[THEME SONG BEGINS]

>> RACHEL: Good morning, it’s time for Chompers, your morning and night toothbrushing show. 

It’s Science Week, and today we’re answering YOUR science questions!

But first, start brushing on the top of your mouth on one side, and brush the inside, outside and chewing side of each tooth. 

>> KIDS: 3, 2,1 brush!

[THEME SONG ENDS]

>> RACHEL: First up, we have a question from Lydia, and it’s this “Why do giraffes have LOOOOONG necks?”

[STRETCHING SOUND]

>> RACHEL: Scientists aren't sure WHY giraffes have long necks, but they think it might be because it made it easier for them to reach the highest branches of the tallest trees…

[SLIDE WHISTLE]

>> RACHEL: -so they could eat the leaves other animals couldn't get to.

[CRUNCH] 

>> RACHEL: Scientists think that over a long time, animals develop in ways that help them survive in the wild. 

Switch to the other side of the top of your mouth…

[SWITCH BELL]

>> RACHEL: -and keep on brushing. 

Giraffes aren't the only animal to develop in a special way. Anteaters developed extra long noses and tongues to eat yummy ants hiding in ant hills. Koala Bears can eat leaves that are poisonous to most other animals. And the Orange Oakleaf is an insect that looks just like, well, a leaf, So it can hide from predators that might want to take a bite 

Switch to the bottom of your mouth…

[SWITCH BELL]

>> RACHEL: -and brush the molars in the way back.

Our next question comes from Jay, and it’s “What’s inside a cactus?”

A cactus -- or Cacti when you have more than one -- is some the strongest plants in the desert. Cacti have thick, waxy outsides and spiky needles to keep away animals that might try to take a bite. Some types of Cacti can live in the desert for up to 2 years without water, and that’s because they hold all their water inside their bodies. . 

Switch to the other side of the bottom of your mouth…

[SWITCH BELL] 

>> RACHEL: -and brush your front teeth too. 

The inside of a cactus doesn't look anything like the desert around it. It’s full of a gooey, thick watery paste. Inside a cactus is kind of like a sponge, where it can stow away water until the next rainy day.

 [RAIN]

[THEME SONG BEGINS]

>> RACHEL: That's it for Chompers today, but we will be back tonight to answer more of your Science Questions! Until then, make sure you rinse with water before you…

>> KIDS: 3, 2, 1 spit!

>> RACHEL: Chompers is a production of Gimlet Media.