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[Exploring Earth's Wonders: A Scientific Game Show Summary]-[Two Whats?! And A Wow! - What on Earth?! (3/3/23)]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2023-03-03

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

Introduction to 'Two Whats and a Wow'

In this episode of the podcast Wow in the World, hosts Mindy and Guy Raz engage listeners in their signature scientific game show, "Two Whats and a Wow." The episode focuses on the theme of "The Earth," challenging listeners to distinguish between scientific facts and made-up trivia. The hosts emphasize the fun of learning through interactive play, even amidst the chaos of Mindy's studio theatrics.

Round 1: Extreme Temperatures

The game begins with a question about Earth's temperature extremes. The "winning wow" revealed is that the lowest known temperature on Earth was recorded at -89.2 degrees Celsius (-128.5 degrees Fahrenheit). This record was set in 1983 at the Vostok Station in Antarctica. The hosts explain that this "extremely cold temperature" was the result of "calm air," a "lack of solar radiation," and the station's "high elevation."

Round 2: The Magnetic Planet

In the second round, contestants are asked to identify a true fact about Earth's physical properties. The correct answer—the "winning wow"—is that "the biggest magnet on Earth is Earth itself." The hosts clarify the science behind this: the Earth's outer core consists of "molten metals like iron and nickel" that are "constantly moving." This movement generates an "electric current," which in turn produces a magnetic field. While Earth is the largest magnet, they note it is not the strongest; that title belongs to a 45-Tesla magnet, which is "roughly 900,000 times more powerful than the Earth."

Round 3: The Shape of Our World

The final round addresses misconceptions about the planet's geometry. The "winning wow" is that "the Earth isn't flat, but it's not perfectly round either." While school globes may appear spherical, the Earth is technically an "ellipsoid," meaning it is "wider at the equator than it is at the poles." Furthermore, the planet's shape is dynamic; it is "constantly changing" due to geological processes such as when "mountains are formed, glaciers shift and volcanoes erupt," all of which "alters the shape of the Earth."

Conclusion and Engagement

The episode concludes with a "Wow the World" challenge, encouraging listeners to examine maps or satellite images of the Earth and share what they notice. Beyond the game, the hosts promote their upcoming 250th episode—a musical special—and invite listeners to join the "World Organization of Wowzers" to participate in an early listening party. By blending scientific inquiry with playful banter, the episode effectively turns complex geological and physical concepts into accessible learning moments for children and families alike.

🎯Key Sentences

1
Well, your work paid off.
2
Can somebody get me a cup of energy, please?
3
I need to change before the show starts.
4
No time for that, Guy Raz.
5
You know it!
Expand All

📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
get on with the show
3
work paid off
4
cue the
5
refresh our contestants
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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