The Magic School Bus: Lost in the Solar System

Read this book to begin a kick off for Space Week for a homeschool unit. This one is still as fun and informative as I remember it being when I read it as a kid. It also makes for a good quick review of basic solar system information for anyone wanting to touch up their space knowledge at the grade school level.

This is my first encounter with the series either in print or on screen.

A delightful book for young children or anyone learning English for the first time, it captivates and educates at the same time. When the planetarium that the class is supposed to visit turns out to be closed, the bus transforms into a spaceship to take them through the solar system.

The format consists of three elements that work well together. First, there is the main story filled with facts about the solar system. Second, a comic book style of commentary by the class and teacher. Third, mini essays written by the students providing additional facts about the solar system.

I would recommend not just this book, but the entire series.

Ms. Frizzle plans to take the children in her fourth grade class to the planetarium, but when they get there, they find it closed for repairs. The children are disappointed, but their disappointment soon turns to excitement when the magic school bus takes them on a spectacular field trip through the solar system where they learn about each of the planets.

Part of the Magic School Bus series, this charmingly-illustrated science-based book introduces young readers to the solar system. Written for young readers ages five through eight, this book is perfect for reading with an adult and is a delightful way to introduce young readers to the exploration of the solar system.

Although based in fact, parents should be prepared to answer the show more child’s questions about such things as why scientists changed Pluto’s designation from planet to dwarf planet and how many more moons scientists have discovered orbiting Jupiter and Saturn. Since the science here is exactly what most parents learned in school, the book becomes a springboard for discussing how scientists are always discovering new things and how those new discoveries help us to develop a better understanding of the world around us.

Highly recommended. show less

I like Magic School Bus for a couple reasons. First is the information that childeren can learn. In this story good information on what gravity is, what the axis is, what the solar system is, what an orbit is and many more, are all included in this fun story. The clear information provided in this book could make an easy and I feel very effective tool for a science class. I also like the humor involved. The sarcastic jokes that some of the kids have, and the bizarreness of Ms. Frizzle I feel would make this very entertaining for kids. This balance is very good for creating a general enjoyment of learning for young kids. If they can understand from a young age that education is not just boring facts you need to learn to pass school, but show more fun and enjoyable, they will have a much better attitude towards their work, and school in general. The Main Idea of this book, is in a fun modern fantasy style way inform readers about the solar system. I really enjoy this book, its fun, it's informative, and could easily by used in a science lesson. show less

This book would be a great way to activate prior knowledge and introduce the solar system in the classroom. The book is chock full of information on the planets in the solar system. The only problem I have with this book is that the pages are very busy so younger children would have a hard time reading it on their on.

This book was extremely informational with the main message being what the solar system is. The organization of this book makes it so incredible. There are true facts on every page and in just about every form of writing, whether it be in the main plot, the students homework that lines the page, or the thought bubbles of the students. Another amazing part of the story were the characters, each character had their own quirks and that creates a group of relatable students and one crazy teacher that makes the reader forget that they are learning real information form the book and causes them to be laughing along at the antics of the class.

This book is an exciting and educational adventure that follows Ms. Frizzle and her students on a field trip through the solar system. As they explore the planets and moons, readers learn about the unique features and characteristics of each celestial body. The book's engaging narrative and detailed illustrations make complex scientific concepts accessible and fun for young learners. In the classroom, this book can be used to introduce students to astronomy and the structure of the solar system. Teachers can create activities such as creating models of the solar system, writing reports on the planets, or discussing space exploration and its impact on our understanding of the universe.