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[The Bug-Filled World of 'Wow in the World': From Mosquito Facts to Holiday Surprises]-[Two Whats?! And A Wow! - What's Buzzin'?!]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2021-05-07

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

Upcoming Milestones and Holiday Excitement

The hosts of Wow in the World, Mindy and Guy Raz, open the episode by teasing a series of festive events for listeners. November is shaping up to be a "November to remember," featuring collaborations with Circle Round and Terrestrials, as well as a special appearance by Elmo from Sesame Street on November 24th. Most notably, the podcast is approaching a significant milestone: its 250th episode on December 1st. Mindy describes this upcoming episode as a musical, promising it will be "music to your ears." For members of the "World Organization of Wowzers," an exclusive early listening party is scheduled for November 22nd, where fans can celebrate with the team in real-time.

The Science of Insects: Two Whats and a Wow

Transitioning to the show’s signature game, "Two Whats and a Wow," the hosts focus on the fascinating world of entomology. Mindy shares her whimsical interest in bugs, noting her plan to start a show titled Bugs: Do, Say, Squirt and Squeak the Most Peculiar Things. The game challenges listeners to distinguish scientific facts from fiction regarding insect behavior. The three statements presented were:

  1. Wasps sometimes explode to protect their colony.
  2. Crickets' knees sometimes smell like food.
  3. Mosquitoes pee on you while they suck your blood.

The Winning 'Wow'

With the help of a young listener named Willa from San Diego, the correct answer was revealed: it is true that mosquitoes pee on you while they suck your blood. The hosts explain that "entomologists" have discovered this behavior occurs because mosquitoes need to make room for the nutrients they extract from human blood.

The other options provided interesting context about the natural world. While the statement about wasps was incorrect, the hosts clarified that it is actually certain types of ants that utilize self-destruction to defend their colonies. Similarly, while crickets' knees were not the answer, ladybugs are the insects known for secreting an odor from their knees that smells like "nuts, green peppers, and potatoes."

Scientific Curiosity and 'Operation Bug Hunter'

To conclude the episode, the hosts encourage listeners to engage in "Operation Bug Hunter." This citizen-science challenge invites children to explore the outdoors, observe insects, and document their findings through sketches or notes, paying close attention to details like "wings, eyes, and, of course, knees." This activity serves as an extension of the show's mission to foster curiosity and scientific literacy through play. By encouraging families to upload their findings to the Tinkercast website, the podcast continues to build a community of young explorers dedicated to discovering the wonders of the natural world.

🎯Key Sentences

1
I'm looking for bugs.
2
we've got a game show to do.
3
let's get started.
4
when you think you've got the correct answer,
5
we'll be right back.
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📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
a November to remember
3
get on with the show
4
came as fast as I could
5
fire up
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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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