Magic School Bus Science Kits/Labs

Description

Designed to take kids on their own "Magic School Bus" explorations, these science kits present experiments and activities for children in a format reminiscent of the science series of the same name. Each kit contains a bag of materials you'll need and a full-color instruction booklet, illustrated with all the characters from the Magic School Bus series, and experiments which are designed to look like class notes. Each experiment is posed as a question, such as "Does soap really work?" (World of Germs) or "Do you think your lung capacity is larger or smaller than an adult's?" (Journey Into the Human Body). The question is followed with a hint, a hypothesis, a list of materials needed, instructions, and space for the student to record their own results and conclusion. While most of the more specialized materials are included, common materials that will need to be provided by you are marked with a little house icon. There are around ten experiments in each kit, and these are spread out across the topic. For example, in Journey Into the Human Body you'll do about one experiment each on bones, joints, muscles, lungs, the heart and the senses. The quality and results of the experiments look good from the samples I've seen, and the additional interest provided by the Magic School Bus characters is sure to turn your students into scientists. So, Mom, put on your craziest outfit, try out your best Ms. Frizzle voice, and you'll be all set. "Wahoo!" - Jess

Teaching Method
Traditional
Teacher-centered curriculum commonly used in classrooms that may include a text, teacher manual, tests, etc.
Charlotte Mason
A methodology based on the work of a 19th century educator who maintained that children learn best from literature (Living Books), not textbooks.
Classical
A methodology based on the Latin Trivium (three stages of learning), including the grammar stage (memorization and facts), logic stage (critical thinking), and rhetoric stage (developing/defending ideas).
Unit Study
A thematic or topical approach centered around one topic that integrates multiple subject areas.
Montessori (Discovery)
A methodology based on the work of a 20th century educator that emphasizes student and sensory-driven discovery learning and real-life applications.
Religious Content
Christian/Religious
Faith-based or including instructional religious content.
Neutral
Avoids religious or theoretical topics or presents multiple viewpoints without preference.
Secular
Contains content contrary to common Christian beliefs (i.e. evolution).
Learning Modality
Auditory
Learns through listening, talking out loud or reading out loud.
Visual
Learns through seeing, prefers written instructions and visual materials.
Kinesthetic/Tactile (Hands-On)
Learns through moving, doing and touching.
Multi-Sensory
Curriculum that employ a variety of activities/components.
Presentation
Sequential
Curriculum progresses through well-defined learning objectives. Emphasizes mastery before moving to the next topic.
Spiral
Topics and concepts are repeated from level to level, adding more depth at each pass and connecting with review.
Conceptual/Topical
Focus is on the “why,” often with a unifying concept as well as specific skills; coverage may be broader.
Teacher Involvement
Low Teacher Involvement
Student-led materials; parent acts as a facilitator.
Medium Teacher Involvement
A mix of teacher-led time and independent student work.
High Teacher Involvement
Teacher-led lessons; may utilize discussions, hands-on activities and working together.
Additional Materials Required
No other materials needed
Everything you need is included.
Other Materials Required
There are additional required resources that are a separate purchase.
Other Materials Optional
There are additional resources mentioned or recommended but are not absolutely necessary.
Consumable
Consumable
Designed to be written in; not reusable.
Non-Consumable
Not designed to be written in; reusable.