How, what, where, why? What, where, why?
Ada Twist, scientist
She’s gonna find out what the answer is
Under here, over there
Science is everywhere you look
With Iggy Peck, architect
And Rosie Revere, engineer
So much to do and you can help too!
A mystery, a riddle, a puzzle or a quest
There are wonders to discover And hypotheses to test
Science is the best!
Ada Twist, scientist
She’s gonna find out what the answer is
Everywhere science is She’s forming a hypothesis
Connecting all the dots ’Cause this is Scientist Ada Twist!
-Hi, Mama! -Morning, hon. You ready for pancakes?
Can you make them perfectly round?
I guess we’ll see.
Why do people kiss?
-That’s what I’m saying. -Ask your mum. Got to go to work.
Can’t wait to see what you got planned for tonight.
-I know it’s going to be good. -What I planned for tonight?
Ada, Arthur, cereal, eggs, please.
-I’ll get the eggs. -I’ll get the cereal.
Hey, this cereal has heart-shaped sweets in it.
The eggs have lovey eyes on them.
And the cat gave me peonies, my favourite flowers. Thanks, Mooshu!
Lovey eyes? Heart-shaped cereal?
Peonies? Oh no! I forgot our anniversary!
Mum, the pancakes!
That is not a perfect circle.
-Mum, do you know what you just made? -A mess?
A unicorn! In science, this is called a happy accident.
When you try to make one thing but accidentally make something better.
That’s lovely. Forgetting our anniversary though, that’s not a happy accident.
Anniversaries are for showing love. And I forgot.
I can’t plan something now. I have a big project due for work.
Don’t worry, Mum. I’ll find a way to help.
So, what do you think?
I think I love this unicorn pancake.
About my parents’ anniversary?
Oh, right. ’Fraid I got nothing.
Me too. We’ll help you with anything, Ada. but my parents don’t live together…
so anniversaries aren’t my specialty.
Know what we need? A brainstorm.
Brainstorm, brainstorm
Throw in every thought you had No idea is ever bad
Brainstorm, brainstorm
Gather up your friends Try to find the how, the what, the why
Brainstorm, brainstorm
Let our imaginations Become great new creations
When we brainstorm, brainstorm Brainstorm, brainstorm
Hey!
I have an idea. We could make the house and everything in it red.
The colour of love!
Yeah, sure. But also the colour of Mars. My dad loves Mars.
But then everything will be red forever.
The furniture…
And Mum, Dad, Arthur and me.
And I like being Black.
I have an idea.
Your mum could fly up to your dad’s bookstore on a dragon,
carrying a sweet new harp and sing a love song.
My dad loves all kinds of instruments,
but where’d we get a dragon with a harp at short notice?
Excellent point.
What if we made a house out of chocolate for your dad?
It would be chocolatey amazingness. Wow.
That’s it!
Really? We’re going to build a chocolate house?
No! That would take way too much time and way too much chocolate.
-Can there be too much chocolate? -Nope.
What I meant was
Dad always bakes us this Chocolate Surprise Cake on special occasions,
so we’ll bake it for him.
-Awesome! -Fabulous idea!
I love the idea of making his Chocolate Surprise Cake.
There’s only one problem.
It’s an old family recipe that only Dad knows.
-No one ever wrote it down. -Oh, man.
-Really? -Good try.
Wait, we can figure out the recipe in the lab.
Baking is science.
My mum always says cooking is an art, but baking is a science.
She’d know. She’s a chef.
Okay, while you three figure out the recipe,
I’ll try and find a backup gift just in case.
Don’t worry, Mum. We’ve got this.
What would I do without my little scientist?
You wouldn’t have an anniversary gift, and that would be bad.
Loading the lab.
When I bake with my dad,
he says his Chocolate Surprise Cake has to be sweet, soft and tall.
Sugar and chocolate make it sweet. To make it soft, we need--
Pillows!
Nope. Butter.
And for tallness--
Building blocks!
Baking powder.
-That’ll work too. -And it will taste better.
And finally, sprinkles on top.
Now what’s missing are eggs and flour to hold it all together.
I think I found a gift.
Oh, Mum.
-A tie? -A tie?
-I think he already has that tie. -I think that is his tie.
Okay, I’ll dig around again after I get some work done.
We’d better make this work.
It’s done.
It’s a tower of cake.
Dad’s cake is never this tall.
Don’t drop it.
It’s wobbling! I can’t look!
Let’s see if it’s done.
-Duck! -Look out!
Oh, man, I got caked.
We need to rethink this recipe.
