Parents' Guide to The Magic School Bus

TV ION , NBC , qubo Kids' Animation 1994
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Common Sense Media Review

By Sarah Wenk , based on child development research. How do we rate?

age 5+

A fun, frantic, and educational ride for kids.

Parents Need to Know

Why Age 5+?

Any Positive Content?

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Parent and Kid Reviews

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age 5+

Based on 20 parent reviews

Parents say that this beloved educational TV show effectively combines fun and science, promoting curiosity and learning among children of various ages through its diverse characters and entertaining adventures led by the enthusiastic Ms. Frizzle. While many appreciate its informative content and ability to engage young viewers, some parents express concern about the show's fast pace and occasionally intense scenarios, suggesting it may not be suitable for very young or sensitive children.educationalfun charactersdiverse representationfast-pacedencourages curiosity
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age 6+

Based on 30 kid reviews

Kids say this show is a classic that effectively combines entertainment with education, providing engaging science lessons, though some feel that certain content is outdated or not suitable for younger audiences. While nostalgia is a common theme among adult viewers, opinions vary on its appropriateness for all age groups, with some expressing that it may not appeal to older children today.classic educational showentertaining science lessonsnostalgia for adultsmixed age appealoutdated content concerns
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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?

Our review:
Parents say ( 20 ):
Kids say ( 30 ):

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.

Talk to Your Kids About ...

  • 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?

TV Details

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Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by

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