Nature Just Got Real!

Hello Planeteers!

Happy 4th of July, and welcome to Episode 4 of the Sunsational Summer Minicast series.

K.B. is hosting this episode and she is talking all things related to Climate Change.

This week's minicast had a bit of a subject change. We were going to talk about Tides with Dr. Chuck Darwin, but the United States Supreme Court made a ruling to limit the government's ability to combat climate change last week, so we thought we'd talk about what it is, what causes it, and how you can help.

As usual, there's a fun activity and worksheet PDF that goes with the episode and is free to download here:
https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/post/what-is-climate-change

If you want to listen to the episode, you can do that here:
https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/podcast

If you want to read the Field Journal Blog, you can do that here:
https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/blog-1

If you want to take a deeper dive, there's a 10-page PDF episode Guide and a 3 Day Lesson Plan you can purchase either separately or bundle together to save. It's pretty inexpensive and gives you a lot more activities and information.
You can check them out here:
https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/shop
It's a temperature-changing good time!

Until next week, have a carbon footprint adventure in YOUR neighborhood!

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Hello Planeteers!

Welcome to Episode 3 of the Sunsational Summer Minicast series!
Captain Jack is hosting this episode and she is talking all things related to the Moon.

Did you know that wolves don't actually howl at the Moon? Jack's got the facts, and being a dog, she would know, right?

She also teaches us an easy way to tell if the Moon is waxing or waning immediately. I loved this part!

As usual, there's a fun activity and worksheet PDF that goes with the episode and is free to download HERE.

If you want to watch the episode and see a talking dog, you can do that HERE.
If you want to read the Field Journal Blog, you can do that HERE.

If you want to take a deeper dive, there's a 10-page PDF episode Guide and a 14-page 3 Day Lesson Plan you can purchase either separately or bundle together to save. It's pretty inexpensive and gives you a lot more activities and information. You can check them out HERE. It's a moon-gazin' good time!

Until next week, have a Luny, Moony adventure in YOUR neighborhood!

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Hello Planeteers!

Welcome to Episode 2 of the Sunsational Summer Minicast series!
Tito the treefrog is hosting this episode, and he goes in-depth with not only how to tell the temperature with crickets, but who starting it and when.

Did you know there's an actual scientific law about this? There is, and Tito's got the scoop!

As usual, we aren't going to leave you hanging. There's an activity and worksheet PDF that goes with the episode and is free to download HERE.

If you want to take a deeper dive, there's a 10 page PDF episode Guide and a 13 page 3 Day Lesson Plan you can purchase either separately or bundle together to save. It's pretty inexpensive and gives you a lot more activities and information. You can check them out HERE. It's a chirpin' good time!

Until next week, have a night-singing adventure in YOUR neighborhood!

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Welcome to the first episode of the Sunsational Summer Series of Minicasts for kids!

Every Monday until the end of August, we'll release a new episode with a playsheet and activity you can do that relates to the subject of the minicast.

This week's episode is all about clouds-what are they, how they form, and the different types of clouds.

Don't forget the PDF download with a photo checklist and a couple of cloud-related activities you can do at home. You can grab that HERE.

If you want to purchase the 10-page activity PDF, the 3-day lesson plan, or the bundle with both, you can find it HERE.

The Field Journal Blog about What Your Kids Can Learn From Clouds can be found HERE. There are a few freebies in there, too:)

Let's enjoy the Summer and do some fun projects together!

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

In this episode all about Coral, that question gets answered and the answer wasn't what I thought it was!

I also talk to Marine Biologist Dr. Sharon Wismer about coral reefs and why they are important, what challenges they face, and what we can do about it even if we don't live near the ocean. I don't, do you?

Captain Jack tells us the difference between rocks, plants, and animals, Dr. Chuck Darwin gives us the definition of the big, scientific word for this episode and how to pronounce it (and I was saying it wrong, aargg!), and Tito tells us about a fish that's a Superhero around the reef. You might not believe what one of those superpowers is...

