The Magic School Bus (ION, NBC, qubo)

common sense media says

A fun, frantic, and educational ride for kids.

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this series carries on the tradition begun in the beloved books it's based on. Wild teacher Miss Frizzle takes her students on adventures of every kind, teaching them (and viewers) about science as they go. At times the lessons may be a bit hard to follow, but there's plenty of learning and fun to be had.

Educational value: The show -- which is based on a series of fun and educational books -- encourages learning about all aspects of science.

Positive messages: The show strongly promotes curiosity, experimentation, and learning about science.

Positive role models: Miss Frizzle, though unconventional, is an intrepid heroine, dedicated to teaching and learning. Her kids are a great bunch, too.

Violence & scariness: Some very mild peril during some adventures.

Sexy stuff: Not applicable.

Language: Not applicable.

Consumerism: Not applicable.

Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.

Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

Families can talk about the explorations that the class goes on in each episode.
Also, what kind of field trips does your child go on? What would their dream field trip be? Ask your kids what they learned about at the end of each episode. Did they study that subject in school?

What's the story?

THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS is quite a vehicle. At the command of schoolteacher Miss Frizzle (voiced by Lily Tomlin), it can transform into any possible shape and size (including a "bathysphere" shaped like a bathtub) and carry a group of kids off to adventures in space, under the sea, or even inside the human body.

Is it any good?

There's lots of fun and learning along the way, though at times the pace is so fast that it can be easy to miss some of the educational value. Some of the effects used in the animation can be pretty strange, too -- the sight of a group of mussels with the heads of children, each wearing a jet pack, isn't something you see every day, but it will keep kids and parents entertained.

The Magic School Bus series strictly follows the formula of the book series created by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen. From dinosaurs to beehives, kids get an inside peek into the inner workings, history, and function on a wide range of topics.

TV themes & details

Themes

cars and trucks, adventures, book characters, science and nature

TV Details

TV Rating: TV-G
Network: ION
Cast: Lily Tomlin
Genre: Kids' Animation
Where to watch: ION

This review was written by Sarah Wenk

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yip95
parent of 4 year old

What other families should know

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The Magic School Bus (ION, NBC, qubo)

common sense media says

parents & educators say

What parents need to know

More on The Magic School Bus

What to talk about

Talk to your kids

What's the story?

What's the story?

Is it any good?

Is it any good?

TV themes & details

Themes

TV Details

Review It

Review The Magic School Bus

What parents & educators say

Most useful reviews by all members

The best show ever!

Makes learning fun...

Educational and fun!

Education on TV! It exists!

Fun, educational show.

A great learning tool

Great show!

hate it more than anything

My daughter's favorite show

Best show ever

i nearly died watching it in school!!

A great educational thrill ride for kids!

A Great Show

Awesome!

I use to watch this in kindergarten

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