Brooklyn Webb

Dr. Lindsey

EDEL 302

13 February 2021

“What If World” Podcast Use in Classroom

In the podcast series, What If World, by Eric O’Keeffe the question is posed, “What if

scientists bring back dinosaurs?”. In this episode, a fictional story is told, combining fantasy and

science, to answer this question. This podcast can be used within two subjects, writing and

science. For writing, students could begin by listening to this podcast and discussing as a class

the story elements they heard. This could lead to the students writing their own story with the

prompt, “What if scientists bring back dinosaurs?”. A specific example can be seen when the

Kentucky Standard C.3.3 is applied. Kentucky Standard C.3.3 states that students should be able

to compose a narrative to develop real or imaginary experiences using effective technique, clear

sequences, and descriptive details. Applying this standard to the use of the podcast, a third-grade

writing composition lesson could begin by students listening to this podcast.

After listening to the podcast, students could work in pairs or in groups of three to four

students to determine the purpose of the story, important details, the sequence, and basic

elements of the story. After meeting in a pair or groups, the class may come back together for

group discussion of the story, story elements, the topic presented, the sequence of the story, and

details that made the story interesting. After class discussion, students would work individually

to develop their own narrative. To work alongside the podcast, students could be given a similar

or the same prompt as the podcast covers. This writing piece could then be developed over an

elongated time period, in which students receive time to establish the situation, create their
characters, learn about dialogue and its use in narrative, and to develop a clear sequence of

events. By giving students quiet, independent work time for their narratives, teachers could use

this time to meet with students individually to discuss their writing progress so far and to give

feedback to the student.

For a science focused lesson, teachers could begin a lesson by discussing the history of

dinosaurs. This could include the discussing of different species of dinosaurs, how they evolved,

and their necessities for survival. Focusing on Kentucky specified criteria, upper elementary

students could also make use of this podcast to understand the scientific method and to build

their scientific vocabulary. Kentucky standard 3-5ETS1-3 states that students should be able to

carry out and plan fair tests where variables are controlled, and failure points are identified in

order to improve the tests. Students can begin by listening to the podcast and paying attention to

words they may not know or recognize, such as hypothesis or DNA. After listening to the

podcast, a simple pretest could be given asking students what they thought these terms meant, as

well as how they could determine an experiment was successful and what makes a good

hypothesis. Once students have completed the pretest, students may collaborate in groups of

three or four students to discuss their answers before having a class discussion.

This lesson could lead students into the study of the scientific method, in which they must

make an observation, ask a question, form a hypothesis, and carry out their research. Examples

of ways to conduct the scientific method in the classroom can be seen in classroom experiments

such as the floating marker man and the “magic” leakproof bag. The floating marker man

requires a dry erase marker, a dish that can hold water, and water. A stick figure can be drawn on

the plate and students can hypothesize what will happen when water is added to the dish. A small

amount of water can be added to show the students that the marker man floats. To demonstrate
the idea that a good experiment should be repeatable, another marker figure can be drawn, and

the test can be repeated. Another experiment that could be easily performed in the classroom is

the “magic” leakproof bag. This experiment requires a plastic Ziploc bag filled with water and

sharpened pencils. Before beginning this experiment, students may hypothesize what they

believe will happen when a pencil is forced through the bag of water. Then, the experiment can

be completed by simply holding the bag with one hand and quickly pushing the sharpened pencil

through it. This action can be repeated multiple times to show students the experiment can be

repeated without the bag leaking. In addition, students may also predict how many pencils they

believe can spear the bag before there are noticeable leaks.
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Kennen is working in the lab
when The Learnanator and
Indiana Jones ask for help in
bringing dinosaurs to the
future.
The characters teleport to What If Pterodactyl DNA is obtained;
World, where chickens are
encountered. Chickens are helpful to
however, chickens and the
the experiment as chickens, and tyrannosaurus rex are closer
modern-day birds, are closely related related. A magic wand is used
to dinosaurs. to change the DNA.

The spell was about to be cast
when there was an explosion in
the lab. Other explosive boxes
were found causing our heroes
to be on short time.
The syringe containing the DNA is A dragon is hatched from the
shattered and the chicks’ eggs begin first egg, while a triceratops is
to hatch. It is revealed they had some
items to start making a dinosaur;
hatched from the second.
feathers, scales, and sharp teeth; but Kennen tries to find the
not enough to be complete. dinosaur lettuce or cabbage.

Our scientists decide to teleport
the dinosaurs and dragons to
the future but must find a way
to get The Learnanator power to
get them there.
Kennen forms a hypothesis on how
to get power. He predicted that he
could get a booming box to create
power. It is agreed upon that a good
hypothesis must be put to the test.
The hypothesis is successful, and a
portal is opened. The scientists agree
that their experiment worked, but to
be sure of their results it must be
repeated. Kennen jumps back into a
portal to What If World.

O’Keeffe, E. (Host). (2021, Feburary 6). What If Scientists Bring Back Dinosaurs? (w/ Kennen Hutchinson) (No.
195) [Audio podcast episode]. In What If World. Anchor. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-if-
scientists-bring-back-dinosaurs-w-kennen-hutchison/id1164278826?i=1000508167694.