The Magic School Bus is an award-winning television series that’s based on the children’s books of the same name by former elementary school teacher and librarian, Joanna Cole. The show originally aired from 1994 to 1997 on PBS and was the first fully animated series on the network. While it’s geared towards children between the ages of six and nine, younger children often enjoy this fun-filled favorite. The Magic School Bus appeals to children because of its animated format and frequent use of humor. Mrs. Frizzle, the children’s eccentric teacher, loves science and wears silly outfits that reflect the current topic of study. Voiced by Lily Tomlin, Mrs. Frizzle encourages her students to have fun with science and is often heard saying, “Take chances, make mistakes, and get messy!“
The fact that The Magic School Bus is animated lets the writers take children on fantastic “field trips” into the middle of a volcano or even inside the human body. The program is well-written, teaching important facts while taking viewers on imaginative adventures that would be impossible in real life. David, a four year old in Orlando, shares that he likes The Magic School Bus because it’s "so funny” and you “learn stuff” when you watch it. This show has really stood the test of time, entertaining and educating children (and their parents) nearly a decade after its demise. While the television series is no longer in production, new books, videos, and software have been added to the product line in recent years.
The Magic School Bus episodes are no longer shown on PBS but can be seen on weekday mornings on two networks, Discovery Kids at 6 and 8:30 and on TLC at 7 (ET). Canadian viewers can find the program on Sundays at noon on TV Ontario. Want more information? Children and parents can visit the official website to do the following:
- Buy episodes on video and DVD
- Play a number of online games such as “Maze Craze” and “Habitat Match-Up”
- Get ideas and instructions for science experiments and other activities that can be done at home
- Learn more about popular science topics such as dinosaurs, the human body, and space
- Find out when The Magic School Bus live tour and museum exhibit is coming to a nearby city
- Get book recommendations
- See a list and video clips of all 52 episodes of the animated series
- Read about the author and illustrator, Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen, and the origin of The Magic School Bus books
The National Science Foundation was a major supporter of The Magic School Bus and currently provides funding for other educational shows such as Cyberchase and Fetch! with Ruff Ruffman.
Bonus Fact: Little Richard sang the theme song for The Magic School Bus. Can’t remember it? Check it out on You Tube.
Sources: Scholastic’s Magic School Bus website and Answers.com
Jan Zeiger - Having always wanted to teach, I obtained my BA and MA in elementary education at the University of Florida and sought my first job as a ...