I also included a free PDF you can download HERE.

It has photos of several species of coral, a recommended reading list, and some coral-related project kits that looked like a lot of fun!

If you want to learn more about the Superhero of the Reef, it's one of the animals in the Weird & Wacky Endangered Animals book and you can check it out HERE.
It was on sale at the time this podcast was released.

If you want to watch this podcast as a video, you can do that here:
https://youtu.be/FpD5b2f1-VQ

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Happy Spring to you!

Hello, Planeteers!

This is Pollinator season, and this episode is all about Butterflies! I had the opportunity to talk to Steve LaWarre, who is the Vice President of Horticulture at Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park here in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

He talks to us about the Butterflies Are Blooming exhibition which runs from March 1st to April 30th, and gives us some great ideas about why butterflies are important and what we can do to help them in our own backyards.

Chuck Darwin gives us a new word with TWO ways to pronounce it, Tito gives us some weird (and gross) facts about butterflies, and Captain Jack tells us how to tell if we're looking at a butterfly or a Moth.

There's a PDF to go along with the episode that has butterfly pictures, vocabulary words, comparison charts, activities, a reading list, a complete lesson plan, and a product list for projects. And butterfly apps! You know how I love a good app!!

You can download the supplemental PDF with the complete lesson plan here:
https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/post/get-your-butterfly-on

If you want to watch this episode as a video on YouTube, you can do that here: https://youtu.be/-wCKqZOwwYw

Here are all the links for this episode:

Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park: https://www.meijergardens.org

Butterflies Are Blooming Exhibition Guide:
https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/post/get-your-butterfly-on

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series:

https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Happy Earth Day to you...and here is part 2!


Happy Earth Day 2021, Planeteers! Since I had so much to talk about, I decided to split this episode into 2 parts, and this is part 2.

In this second part, we are going to talk to Tracey Ritchie, who is the Director of Education at EarthDay.org.

She tells us all about WHAT Earth Day is, WHEN it started, WHY it started, and WHO started it. (Hint: it's ALMOST as old as me. But not quite...)

She gives us some great ideas about what kids and families can do to help the planet. She tells us about the EarthDay.org app and what we can use it for. And, you know how I love a good app!!

Don't forget that you can get Weird & Wacky Endangered Creatures for free this week on Amazon and if you do, let me know what you think by leaving a review. I promise I read them all:) Here's the link: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YL3ZVLT

If you want to watch this episode as a video on YouTube, you can do that here: https://youtu.be/7F7CPRDOglM

Remember that this is Part 2 of the Earth Day episode. Part 1 is already available, and we make our own straws so we don't have to use a plastic one. This was a fun project and I hope you get a chance to do it!


Here are all the links for this episode:

EarthDay.org: https://www.earthday.org/earth-day-2021/

Global Earth Challenge App:
https://www.earthday.org/actions/join-earth-challenge-2020/

Earth Day Activities, PDF: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/post/happy-earth-day-2021-part-1

Weird & Wacky Endangered Creatures - Free this week on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YL3ZVLT

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com


Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series:
https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Happy Earth Day to you...Happy Earth Day to you...

Yes, this week is Earth Day 2021 and I had so much to talk about, I decided to split this episode into 2 parts!
In this first part, we are going to do a project that I love: make our own straws!

Seriously, it's not as hard as it sounds. I'll guide you through the whole process. This project will also be featured on the Kids Listen Activity app this week, too, so hopefully, we'll have a bunch of kids making their own straws for Earth Day.

Don't forget that you can get Weird & Wacky Endangered Creatures for free this week on Amazon and if you do, let me know what you think by leaving a review. I promise I read them all:) The link is below.