If baking powder makes the cake tall, maybe there was too much.
I’d guesstimate that we need exactly…
a lot less this time.
-It’s looking good. -Really good.
Perfect!
It’s not perfect.
It sunk. Just like our hopes and dreams.
And if a tie my dad already owns is all Mum can come up with,
we should just give up.
I wanted to help Mum show Dad how much she loves him, but I failed.
And we can’t fix it.
Ada Twist, I may not know a lot about anniversaries,
but I know about not giving up, and so do you.
Yeah. We just need to keep trying.
You’re right. We’re scientists. We don’t give up.
This is too important.
I just wish we knew what we were doing wrong.
Oops. Sorry.
Rosie, what you just did… I know what to do.
Watch this.
That’s what I did. Is that good?
Yes. It shows the chemical reaction. Watch this.
-It didn’t overflow that time. -Exactly.
I forgot the other thing my dad always says.
“Measure twice, bake once.”
Baking is science, right?
We need the right chemical reaction to make the cake perfect.
We had the right ingredients, but not the right amounts.
Come on, let’s try again. Fast. Dad’s coming home soon.
Okay, all the ingredients are in.
Plus love.
Dad says that makes it extra sweet.
I hope it works.
-It actually looks like a real cake. -It’s tall, but not too tall.
Soft, but not sunken.
-Yum. -Tastes delish.
And it’s chocolatey and sweet.
-Yay! -Yay!
Wait, listen.
Why is it crunchy?
Sprinkles? Dad’s Chocolate Surprise Cake doesn’t have sprinkles inside.
It’s supposed to have sprinkles on the outside. This is a disaster.
Sprinkles are never a disaster.
But it’s not Dad’s cake. It’s not perfect. We have to remake it.
We can’t. Dad’s coming home soon. Maybe Mum’s got a good gift?
How about this? I painted the Milky Way.
Here’s Orion’s Belt, the Big Dipper, Polaris.
Oh, you’re right. It’s like a star exploded.
It’s a mess and a half. How’s the cake coming?
We accidentally got sprinkles inside, so it’s not Dad’s Chocolate Surprise Cake.
No, but it’s your Surprise Cake.
You made the cake plus a surprise.
Sounds like a happy accident to me.
-I love when that happens. -Yeah. Like my unicorn pancakes.
-Come on, let’s get it on the table. -Okay.
We’ll help.
Then we’ve got to go home. You’ve got this, Ada.
Thank you, guys.
What do we have here?
Please be seated, Mr Dad.
I mean, Mr Twist.
Happy anniversary!
Tonight, we have for you… Drumroll, please.
Dad’s Chocolate Surprise Cake!
Really? But the recipe isn’t even written down.
This isn’t my Chocolate Surprise Cake.
Knew it.
It’s better.
-Really? -Yes. Sprinkles inside the cake? Genius.
Your daughter outdid herself, as usual.
It was a happy accident. Plus I added a special ingredient.
Love.
I can taste the love.
This is the most delicious anniversary present I’ve ever eaten. Thank you!
I’ll allow the kiss. This time.
Wow. An exploding star.
Well, it was supposed to be…
Never mind. Yep. That’s exactly what it is.
I have an idea. Let’s meet another scientist. Come on.
Hi, I’m Lasheeda Perry and I am a pastry chef.
Today, we are going to talk about
how baking soda plays a very scientific role in baked goods,
specifically cookies.
Yum!
As a pastry chef, we are always thinking about,
“If I put this ingredient with that ingredient,
what reaction am I going to get?”
I want to show you today what baking soda does to baked goods.
-Shall we make our chocolate-chip cookies? -Let’s go!
Baking soda has been used for many years, because it helps leaven your baked good.
Leavening means to help your product rise.
Cool.
I’ve played with different recipes where I use a little bit of baking soda,
and then I use a lot, and I had a completely different product.
And there goes our timer.
On the right, here,
are chocolate-chip cookies with baking soda.
And over here is without baking soda.
And the most obvious difference is the colour.
These are nice and golden.
Here, the centres are still pretty pale.
The spreading is different as well.
With the baking soda, it has a nice thick edge,
and more uniform compared to the rustic edges
where they’re just doing their own little thing.
Now this is the fun part.
This is really why I love being a pastry chef, because I get to taste it!
That is so good.
Fun fact!
Baking soda is not only used in baked goods such as cookies
but it’s also used in fire extinguishers.
Wasn’t that cool? Science is the best!
Rosie Rule number seven. Always ring three times for good luck.
-Hey, Iggy. -Hi.
