Hello my friends!
Welcome to Tidbits with Titus, a podcast and newsletter where we tackle the big, curious questions kids ask every day in fun, bite-sized ways! I’m Alexander Titus, but I go by Titus. I’m a scientist, adventurer, and a huge fan of making science, technology, and life accessible to all ages. From “How does electricity work?” to “What are taxes?” and even “Why is the sky blue?”, I’m here to dive into these wonder-filled questions with engaging stories and simple explanations that spark curiosity and make learning a joy. This effort is all about creating a space where families can learn together, discover the magic of the everyday, and find thoughtful ways to explore the world’s big mysteries. Let’s make curiosity a family tradition—one tidbit at a time!
Just so you know, these podcast episodes are all AI-generated using Google’s really cool NotebookLM technology.
If your little ones have questions that you want help answering, shoot me an email at questions@tidbitswithtitus.com and I’ll see what I can do!
Also please share with anyone you think would be interested. The more the merrier!
Cheers,
-Titus
A story about electricity and the storm
The Night the Lights Went Out
It was a cold winter evening, and Lucas sat by the window, watching the snowflakes dance in the wind. The street outside was covered in a thick, fluffy blanket of white. “It’s like the whole world is wearing a snow coat!” he said.
His little sister, Mia, giggled. “Let’s go make snow angels after dinner!”
But before anyone could reply, the house suddenly went dark. The lights blinked off, the hum of the heater stopped, and the only glow came from the moonlight reflecting off the snow outside.
“Mom! Dad!” Lucas called. “What happened?”
His dad walked in with a flashlight, its beam casting long shadows on the walls. “Looks like the power’s out, buddy.”
Mia clutched her favorite stuffed bear. “Did the house break?”
“No, sweetheart,” their mom said, lighting a few candles. “The snowstorm must’ve knocked out the electricity.”
Lucas furrowed his brow. “But how? And how will we get it back?”
His dad sat down on the couch, patting the spot next to him. “Good questions, Lucas. Let’s talk about how electricity works.”
Lucas and Mia climbed up beside him, curious. “Electricity starts at power plants,” Dad explained. “It travels through big wires called power lines to bring energy to our homes.”
“Like the wires we see on the tall poles outside?” Lucas asked.
“Exactly,” Dad said. “But during a snowstorm, heavy snow and ice can stick to those wires. Sometimes, the wires get so heavy that they break, or tree branches weighed down by snow fall on them and snap them.”
Mia’s eyes went wide. “So the wires are broken? Like spaghetti?”
Dad chuckled. “Kind of! And when the wires are broken, the electricity can’t travel to our house.”
“But how do we fix it?” Lucas asked.
“That’s where lineworkers come in,” Mom said, bringing over a plate of cookies. “They’re the people who go out, even in storms like this, to repair the wires and get the electricity working again. It’s a big job, and it can take time.”
Lucas thought for a moment. “So… we just have to wait?”
“That’s right,” Dad said. “But while we wait, we can stay cozy and safe. We have flashlights, candles, and warm blankets. And the power will be back before we know it.”
Mia tugged at her dad’s sleeve. “Can we still play in the snow?”
“Of course!” Mom said, bundling them up in their winter coats. “Just don’t forget your hats and gloves!”
Outside, Lucas and Mia laughed as they made snow angels and built a snowman. They could see the dark houses all around, but it didn’t feel so scary anymore. They knew the lineworkers were out there, working hard to bring the lights back.
When they came inside, cheeks rosy and noses cold, the living room glowed with candlelight. Mom had set up a board game, and Dad poured mugs of hot cocoa. “Even without electricity,” Lucas said, “we’re still having fun.”
“And when the lights come back on,” Mia said, “it’ll feel extra special!”
That night, as Lucas and Mia drifted off to sleep under piles of blankets, the lights flickered back on. The hum of the heater filled the house again, and the snowstorm seemed a little less wild. They knew that even when the power went out, their family could always find a way to make the night bright.
This week on Tidbits with Titus: Snowstorms can knock out electricity, but they can’t knock out our curiosity or our sense of adventure. Join us as we learn how electricity works and why snowstorms sometimes leave us in the dark!
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