Children's Science Book Database

The Magic School Bus Inside the Human Body

This book fosters development of processes because throughout the story there is a progression of what science is taking place. There are more engaging aspects in the beginning of the story and then toward the end there is full exploration in the story.
  • Author: Joanna Cole
  • Illustrator: Bruce Degen
  • Year Published: 1989
  • ISBN: 0-590-41427-5

Science Topics

Minimum Suggested Grade Level

Maximum Suggested Grade Level

Summary

Arnold has swallowed the Magic School Bus and now instead of seeing an exhibit of the human body at eat museum, the class is taking a look at Arnold's insides.

Evaluation

  • Appropriateness: High
  • Authority: High
  • Accuracy: High
  • Liteary Artistry: High
  • Appearance: High

Questions

Does the book foster development of processes?

This book fosters development of processes because throughout the story there is a progression of what science is taking place. There are more engaging aspects in the beginning of the story and then toward the end there is full exploration in the story.

Does the book provide an opportunity for children to ask and answer their own questions?

The book does provide many opportunities for children to ask and answer their own questions. The book has many small subheadings and conversations and writings that are shown throughout the illustrations. In these illustrations there are key terms defined and places where it even shows the students in the classroom in the book asking and answering their own questions.

Does the book encourage children to think for themselves?

This book does encourage students tot think for themselves.  also believe that this book allows students to think in a creative way, or w way they might not have before by showing the inside of the body in a way we physically would never be able to travel through.

Is the science topic addressed in ways that are appropriate to the lesson?

The science topic is addressed in an appropriate and imaginative way. The lesson would be a it more abstract, however, it allows students to explore science in a way that they would not normally do in their own science classroom.

Is the content based on sound scientific principles? Is it accurate?

The content of this book is based on scientific principles. However it is a fictional story, and students would not actually be able to travel in a school bus through one of their classmates insides.

Does the book distinguish between fact and fiction?

The book is fiction and I believe does show a difference in what is real and what is fake. Although, I would still explain to students and give a preface of the story that, we would not actually be able to do something like this.

Are the illustrations clear and accurate?

The illustrations are what makes the story interesting. The illustrations show the accurate drawings and shapes and sizes of what a real human body would look like.

Is the book written at the level of your students?

This book is written at an appropriate level for my students. There are some words that would be new to them, but the definition and explanation of what the word means is clearly laid out for them to see and learn about.

Is there a multicultural component? Is it free from stereotyping?

In the book there are different ethnic backgrounds that the children represent in the classroom of Ms. Frizzle. The language and interactions between different students did not have any stereotyping involved.

Is the book free from gender bias?

The book does a great job at being free from gender bias. The author made sure to note that the students can be scientists and the there is not age or gender that scientists have to be to learn and explore.

Does the book show the close association between science and other disciplines?

The book does tie in different subjects with the science topic. It may not be clearly written out, but there are many implications that can lead into discussion in other subject fields.

Does the book present a positive attitude toward science and technology?

The book does present a positive attitude toward science and technology. I wish there were more practical ways that technology was used in the story, but I do realize that this book is a bit older and there may not be practical science technology used in such a fictional story.