The Magic School Bus and the Giant Germ
#6 of 20 in The Magic School Bus Chapter Books Series
What’s inside...
The children from the Magic School Bus series go on an adventure inside the human body to study germs, learning about bacteria and viruses in an interesting and accessible way. Learn all about germs when Ms. Frizzle's class takes another exciting field trip! Ms. Frizzle takes her class on amazing field trips in the Magic School Bus. They never know what will happen when they get on the bus, but they always learn something new about science! In THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS CHAPTER BOOK #6: THE GIANT GERM, a class picnic in the park becomes an exploration of the mini world of microbes. Even though microbes are tiny, they have huge effects on the world. Ms. Frizzle and her class get into trouble when they run into a giant germ!
Discussion points
What did you learn about germs from Ms. Frizzle's adventure?
Why do you think it's important for the Magic School Bus to explore and learn new things?
How did the characters work together to solve problems during their journey?
What steps can we take to stay healthy after learning about germs from the book?
If you could design your own Magic School Bus trip, where would you go and what would you explore?
Tip: Role play these questions
Encourage your child to relate the story to their everyday life, such as how they can keep germs away at school.
Use visuals like pictures of germs or a toy bus to make the discussion more engaging and understandable.
Ask your child to draw or describe their favorite part of the book, then discuss why they found it interesting.
Link the teamwork shown in the book to real-life scenarios where working together is essential.
Praise your child’s responses to build their confidence in expressing their thoughts and ideas.
Key lessons
Example Lesson: Understanding Germs and Hygiene
Explanation: Through an adventurous ride inside a germ, children learn about different types of germs and the importance of hygiene.
Real-World Application: Children can apply this by adopting good hygiene habits, like washing hands regularly and covering their mouths when coughing.
Example Lesson: Teamwork and Collaboration
Explanation: The characters in the book work together to navigate the challenges posed by the giant germ, showcasing the importance of teamwork.
Real-World Application: This encourages children to work cooperatively in group settings at school or during playtime to achieve common goals.
Example Lesson: Scientific Inquiry and Exploration
Explanation: The book promotes curiosity and the use of scientific methods to learn about biology and the environment.
Real-World Application: Children are encouraged to ask questions and seek out answers about the natural world around them, enhancing their critical thinking skills.
Example Lesson: Problem Solving
Explanation: The characters face and solve various problems during their journey, which teaches children about overcoming obstacles logically and creatively.
Real-World Application: This lesson helps children in developing their problem-solving skills, preparing them to handle everyday challenges and puzzles.
Example Lesson: Resilience and Perseverance
Explanation: Despite encountering a scary and unfamiliar world, the students remain determined to learn and adapt, which highlights resilience.
Real-World Application: Children learn to stay determined and resilient even when faced with new or intimidating situations in life.