logo
episode-header-image
Nov 14
36m 4s

How big is a Macy's parade balloon?

Melody Bodette
About this episode
The Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade is an American tradition. It’s been going since 1924. This year marks the 99th parade (it took three years off during World War II). It’s famous for elaborate floats and huge character balloons that bob above the streets as the parade marches forward. Millions of people watch the parade live in New York City each year, but many many more watch it on TV. And some of you have questions! How do they make such big balloons for the parade and how do they choose which characters to feature? And how do they hold onto the balloons with such tiny strings? And, more generally, how do balloons float? What’s helium got to do with it? But Why visits the Macy’s Studio workshop in New Jersey to see how the magic happens! Download our learning guides: PDF | Google Slide
Up next
Oct 31
Why are there so many colors?
<p>What’s your favorite color? Where do colors come from?Why do people see colors? Does everyone see colors the same way? How many colors are there in the world? We learn about colors with Kassia St. Clair, the author of a book called <em>The Secret Lives of Color</em>. We talk a ... Show More
26m 26s
Oct 17
How is candy made?
<p>Who invented candy? Why is it so sweet? Why does hard candy melt in your mouth? How are candy corn, gummies and nerds made? What makes pop rocks pop? We talk with traditional candy makers at <a href="https://stickyusa.com/"><strong>Sticky</strong></a> in California and <a href ... Show More
19m 42s
Oct 3
Why do horses sleep standing up?
<p>Why are horses so big? Why do horses have tails and manes? How do their legs move? Are their bones in their hooves? What do they eat and how do they run and jump? We tackle those questions and more in this episode all about horses. We’ll also learn a little bit more about the ... Show More
30m 55s
Recommended Episodes
Aug 29
Born in the Wild: Baby Animals and Their Parents - by Lita Judge
What do grizzly bear cubs eat? Where do baby raccoons sleep? And how does a baby otter learn to swim?Every baby mammal, from a tiny harvest mouse "pinky" to a fierce lion cub, needs food, shelter, love, and a family. Filled with illustrations of some of the most adorable babies i ... Show More
10m 14s
Jun 2024
How are alligators and crocodiles different?
People think alligators and crocodiles are really scary - and lots of people don’t understand the difference between them. But wildlife biologist Venetia Briggs-Gonzalez says they are very cool and helps us get to the bottom of their distinctive qualities! Got a Moment of Um ques ... Show More
4m 37s
Dec 2024
Are whales communicating with their clicks and songs?
<p>Baleen whales sing. Toothed whales click. But how and why do they make these musical sounds?<br><br>Join Molly and co-host Tyler as they dive into the wonderful world of whale sounds. First, they run into Anna Goldfield on her way to audition for a whale choir. She teaches the ... Show More
33m 35s
Nov 2024
Do you know about Dolphins? 🐬
In this episode, we’ll explore these intelligent, playful marine mammals known for their friendliness and incredible behaviours. Learn how dolphins, part of the “toothed whale” family alongside orcas, differ from their close relatives and porpoises, and discover what makes them s ... Show More
23m 28s
May 2025
Do you know about Jellyfish? 🌊🪼
In this episode of Sleep Tight Science, we learn all about the world of jellyfish! Discover why jellyfish aren’t really fish, how they sting, what they eat, and the incredible ways they glow, swim, and grow. From tiny Irukandji to the giant lion’s mane, you’ll learn all about whe ... Show More
24m 58s
Jul 2020
Two Whats?! And A Wow! - Like No Otter (encore)
Why are Mindy and Guy Raz preparing to eat 15 pounds of food? And what does that have to do with otters?! We've got the questions AND the answers on an-otter round of Two Whats?! And A Wow! We're challenging you to find the facts from the fiction about otters! See Privacy Policy ... Show More
9m 24s
Feb 2025
Do you know about carnivores? 🐺🐆
In this episode, we’ll explore the world of carnivores—meat-eaters big and small, from lions and sharks to ladybugs and even plants! We’ll learn how they fit into the food chain, the different types of carnivores, and the special skills that make them expert hunters. From sharp t ... Show More
24m 53s
Jan 2023
Axolotls - plus interview with Dr. S. Randal Voss
Axolotls are territorial, regenerative, and maybe hold the secret to eternal youth. Oh, and they're suuuuper cute. In this episode, we share 10 cool facts about axolotls, then we share our interview with Dr. S. Randal Voss. Dr. Voss is one of the leading experts on axolotls, and ... Show More
31m 8s
Mar 2025
Why We Yawn, Time Travel, and Other Big Questions? 🤔⏳🥱
In this episode, we’ll discover why yawning isn’t just about being tired—it helps cool your brain and can even be contagious! We’ll explore the nature of time and why building a time machine isn’t as simple as it sounds. We’ll also uncover why eating salty foods makes us thirsty ... Show More
25m 20s