If you want to watch this project as a video on YouTube, you can do that here: https://youtu.be/ZKvIsTUZFS8

If you want to download the Earth Day Activities PDF, you can do that here:
https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/post/happy-earth-day-2021-part-1

Remember that this is Part 1 of the Earth Day episode. Part 2 will be available on Thursday (the actual Earth Day) where I'll have an interview with Tracy Richie, the Director of Education for EarthDay.org. She's going to tell us lots of cool stuff about how Earth Day got started, when, and some other things we can do to help the planet.

Here are all the links for this episode:

Earth Day Activities PDF
https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/post/happy-earth-day-2021-part-1

Weird & Wacky Endangered Creatures - Free this week on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YL3ZVLT


Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series:
https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Why do some animals hibernate in winter? Are they lazy? Do they not like winter sports? What exactly is Hibernation anyway?

In this second show of season 2, we explore hibernation-what it really is, who does it, who doesn’t do it, and other states that look like hibernation but aren’t. Sound complicated? We break it down for you:)

As many animals who do really hibernate ( and also those fake hibernators) are starting to become active again, we wanted to know the real scoop about it. There were a few surprises in this episode, so prepare yourself!

Chuck Darwin gives us a couple of different words that mean basically the same thing, but have different reasons and different seasons.

Tito gives us some crazy facts about birds that have to do with a state that looks like hibernation but isn’t, and some highly unusual habits some of these birds have been seen doing.

Captain Jack asks if any dog species hibernate. She was thinking the answer would be no, but the answer surprised her and it might surprise you too!

There is a lesson plan to go along with this episode with recommended reads and hibernation cam links, so you can watch live as bears start to wake up and become active!

If you want to watch this episode on YouTube, watch it here:
https://youtu.be/QB3HmYA2AYQ

Here are the links from this episode:

Weird & Wacky Creatures 2- we talk about Raccoon Dogs featured in this book.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YL3ZVLT

Lesson Plan for Grades 3 to 5:
http://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/post/citizens-of-the-hiber-nation

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

In this episode, we talk about the exciting discovery of a new snake species, and the man who discovered it, Jeff Weinell. He gave K.B some cool facts about the snake, even though it hasn't been studied in the wild.

And, even cooler (well, besides the fact that it's a new species) is that he got to NAME it! What name did he decide on and why? If you discovered a new species, what would you name it? K.B. is thinking she might name it after Captain Jack.

Chuck Darwin gives us a couple of new words to learn that have to do with the field of snake study, Captain Jack tells us some Snake jokes, and Tito gives us sssome fassscinating factsss about ssssnakes that even K.B. didn't know!

If you want the complete lesson plan with activities, download it HERE,
and if you only want the coloring page, you can download it HERE.

Go have a slithering, hissing adventure in your neighborhood!

You can watch this podcast as a video here:
https://youtu.be/2Msq4TBYxBI


Here are the links for this show:
Lesson Plans for 3rd, 4th, & 5th grade: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/podcast
Coloring page only: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/podcast
Jeff Weinell Twitter: https://twitter.com/jeffweinell
My book Weird & Wacky Creatures free from 2/1/21 to 2/5/21:
https://amzn.to/36n1ihv


Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/
FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet
Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor
email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook featuring my Favorite Weird & Wacky Creatures: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Did you ever want to write and Illustrate your own book?

This week, I interview Lori Tayor, Artist, Author, and Illustrator of the Holly Wild Series, a fictional series set in various Michigan parks and outdoor adventure areas. Even though it's a fictional series, the places where Holly and her friends have their outdoor adventures are all real places right here in Michigan. I haven't been to some of them, so now I can't wait to check them out!

If you haven't read this series, Summer is a great time to explore new places through books!

Also, Chuck Darwin gives us the word for fear of the outdoors, Jack answers a question about the difference between Authors and Illustrators, and Tito gives us some cool facts about one of Lori's pets. (Hint: I feature this cutie in one of my own books and I'd loooove to get one!)

