#14 in Magic School Bus Series
The Magic School Bus And The Climate Challenge
on Goodreads (541)
What’s inside...
The Magic School Bus And The Climate Challenge takes Ms. Frizzle and her class on an adventurous journey to understand the science of climate change. They explore the Earth, the arctic, and even outer space to see how greenhouse gases affect our planet’s climate.
Character compass
Discussion points
How do you think the changes in the climate affect animals and plants around us?
What are some ways we can help reduce climate change, like the characters in the story?
Why is it important for everyone to learn about climate change?
If you had a magic school bus, where would you go to learn more about our planet?
What did you find most surprising or interesting about the climate changes discussed in the book?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to express their ideas and feelings about climate change, validating their thoughts and emotions.
Relate the book's themes to your child's everyday life, such as discussing how weather changes affect your own community.
Propose a fun family activity, like planting a tree or starting a recycling project, inspired by the conservation efforts in the book.
Use visual aids, like maps or documentaries, to deepen your child’s understanding and engagement with topics addressed in the book.
After discussing the book, ask your child to draw their favorite scene or concept that they learned. This can help reinforce their understanding and allow them to express what they've learned creatively.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Climate Change
Explanation: Through the adventures of Ms. Frizzle and her class, the book introduces the concept of climate change and its impacts in an engaging, age-appropriate manner.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to identify and discuss environmental changes they observe, fostering awareness and curiosity about the world around them.
Example Lesson: Importance of Renewable Energy
Explanation: The narrative explores alternative energy sources like solar and wind power, emphasizing their benefits over fossil fuels.
Real-World Application: Kids are encouraged to think about energy use in their homes and schools, and can participate in conversations about conserving energy and using renewable sources.
Example Lesson: Responsibility Towards Environment
Explanation: The story highlights the role every individual plays in contributing to environmental health, showcasing how the students take action to help the planet.
Real-World Application: Children can adopt eco-friendly habits such as recycling, conserving water, and reducing waste, applying the concept of personal responsibility learned from the book.
Example Lesson: Scientific Inquiry and Exploration
Explanation: Ms. Frizzle’s class uses scientific tools and methods to learn about the environment, modeling how science is a tool for understanding and solving problems.
Real-World Application: This can inspire children to engage in their own scientific explorations, whether through school projects, at home, or in community science programs.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The students in the book work together on their journey to learn about climate change, showcasing effective teamwork.
Real-World Application: This lesson can be applied in group activities at school or with friends, highlighting the importance of cooperating to achieve common goals.