Hi, Ada. Hi, Rosie.
Let’s get this garden party started.
Yeah, about that--
-I love gardens and parties. -I don’t think we can have a--
I’m so excited to spend all afternoon in your beautiful…
-Yikes! -Sweet zucchini!
That’s what I’ve been trying to tell you.
I invited you over for a garden party, but look!
Okay.
Are these plants sad?
-Or sleepy? -They’re just not very healthy right now.
My dad used to take care of them. Since he moved, he hasn’t been able to.
Maybe they need to laugh.
My mum always says laughter is the best medicine.
Why are potatoes good detectives?
Because they keep their eyes peeled.
Good one, Rosie.
Really? Not even a little leaf-wiggle? Tough crowd.
-Hey there, team. Who’s hungry? -Devilled eggs!
Yum! Thanks!
So what are you kids up to today? Tell me all the fun plans.
We were going to have a garden party, but…
I know, this garden doesn’t exactly give off a party vibe, does it?
Not really.
But these devilled eggs are egg-cellent!
Get it? ’Cause they’re eggs.
I’m glad you like them ’cause they’re going on the café menu.
This rosemary would’ve made them even more delish,
but I just don’t have a green thumb.
That’s ’cause only ogres do. And some elves.
No, Rosie. Having a green thumb means you’re good at gardening.
Oh! That makes more sense.
I wish I was better at gardening.
But with running the café and being classroom mum at school,
I don’t have the time.
If only there was a button I could press to take care of my plants.
That’s the quiche. Gotta run.
My mum may not have a green thumb, but she loves this garden.
-I wish I could make it nice for her. -Iggy, we’re scientists.
-And your best friends. We’ll help you. -We’ve got your back.
Really? Thanks! So what do we do now?
Well, first we’ve got to examine this garden really close.
I’ve got an observation. The leaves are droopy and yellowy.
The plants over here are even droopier and yellowier!
The plants in the shade are droopier than the ones in the sun. Fascinating.
Excuse me. Dry dirt makes me sneeze.
Great observation, Iggy.
If the soil’s dry, it could mean the plants haven’t been watered lately.
I think we have a hypothesis.
I love a hypersomesis…
Hypothstimsa…
Why is that word so hard to say?
I’ll help you out.
I’ve got a hypothesis I’ve got a hypothesis
Does that observation
Mean this explanation?
Right or wrong Let’s find out what the answer is
It might not be right But we’re going to find out
What this theory is all about
An educated guess But will it stand up to our test?
Yes, that’s what a hypothesis is
I’ve got a hypothesis I’ve got a hypothesis
Let’s find out how right it is
Let’s go!
So our hypothesis is plants need sunlight and water to be healthy.
We should test it out. Loading the lab.
Test subject is ready.
Cue the sun, Rosie.
Or if you want to be scientifically accurate,
a special gardening bulb whose light is like the sun’s.
It’s getting less yellowy.
And more green-y.
-I mean, greener. -All because of the sun?
I have so much power.
We just proved the first part of our hypothesis. Plants need sun.
Ada, the sun’s really heavy.
I wonder how heavy the real sun is.
Ada!
Oh, right. You can put the light down now, Rosie.
Now on to test number two.
Iggy, release the rain.
Or if you want to get scientifically specific, a bucket of--
Iggy!
Water.
Whoops. Sorry.
It’s okay. I love the rain.
And puddles! Yeah!
The droopiness is all gone.
Which means we proved part two of our hypothesis.
Plants need water.
Now let’s take our findings back to the garden.
First, we’ve got to move that umbrella so those plants get more sun.
And give them water.
Nice landing.
It worked. Go, sun!
Now all they need is a little of this.
Hey, I’m not sneezing.
That must mean the soil isn’t dry any more.
Come on, little plantipoos. You can do it.
We gave them sunlight and water, so why are they still droopy?
-What are we missing? -Maybe more jokes. I got one.
Which vegetable loves hanging out with animals?
A zucchini.
Get it? Zoo-cchini?
Another good one.
The plants don’t think so. I’ll keep working on my jokes.
What we really need is a plant expert. I wish we knew one.
-Wait. I know a plant expert. -You do?
Oh, hi, Dad!
Hey, Iggster. What’s up, bud?
Look, the three musketeers are all here.
-Hi, Mr Peck. -Hello.
We’re trying to help Mum’s garden. You’re the best plant expert I know.
We gave them water and sun, but they still look sick. Help!
Okay, calm down. I’m gonna help ya. Did you do the plant dance?
The plant dance?
