The Magic School Bus Explores The Ocean

Publisher: Microsoft Corporation

http://www.scholastic.com

1-800-426-9400

Grade Level(s): 1-5

Subject Area(s): Science

Reviewed by: Megan Fogarty

Software Description

The Magic School Bus Explores The Ocean is an interactive science program using animation, graphics, and sound to explore 7 Ocean Zones: Sandy Beach, Rocky Intertidal, Kelp Forest, Coral Reef, Open Ocean, Deep Sea, and Hot Water Vent. Ms. Frizzle and her students from the Scholastic Book Series and PBS Television Show lead the adventure beginning on the sandy beach. The adventure continues by clicking on the bus that submerges underwater and turns into a submarine. Inside the submarine, the students can view the ocean from a periscope, listen to animal sounds, and hear animated questions asked by Ms. Frizzle’s students. In the submarine, the user navigates by turning the steering wheel and watching the picture on a monitor to tell what part of the ocean the submarine is currently in. Clicking on the gearshift when the destination is reached will stop the submarine. Upon arriving at their destination, Ms. Frizzle and her students plunge out of the bus and into the water fully equipped in scuba gear. Throughout the program students can click on many animated graphics to hear information about the plants and animals that occupy that section of the ocean. They can also conduct experiments and play games relevant to the information being presented. Reports about each zone can be found by clicking on the report monitor in the back of the bus. A question mark is always available to help the beginner explore the program and find more information.

Accuracy of Content

The content in this program is accurate and easy to understand. It provides an exciting overview of the ocean and the various life forms found within it. The factual content in this program may be difficult for children in first grade. However, the fascinating graphics will hold the attention of younger users while playing the games or listening to sounds of ocean animals. Mature users will be offered a plethora of information and can participate in the games at a more advanced level. This software is easy to read and use. The program is free of gender bias and Ms. Frizzle’s students are ethnically diverse.

Technical Quality

Once the student is introduced to the navigation system, which consists of maps and links, the program is easy to use. The question mark is always available as a help button to guide the student. Once in the submarine, the student can follow the same procedure each time he/she wishes to visit a different part of the ocean. This software is aesthetically pleasing. The array of colors and sounds of air bubbles while submerging underwater make this adventure seem very realistic. The use of quick-time further enhances the program by speeding up the bus's travel time, and moving the students from the bus into the ocean.

Use Of Technology

The multimedia used in this software is exceptional. As the user travels through the ocean, there are many sights and sounds to be discovered. This program provides many links. Prior to the user’s entering the submarine, a Driver’s License is created by choosing lips, a nose, hair, a name and age. This identification card records where the user has left off and serves as a save feature, so the user can return to the same point next time the software is used.

Role of Students

The students are empowered by this software, which promotes independent exploration of the ocean. They get to choose their destination by clicking on numerous graphics along the way. Demonstrations by the teacher may be helpful in initially familiarizing the students with the navigation system in order to maximize the potential of the program. Once the software is introduced by the teacher, students will be intrigued by the discoveries and information they encounter while underwater.

Role of Teacher

This program may initially be overwhelming for the user due to the amount of facts and choices available. The students will enjoy the animation as the teacher initially models the functions of some of the graphics and how to operate the submarine. This initial introduction will allow the students to utilize the program to its maximum potential. Students will benefit most from this program if it is used in conjunction with a study of the ocean. This will help to provide them with some of the background knowledge they will need to fully understand the graphics and facts being presented.

Classroom Usage

The ocean and the different plants and animals found in it are part of the upper elementary curriculum. This program can also be incorporated into units on a primary level. Students can use the program to generate explanations about why animals live in a certain part of the ocean, create stories about where in the ocean they would like to live and why, and draw pictures of their favorite ocean animal in its surroundings. This software can be used individually or with a group for instruction. The fun and exciting way this complex material is presented makes it understandable.

Critical Summary

This software provides an overview of the ocean and life within it. The animation and graphics make this an adventure like no textbook can. Filled with information and learning opportunities, this motivating program will inspire students to learn more about the ocean. Although this software is recommended for grades 1-5, initially it may be overwhelming for first and second graders. Whole class instruction will help teach these students how to navigate this software.

Overall Rating (based on a scale of 1 to 10) 9

Explanation of Rating

The Magic School Bus Explores the Ocean presents many interesting facts in an exciting way. Observing the ocean and hearing animal sounds provide multi-sensory cues to assist the students in comprehending the material. This program can be used to teach or review facts about the ocean.

Lesson Plan for the Magic School Bus Explores the Ocean