The Magic School Bus At the Butterfly House
#12 in Magic School Bus Science Readers Series
What’s inside...
A fun and educational adventure where the Magic School Bus takes a field trip to a butterfly house and the kids get to experience first hand how caterpillars turn into butterflies. Based on the 'Magic School Bus' books written by Joanna Cole and illustrated by Bruce Degen.
Discussion points
What do you think it would be like to transform like a butterfly does?
Why do you think butterflies have such colorful wings?
How do you think the characters felt when they saw the butterfly house?
What did you learn about butterflies that you didn't know before?
If you could ask a butterfly any question, what would it be?
Tip: Role play these questions
Before reading, ask your child what they already know about butterflies or metamorphosis to gauge their prior knowledge.
While reading, pause to discuss the illustrations, particularly focusing on the transformations depicted to enhance visual understanding.
After reading, encourage your child to draw their favorite scene or butterfly from the book. Discuss the colors and patterns they choose.
Relate the butterfly's life stages to human growth stages to make the information more relatable and understandable for your child.
Visit a local butterfly house or garden if possible, to help bring the book's scenes to real-life making the learning experience more tangible and memorable.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Life Cycles and Transformation
Explanation: The story vividly illustrates the life cycle of a butterfly, starting from an egg to a caterpillar, then to a pupa, and finally transforming into a butterfly.
Real-World Application: Children can relate this to their own growth and changes, understanding that development is a natural process and appreciating nature's cycle.
Example Lesson: Curiosity and Exploration
Explanation: The students take an adventurous field trip, guided by their teacher Ms. Frizzle, showcasing curiosity and the importance of learning through exploration.
Real-World Application: Encourages children to explore the world around them, ask questions, and learn from their environment, fostering a lifelong love of learning.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Cooperation
Explanation: Throughout the journey in the butterfly house, students work together to navigate and learn, showing effective teamwork.
Real-World Application: Children learn the importance of working cooperatively in groups, which can be applied in school projects or group activities.
Example Lesson: Environmental Awareness
Explanation: The book highlights the importance of butterfly habitats and the role of butterflies in ecosystems, teaching children about environmental conservation.
Real-World Application: This can lead to children becoming more conscious of their environment, promoting activities like planting native gardens or participating in local conservation projects.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: When faced with challenges during their field trip, the students use critical thinking to solve problems.
Real-World Application: Teaches children the value of critical thinking and problem solving, skills that they can use in everyday situations at school or at home.