The silly wiggle.
-Oh yeah! -Oh yeah!
-It didn’t work. -Yeah, I know.
I just wanted to loosen you guys up. You look kind of serious.
What you actually need is fertiliser.
Ferti-whater?
Fertiliser. It’s like vitamins for plants. You take them to stay strong and healthy.
-You sure do! -Yep.
Plants need vitamins too, but they get theirs from the soil.
Adding fertiliser helps keep them healthy.
Of course!
And you can make your own.
You just need natural stuff that has lots of nutrients. Want me to tell you how?
-Yes! -Absolutely!
Great. Once the natural ingredients
are all smooshed up into something that looks like gooey dirt,
you’ve got fertiliser.
All you’ve got to do is sprinkle it on the soil.
-Thanks, Mr Peck. -You rock, Mr P.
Anytime, kiddos.
Thanks, Dad.
Fertiliser’s squishy and kind of gross.
I love it!
Time to take your vitamins, plants.
Wow, we did it.
Awesome possum!
Possums? Where?
Don’t worry. No possums.
-The garden’s just awesome. -’Cause it’s healthy.
Now my mum will have a pretty garden all the time.
Yes. All she needs to do is water and feed it a lot.
There’s more to do?
Plants are like people. They need to be watered and fed regularly.
I get it. I need to be watered and fed regularly too.
That sounded better in my head.
My mum doesn’t have time for that. Remember what she said?
Oh yeah. Okay. Well, now that we know how to keep a garden healthy,
we need to find a way to help her take care of it that’s easy.
Let’s brainstorm.
What if we create a new type of plant that never needs food, water, or sunshine?
She wouldn’t have to do anything.
But what if we accidentally make zombie plants?
I’d love that, but Iggy’s mum might not.
Neither would Iggy’s mum’s son, me!
Is there maybe a less zombie-ish idea?
I’ve got one. We could ask garden gnomes to take care of the plants.
They eat a lot though.
And my mum has enough cooking to do for the café and me
without also having to feed gnomes.
She needs something really easy.
Like a magic word?
Or a button?
Wait. Iggy’s mum said she wishes she could press a button to take care of her garden.
So maybe we could build something that waters and fertilises the plants,
with a button that controls it all.
Okay, it’s ready.
Iggy, that’s a plant-astic design. I’ll build it.
And done.
Whoa! What is that thingamyjig?
It’s called the Green Thumbinator.
It waters and fertilises the plants for you.
And to turn it on, you just have to press this button.
Now that I have time for.
Thanks to you three, I finally have green fingers
and a green garden.
Fantastic!
This is the best garden party I’ve ever been to.
And this is the best strawberry smoothie I’ve ever had.
Made with fresh strawberries from my beautiful, healthy garden.
And I’m working on a new dessert menu. Maybe strawberry shortcake?
-Yum! -Yes!
-Hey, kiddo. -Dad!
Just dropping off your sketchbook. He’s always forgetting this thing.
Don’t I know it. Come and have a smoothie and enjoy the garden.
Looks great. Maybe I need gardening tips from you three.
I’ve got the best tip. You’ve just gotta make the plants laugh.
What do you get when Bigfoot walks through your garden?
Stumped? Get it? Like “stomped”?
Good guess.
Squash!
You know, ’cause Bigfoot’s big feet would squash everything.
-Nice! -I get it.
I have an idea. Let’s meet another scientist. Come on.
Hey, my name is Rory Aronson and I’m a robotics engineer,
and today I’m gonna show you how I take care of my garden with my farming robot.
This is the FarmBot.
FarmBot plants seeds,
waters, takes photos,
and removes weeds,
to take care of your garden and grow plants
so you can have fresh veggies in your backyard.
So one of our FarmBots is at NASA.
They’re using it to do research to figure out
how are we gonna grow food in space?
What they wanna do is be able to send astronauts to Mars
and then grow food for them so that they can eat and survive
without taking up too much of the astronauts’ time.
In here is the brain of the FarmBot.
That’s a little computer that tells the muscles,
which are the motors, to move around
and go to the right spot in the garden and take care of everything.
You use your phone to tell it where to go, how much to water.
Then you can set it on a schedule and forget it.
Once the tomatoes are ripe,
FarmBot can send you a message and say, “The tomatoes are ready.”
“Time to make a salad.”
Fun fact!
Seeds are really picky about the temperature they’ll start to grow in.
In fact, spinach seeds will only start growing
if the soil is between 60 and 68 degrees Fahrenheit.
Wasn’t that cool? Science is the best!