Go have a reading, writing, and exploring adventure in your neighborhood with the Holly Wild Series!

You can watch this podcast as a video here:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1zUpLdFfvpOvcM1w8lZajw?view_as=public


Here are the links for this show:
Lori Taylor's website: https://loritaylorart.com/
Lori Taylor's YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXVAbgTiPF-EpIkKoXN6TNg
My book featuring the W&W Creature Feature: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07YL1MGVH

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/
FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet
Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrautho

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Shop the Weird & Wacky Planet Store: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/store

Happy 4th of July!
This week, we talk about SALT: what is it, why do we need it, where do we get it, and the history of it. Did you know salt was used as a form of payment?
We also make Firework Art using salt, glue, and glow in the dark paint.

Chuck Darwin gives us a word that's used with salty water, Jack gives some tips about calming your dog if he or she is afraid of Fireworks, and Tito tells us some very cool facts about a common, but much-beloved insect. Seriously, it's one of my favorites and I didn't even know most of these facts. Shocking!!

This episode is better watched as a video if you want to see how the firework salt art is done, and you can watch it HERE,

but you can also listen to it as a podcast on Apple podcasts HERE, or Spotify HERE, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Welcome to Season 2!


Here are the links to this show:
Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Shop the Weird & Wacky Planet Store: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/store

This week, I talk to Darlene Cavalier, the founder of SciStarter, which is a website where ordinary people sign up to help scientists collect data for various research projects. Darlene has recently been named a National Geographic Fellow and Explorer. SciStarter has a wide variety of projects to choose from! The biggest challenge would be deciding which ones to participate in. So many projects, so little time...

Also, Chuck Darwin tells us what a Scientist actually does, Jack answers a viewer's question about how many school years it takes to be a Scientist, and Tito gives us a list of characteristics of a good Scientist! Do you have what it takes? Find out on today's show, How to Be a Kid Scientist!

Links for this show:
https://scistarter.org/
https://scistarter.org/education

App mention on the Show:
NASA Globe Observer app

Watch this episode on YouTube:
https://youtu.be/fG0wrFbaua4

Other links:

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Shop the Weird & Wacky Planet Store: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/store

This week, we make a fun and easy project just in time for Father's Day by using things we might already have around the house. You can make this out of water and flour if nobody at your house drinks coffee, so don't worry about that!

Chuck Darwin gives is a LOT of new words to learn and they all start with the letter"P", Jack tells us who came up with Father's Day (with her own 2 cents added, of course), and Tito gives us some facts about an animal that goes to extremes for his kids. In Tito's opinion, anyway.

Enjoy this fun project you can make at home and have a rockin' good time in YOUR neighborhood!

Links for this show:

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Shop the Weird & Wacky Planet Store: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/store

Ever wanted your own personal mini-aquarium?

How about a nightlight with sea creatures swimming in it? In this episode, we make a Nightlight Aquarium with a mason jar and a few toys that looks sooo real, but there are no live animals needed! It would also be a cool gift for Father's Day or for someone who works in an office where they can't have a real pet. I like to use it as a nightlight beside my bed AND in my office. Why not? It's super simple to make and doesn't require too many parts. I also love that you are only limited by your imagination. I like to exercise mine regularly.

Try this one at home and see what I mean. This is my favorite project so far!

Also, Chuck Darwin gives us the meaning of submersible, both as a noun and an adjective, Jack answers the question of whether fish have feelings (what a cool question!), and Tito talks about an animal I like so much I wrote a song about it. I'll make him sing it one of these days...

For Parents & Guardians:
In this episode, we learn to use things we may already have around the house or reuse a jar we might otherwise throw out, while making a cool gift for someone (or maybe just ourselves). This is a project that kids of most ages can participate in with the help or supervision of an adult. It does involve a glue gun, but could also use regular glue with enough dry time. It teaches water observation, design and opens up a conversation about declining species and the emotions of animals we might not have thought about before. It also makes kids feel empowered by getting them involved in helping a vulnerable animal. This episode features the Weird & Wacky Word of the Week, as well as recognizing emotion in pets, and the challenges one species faces from human actions alone.

