and education, Mindy and Guy Raz continue to foster a community of "Wowzers" eager to explore the world around them.

🎯Key Sentences

1
Did I mention it's a musical?
2
It's going to be a November to remember.
3
But for now, let's get on with the show.
4
I'm trying to turn my peanut butter into diamonds.
5
nothing is working.
Expand All

📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
get on with the show
3
high-pressure situation
4
not too far off
5
smell the roses
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.

ListenLeap Brings You Into Real Context Learning

🎨 Interesting Content
🌍 Real Materials
📱 Listen Anytime
Or study on the web version