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Reviews :
Review written by Judy
My son, who
is six, first became interested in the Magic School Bus through his school's
library. He seemed excited to hear, and help read about, the different
adventures the kids would have. His class recently used some of the
principles from The Magic School Bus in order to turn their classroom into
an island, complete with the fruits, vegetables and tropical drinks you
might find on an island. They dressed in "beach ware" for a picnic
lunch on the floor with the cardboard palm trees, birds and monkeys all
around them. It was a site to see with the class wearing shorts and sandals,
tropical colors and sunglasses in the middle of winter!
The CD-ROM that we have is "The Magic School Bus Explores The World of
Animals." It is recommended for ages six to 10. My four year old is
able to play a few of the activities offered, but it is more fitting for an
older child who could really explore and utilize all facets of this disc.
There is fairly extensive narration as the Magic School Bus goes on a field
trip around the world exploring seven different habitats. There are numerous
directions and objects to click on that will allow you to perform different
functions and activities in each habitat. So while a four year old could
"click around" and play on some of the art and creative games, a
six year old is really the minimum age to be able to use this game more
constructively. There are different levels (from easier to harder) so as
your child accomplishes one level, you can challenge him anew with the next
level.
This game can easily grow with your child and be used for reference or as a
resource as he grows older due to all the facts, folklore, true to habitat
activities (i.e., the activities in each habitat relate to the plant and
animal life that lives there--as an example, you can match the animal not
only to his tracks and sound, but to the droppings it leaves behind!).
The adventure, with Ms. Frizzle and her class, starts with an exploration of
the classroom. You can click about anywhere to find out information,
surprises, to find the kids, to turn a mobile, play with the classroom
"pets," etc. If you click on Ms. Frizzle you will find out just
what your adventure will entail. Clicking on a notebook will give you
information on any number of fish, birds, snakes, etc. Once you have
wandered around the classroom clicking on the dozens of objects, you can
start your Magic School Bus adventure by clicking on the bus that you can
see through one of the classroom's windows.
Once you click on the bus, you get a front seat's view of the dashboard and
front window of the bus. You have lots of choices here as well. One great
addition is you can choose to have closed captioning---those with hearing
impairments will be able to be right in on all the action. There is a map in
the window allowing you to choose which habitat to start with. You can click
to find out animal facts and folklore, or click on the clipboard hanging
from the dash to listen to clues about misplaced animals you may find (and
need to rescue and take back to their proper habitat). There is a
"video cam" of Ms. Frizzle, who if clicked on will help you in the
exploration. There is also a "rear view mirror" that will allow
you to go to the back of the bus and check out different views and interact
with your classmates (like turning them into animals!), perform an
experiment, play a game, for actually create a poster for each habitat. Man,
my head is spinning!!!
I told you there were lots of choices here!!!! Now you can see why this game
is better suited for slightly older or more advanced kids---and we haven't
even left the bus yet!!!
The seven habitats you will explore are The Swamp, which is located in the
southern USA; The Arctic Tundra, which includes the tundra AND the ocean at
the North Pole; The Himalayas in Asia; A South Pacific Island and it's reef;
The Savannah, an African grassland; The Rain Forest in Brazil; and The
Sonoran Desert in North America. The classroom remains as your "home
base" where you can find all the exhibits and reports from your trips.
You will have to go and experience with your child all the things you can do
in each habitat (if the classroom and bus is loaded with activities, just
imagine what you will discover while exploring the habitats). Besides
learning all about life in the seven habitats, there are also various art
projects, puzzles, posters and experiments, and certificates to print out.
Your child will get to use a magnifying glass, "wear" x-ray
glasses, use a microphone to listen to animal sounds, put together animal
skeletons, and do lots of other "scientific" experiments.
I highly recommend this game. I do suggest that you, initially at the very
least, do spend some time with your child to make sure they will get the
most out of the game, and be able to navigate and use the various tools
without frustration.
This is fun learning at its best! Enjoy!
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