#4 in Magic School Bus Series
The Magic School Bus At the Waterworks
1986 by
on Goodreads (6,962)
What’s inside...
A classic children's book where Ms. Frizzle takes her class on a magical field trip inside the city's waterworks, where the students learn how water is cleaned and processed before it reaches their homes.
Why read this book
- Explores water cycle through engaging narrative.
- Encourages scientific inquiry and curiosity.
- Supports understanding of environmental science.
- Interactive and fun approach to learning.
The Big Picture
- Explores water cycle through engaging narrative
- Encourages curiosity about environmental science
- Ideal for discussions on water conservation
- Supports development of critical thinking skills
Diversity & Representation
- Diverse characters, promoting inclusivity and cultural awareness.
- Illustrations reflect a variety of racial backgrounds.
- Encourages gender equality in science and exploration roles.
Book in series
#4
Age
4-8
Length
40 pages
Text complexity
developing
Character Compass
Discussion points
What did you learn about how water gets to our homes?
How do you think the water cycle affects our environment?
Why is it important to keep our water clean?
What was your favorite part of the adventure with Ms. Frizzle and why?
If you could go on a Magic School Bus trip, where would you like to explore and what would you hope to learn?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to think about how water is used daily at home, linking the story to real-life applications.
Ask your child to draw or describe their own Magic School Bus adventure, focusing on another natural process or scientific concept.
Discuss the importance of clean water and what actions your family can take to help conserve water at home.
After reading, watch an episode of The Magic School Bus dealing with similar themes and compare what might have been different or the same.
Use a globe or map to trace where the characters traveled and discuss different water sources around the world as mentioned in the book.
What parents love
Exciting adventure that makes learning fun!
Great explanation of the water cycle for kids.
Colorful illustrations complement the educational content.
My child is now fascinated with science!
Key Lessons
Example Lesson: The importance of curiosity and asking questions
Explanation: Throughout the book, Ms. Frizzle's class embarks on a field trip exploring the water cycle, where students ask many questions to understand how water is processed and used.
Real-World Application: Encouraging children to ask questions about how everyday things work fosters a spirit of inquiry and helps them understand and engage with the world around them.
Example Lesson: Understanding the water cycle and conservation
Explanation: The story provides a detailed and engaging explanation of the water cycle, demonstrating the processes of evaporation, condensation, and precipitation, as well as the importance of water conservation.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the importance of water in their lives and develop habits that contribute to water conservation, such as turning off the tap while brushing their teeth.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and collaboration
Explanation: As the class navigates through the waterworks, they must work together and collaborate to solve problems and help each other understand complex concepts.
Real-World Application: This lesson highlights the value of working collectively to achieve goals, which can be applied in group activities at school or during playtime.
Example Lesson: The role of technology in modern life
Explanation: The story showcases various technologies used in water purification and distribution, emphasizing how advancements make daily tasks more efficient.
Real-World Application: Children can learn to appreciate the technologies that impact their daily lives and understand the importance of technological advancements in societal development.