This time on The Children’s Hour, we learn about squid with Skype A Scientist, Dr. Sarah McAnulty.  These ubiquitous creatures are the psychedelic acrobats of the ocean.

This episode comes with a free Learn-Along guide which meets and cites US National education standards. Our Learn-Along guides further explore our show themes and provide context and visuals. Plus they’re fun! 

Squid are in the cephalopod family with octopus, cuttlefish, and nautilus. This ancient family of marine invertebrates pre-date trees on Earth, and can be found in all oceans, at all depths.

Squid are bioluminescent, like fireflies and some cave creatures we have learned about on The Children’s Hour. The Colossal Squid is the largest of all squid and can eat a whale! They also have bioluminescent eyes that are the size of footballs.

Mythology around cephalopods date back centuries. Dr. McAnulty explains how the stories of the “Kracken” came to be, and why they are not completely untrue!

We also learn about Skype A Scientist, the organization that provides free scientific experts to any group on any topic. A science communicateor, Dr. McAnulty founded Skype A Scientist to increase direct conversations between the scientific community and the public.

Skype a Scientist will provide free scientific experts on any topic to any group, organization, classroom, or wherever people want to learn more about science. 

Dr. McAnulty discussed using the Monterey Bay Aquarium’s guides to finding sustainable seafood. Find the guide and other tips at their website.

This episode is mixed with excellent music to further educate about squid!

This episode was recorded at the Outpost Performance Space in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and on Zoom. Our recording engineer was Chad Scheer. We had production help from Gus Tafoya and Sean Lovelace. Our Learn-Along guide was written by Jonathan Dunski with help from Lorraine Archibald. The Children’s Hour is produced by Katie Stone at the Sunspot Solar Studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

© The Children’s Hour Inc.