**Someone suggested I make a monthly subscription box for kids based on the podcast, so I thought I'd see whether there would be any interest in something like that. I find the idea intriguing...
Please give me your opinion by participating in a poll HERE.


Here are the links for this show:

I used my own aquarium rocks and plant that I had, I bought a blue Mason jar from Walmart, but I recommend you reuse a jar you have at home once you use the contents.
I purchased my sea creatures on Amazon HERE.
I purchased my submersible LED lights on Amazon HERE.

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/
Facebook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet
Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor
email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com
Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series:https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1590109125&sr=8-1
Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book
Shop the Weird & Wacky Planet Store: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/store

You can watch the podcast on YouTube HERE, and click the red SUBSCRIBE button.
Or you can listen to it on Apple Podcasts HERE, and subscribe there, or Spotify

Today, we have Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Maryanne Tranter back on with us to talk about ANXIETY and STRESS: what it is, what are the signs, what happens inside our bodies when we are stressed, and what are some ways kids can help themselves deal with it.

This was great information that I was able to use to help reduce my stress level, and ANYONE can do it!

Also in this episode, Chuck Darwin also tells us the definition of Hormone, Captain Jack answers a listener's question about signs your dog might be stressed or anxious, and Tito tells us which animals are the most stressed out on Earth. I thought it would be Skinny Pigs by the way Edgar and Clarice sometimes behave, but surprisingly, it's not. It might not be who you think it is, either!

Links for this show:
https://www.maryannetranter.com/

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Shop the Weird & Wacky Planet Store: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/store

Did you know that scientists need our help tracking Bumblebees?
In this episode, we talk to Rich Hatfield from the Xerces Society about why tracking Bumblebees is important, why scientists need help doing it, and what WE can do to help them.
And yes, there’s an app for that!

Also, in this episode, Chuck Darwin gives us the definition of the word Pollinator and tells us who they are, Jack answers a listener’s question about whether bumblebees can sting, and Tito gives us some weird facts about bumblebees that even I didn’t know

This is a buzzing good episode you won't want to miss!


In this episode, we learn to help scientists out by tracking the Bumblebees in our area. This is a project that kids of most ages can participate in with the help or supervision of an adult. It teaches observation of the habits and environments of Bumblebees and opens up a conversation about pesticides, climate change, and other things that negatively impact the species. It also makes kids feel empowered by getting them involved in helping to find solutions, which can reduce their anxiety about the changes they are hearing about and seeing around them. This episode features the Weird & Wacky Word of the Week, as well as Weird Bumblebee facts, and practical advice about how to act around Bumblebees.

Links for this show:
https://www.bumblebeewatch.org/
Search for the Bumblebee Watch app for iPhone or Android wherever you get your apps.

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/
FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet
Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Shop the Weird & Wacky Planet Store: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/store

This week, we learn how to make our own no-sew face mask. No more excuses for unfashionable face wear!
Chuck Darwin gives us the noun and verb version of the word of the week, and Captain Jack answers a listener question about whether pets should wear masks in public, too.
Tito tells us about a cool critter who looks like it wears a mask, and calls out Captain Jack for wearing a mask at a photo shoot, of which there may or may not be visual evidence. I hope this isn't the start of a He said-She said situation...

Links for this show:

Jack refers to Ep #4 - Where Did Covid-19 Come From?
https://youtu.be/_PeteYMe2_g

Tito refers to Weird & Wacky Creatures 2
https://www.amazon.com/Weird-Wacky-Creatures-Planet-ebook/dp/B07YL3ZVLT

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/
FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet
Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor
email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Shop the Weird & Wacky Planet Store: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/store

This week, I talk to Maryanne Tranter, a pediatric Nurse Practitioner, about what a virus actually is. We are hearing all about the Coronavirus right now, but regular colds and cases of flu are caused by viruses, too!

