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[Exploring the Mysteries of Time: A Scientific Journey with Wow in the World]-[Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Time After Time]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2022-02-18

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

Unraveling the Science of Time

In this episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz dive into the fascinating world of time, blending humor with scientific inquiry through their signature game show, "Two Whats and a Wow." The episode serves as both an educational platform and a teaser for upcoming events, including the milestone 250th episode celebration and exclusive member-only listening parties.

The "Two Whats and a Wow" Challenge

The core of the episode revolves around a scientific quiz centered on the concept of time. Listeners were presented with three statements to determine which was the true "wow":

  1. Mercury's Temporal Oddity: The claim that on the planet Mercury, days are longer than years on Earth.
  2. Einstein’s Relativity at Home: The theory that time passes faster for your feet than for your face.
  3. The Delayed Sun: The suggestion that the sunlight seen through a window is a day old.

Scientific Revelations

After a brief suspense-building break, the hosts revealed that Statement A was the true "wow."

  • Mercury’s Rotation: The hosts explained that because Mercury rotates extremely slowly, a single day on the planet is equivalent to about 176 Earth days, while its orbit around the sun (a year) takes only 88 Earth days. This results in the paradoxical reality where "days are longer than years on the planet Mercury."

  • Einstein’s Theory of Relativity: Addressing the "what" in option B, the hosts clarified that while the statement wasn't the winning answer, it was rooted in truth. According to the theory of relativity, time moves slower closer to the center of the Earth due to gravity. Therefore, your feet, being closer to the Earth’s core than your face, technically experience time moving slightly slower.

  • The Speed of Light: Regarding option C, the hosts corrected the misconception about the sun's age. Light from the sun takes approximately 8 minutes and 20 seconds to reach Earth, meaning we see the sun as it was in the past, but certainly not a full day old.

Interactive Learning: Operation Shadow We Go

Beyond the quiz, the episode encouraged listeners to engage in a hands-on experiment called "Operation Shadow We Go." By using chalk to trace shadows at different times of the day, children can observe how the position of the sun influences shadow length. This exercise provides a tangible way for "wowzers" to witness how "your shadow depends on where the sun is positioned in the sky," reinforcing the lesson that time and celestial movement are deeply interconnected.

Community and Future Milestones

The episode also highlighted the vibrant community surrounding Wow in the World. With the 250th episode musical special approaching on December 1st and various holiday toy kits available at Tinkercast.com, the program continues to emphasize its mission to "help your wowzer learn about their world through play." Whether through the upcoming listening party on November 22nd or the ongoing "Two Whats and a Wow" interactive challenges, the show remains dedicated to fostering curiosity and scientific wonder in young listeners.

🎯Key Sentences

1
You're just in time.
2
I see.
3
Think of a better way to spend this correct minute than to kick off our own game show.
4
Raise the roof.
5
Only one of those statements will be a true wow.
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📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
get on with the show
3
just in time
4
kick off
5
raise the roof
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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