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[Exploring Space Cravings and the Science of Trees in 'Wow in the World']-[Two Whats?! And A Wow! - I Have A Need For Trees (encore)]

Wow in the World · B1 · 2020-07-21

Preschool Enlightenment
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📋 Summary

Unlocking the Wonders of Science with 'Wow in the World'

In this episode of Wow in the World, hosts Mindy Thomas and Guy Raz guide listeners through a fascinating journey of scientific discovery, blending humor with educational insights. The episode is anchored by their signature game show, "Two Whats and a Wow," which challenges listeners to distinguish scientific facts from creative fabrications.

The Mystery of Astronaut Cravings

The show begins by resolving a previous scientific challenge regarding life in space. The winning "wow" statement—that astronauts often crave spicy food—is explained by guest teacher Kathy Lamont. She notes that in the "microgravity" environment of space, bodily fluids do not pull towards the feet as they do on Earth. Instead, they move throughout the body, causing astronauts to experience a "stuffy nose," similar to having a cold. Because this congestion dulls the sense of smell and taste, astronauts prefer "spicy foods" like Tabasco sauce or horseradish to provide the necessary sensory stimulation.

Guy Raz further clarifies the science by noting that while astronauts lose their sense of taste in space, they actually gain height. Without the force of gravity compressing the spine, the "vertebrae" expand, making astronauts about 3% taller. The discussion also touches on the practical, albeit unglamorous, reality of space travel: the need for special, odor-sealing "barf bags" to manage sickness in an environment where waste cannot simply be discarded.

The Science of Trees

Transitioning to a new round of "Two Whats and a Wow," the hosts focus their scientific inquiry on trees. They present listeners with three intriguing statements to ponder:

  1. A: Trees communicate with each other through mushrooms.
  2. B: There is a dentist's office located inside a treehouse in Florida.
  3. C: A "polka dot tree" exists in northern Canada.

Listeners are encouraged to identify the true scientific fact among these options. To help listeners engage with botanical science at home, the hosts propose a simple experiment: placing a leaf stem in water mixed with dark food coloring. Over several days, this visual demonstration allows one to observe how "water and nutrients travel through trees" from the roots through the tiny veins in their leaves.

Upcoming Milestones and Community Engagement

Beyond the science, the episode serves as a hub for the "World Organization of Wowzers." Mindy highlights several upcoming milestones, including a special November episode featuring collaborations with Circle Round and Terrestrials, and the highly anticipated 250th episode of the podcast on December 1st. To celebrate this milestone, the team is organizing an exclusive "listening party" for members, inviting them to "dance along" and react to new musical content in real-time.

By combining curiosity-driven questions—like the philosophical "If a tree falls in the forest..."—with tangible scientific explanations and community-building events, Wow in the World continues to foster a sense of wonder. Whether it is through explaining the biological effects of microgravity or encouraging home experiments with leaves, the show remains a vital resource for young "Wowzers" to learn about the world through play.

🎯Key Sentences

1
It's going to be a November to remember.
2
But for now, let's get on with the show.
3
Follow the sound of my voice.
4
I'm about to answer the age-old question.
5
This baggie has seen some things.
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📝Key Phrases

1
music to your ears
2
get on with the show
3
fit in
4
not going to happen anytime soon
5
hit the lights
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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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