We talk about what viruses are, how do we get them, and what we can do about it.

Also, Chuck Darwin gives us a virus-related word of the week, Captain Jack finds out if chickens cause the Chicken Pox virus, and Tito tells us about an important animal that helps us with many viruses. In the ocean!

Links for this show:
Maryanne Tranter's website - www.healthychildconcierge.com

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/
FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet
Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor
email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Shop the Weird & Wacky Planet Store: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/store

With Mother's Day coming up on Sunday, May 10th, it's the perfect time to build a sprout-growing terrarium for your Mom! You can use a kit like I did, or you can use a mason jar and get the ingredients separately. Add your own decor, some glow in the dark stickers, and you have a useful and reusable gift!

Links for this show:
Glow in the Dark Terrarium kit - https://amzn.to/2xCagth
Light-up Terrarium Kit - https://amzn.to/2YCpwl0

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/
FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet
Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet
Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor
email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Shop the Weird & Wacky Planet Store: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/store

Have you ever thought you'd like to do more for birds than just fill up the birdfeeder? Today, we are making a Bird Home Improvement Center. It's a little like a store where birds can come to get some building materials to assist with building their nests. I call it the Bird Home Depot. Or, maybe I should call it the Bird Nest Depot. Build one for your back yard and hang it where you can watch your customers come in and help themselves to home improvement essentials!

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Shop the Weird & Wacky Planet Store: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/store

Got questions about the Coronavirus? We had some, too! Rear Admiral Dr. James Galloway, former assistant US Surgeon General during the Bush and Obama administrations answers kids' questions about Covid-19.

Links for this show are:
https://jamesgallowaymd.expert/

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Shop the Weird & Wacky Planet Store: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/store

Where do scientists think Covid-19 came from? We get an expert's opinion when Dr. Ryan Colburn from the Grand Rapids John Ball Zoo joins us on show. He explains where they think it came from, how they think it became a virus that affects humans, and hey, what about those big cats at the Bronx Zoo?!

Links for this show:
https://www.jbzoo.org/

To support John Ball Zoo:
https://www.jbzoo.org/donate

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Shop the Weird & Wacky Planet Store: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/store

Do you wonder why the rain forest is on fire and what we can do about it? My guest is Chelsea Raiche from Friends of the Rainforest, and she gives us a unique perspective on this troubling issue, as well as some things we can do about it. This is part 2 of 2 episodes.

Links for this episode are:
https://www.friendsoftherainforest.org/

To order the Rainforest Bracelet:
https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/s...

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Shop the Weird & Wacky Planet Store: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/store

Do you wonder why the rain forest is on fire and what we can do about it? My guest is Chelsea Raiche from Friends of the Rainforest, and she gives us a unique perspective on this troubling issue, as well as some things we can do about it. This is part 1 of 2 episodes.

Links for this episode are:
https://www.friendsoftherainforest.org/

To order the Rainforest Bracelet:
https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/s...

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Shop the Weird & Wacky Planet Store: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/store

In the first episode of the Nature Just Got Real podcast, K.B. Carr, author of the Weird & Wacky Planet series for kids, talks about why she wanted to start a podcast. She will introduce her co-hosts Captain Jack, Chuck Darwin, and Tito, as well as Skinny Pigs Edgar Winter and Clarice Starling!

Website: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/

FaceBook: https://facebook.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Instagram: https://instagram.com/weirdandwackyplanet

Twitter: https://twitter.com/kbcarrauthor

email: naturejustgotreal@gmail.com

Get the Weird & Wacky Planet series: https://www.amazon.com/K-B-Carr/e/B00XIZ9ASW

Get a FREE ebook: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/free-book

Shop the Weird & Wacky Planet Store: https://www.weirdandwackyplanet.com/store