#4 in Magic School Bus Series
The Magic School Bus Gets Ants in Its Pants
What’s inside...
Ms. Frizzle's class has been studying ants, and now they get to take a trip inside an anthill. They climb on board the Magic School Bus and learn all about how ants work together to take care of their queen and their entire colony.
Discussion points
Why do you think the ants behaved the way they did on the Magic School Bus?
What would you do if you were on an adventure with Ms. Frizzle and her class?
How do the ants help each other, and what can we learn from them about teamwork?
What was the most surprising thing you learned about ants from this book?
If you could ask the ants one question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their own experiences by asking them how they work together with their friends or classmates like the ants do.
Prompt your child to think critically by asking what they would do differently if they were characters in the book.
Discuss the scientific facts presented in the book and ask your child what they found most interesting or unexpected about ants.
Use the illustrations in the book to ask your child descriptive questions, enhancing their observation and language skills.
After reading, engage in a creative activity like drawing your own Magic School Bus adventure or creating an ant farm with recycled materials to deepen understanding and retention of the book’s themes.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: Throughout the book, students on the Magic School Bus work together to solve problems and build an ant farm, showcasing effective teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children can apply these skills in school projects or in team sports where cooperation is key to success.
Example Lesson: Importance of Observation and Inquiry
Explanation: The students ask questions and make observations about the ants' behavior, learning directly from their environment.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to be curious about the natural world and to seek knowledge through observation and questioning in everyday life.
Example Lesson: Responsibility and Care for Animals
Explanation: The book illustrates the responsibility involved in caring for another living being, as the students must ensure the ants’ habitat is suitable.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the importance of being responsible and considerate towards pets and other animals in their care.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: When challenges arise with the ant farm, the students must think critically and creatively to find solutions.
Real-World Application: Helps children understand that problems can be approached methodically and solved through thoughtful consideration and creative thinking.