The Magic School Bus at the Waterworks
by Joanna Cole
8.62 / 10 7.1K ratings
- Language
- English
- Published
- 2004
- Publisher
- Scholastic Incorporated
- Pages
- 39
- ISBN
- 9780833517449
Join Ms. Frizzle and her class on their first extraordinary field trip to the waterworks, where a seemingly ordinary outing transforms into an immersive adventure. When the class boards the Magic School Bus, they are transported into the very heart of the water cycle, shrinking to the size of raindrops. Readers will journey alongside them as they flow through streams, travel through a water treatment plant, and emerge from a faucet, discovering the intricate process of how water gets from the sky to their homes. This story combines scientific facts about water purification and the water cycle with an imaginative narrative, offering an engaging look at an essential natural process.
Subjects
- Subjects
- Action & Adventure
- Children's Books
- Science & Math
- Earth Sciences
- CHILDREN'S FICTION
- Juvenile Fiction
- For National Curriculum Key Stage 1
- Science
- Technology
- Environment
- Media Tie-In
- School & Education
- Juvenile Nonfiction
- Social Topics
- Science & Nature
- Values & Virtues
- Astronomy & Space Science
- Young Adult Nonfiction
- Science & Technology
- How Things Work-Are Made
- Water (Oceans, Lakes, etc.)
- Solar System
- Hydrology
Original edition
The Magic School Bus at the WaterworksOriginally published in 1986 English Scholastic
Other editions (20)
Listen to the summary Narrated summary
"Our class really has bad luck. This year, we got Ms. Frizzle, the strangest teacher in school." Her hair, a wild red tangle, seemed to have a life of its own, and her dresses were always adorned with some peculiar, science-themed motif. We never knew what to expect with the Friz, and most of us braced ourselves for the unexpected. When she announced a field trip to the waterworks, a collective groan rippled through the classroom. "The waterworks?" Arnold whined, "That sounds so boring compared to trips other classes get!" Little did we know, with Ms. Frizzle at the wheel, nothing was ever truly boring.
We piled onto the Magic School Bus, which, to our surprise, Ms. Frizzle herself was driving. The bus, usually yellow, began to shimmer as we entered a dark tunnel, emerging on the other side plastered with images of octopuses. Suddenly, we were all wearing bright red swimming outfits, a strange transformation that left us bewildered but Ms. Frizzle unfazed. Then, the bus did something truly astonishing: it floated up, up, and away, parking itself right on a fluffy white cloud.
"Everyone out!" Ms. Frizzle declared, her voice echoing with an adventurous spirit. We hesitated, but a stern warning about extra homework sent us tumbling out of the bus and onto the cloud. That's when the real magic began. We started to shrink, smaller and smaller, until each of us was no bigger than a tiny raindrop. Suddenly, the cloud opened up, and we plummeted, not in fear, but with a strange exhilaration, raining down into a rushing river below.
The current grabbed us, pulling us along a winding stream, a exhilarating journey that made us feel like specks of water ourselves. We raced past trees and rocks, a part of the natural flow, until the river led us into a vast reservoir. From there, our watery adventure continued, as we were swept into the intricate network of the town's water purification system.
Inside the waterworks, we tumbled through giant pipes, experiencing firsthand the journey water takes to become clean and safe. We saw the screens that filtered out large debris, the settling tanks where impurities sank to the bottom, and the intricate processes of filtration and sanitization. It was a dizzying, fascinating ride, as we learned how every drop of water is meticulously treated before it reaches anyone's home.
Our journey through the water system concluded in the most unexpected way. After flowing through countless pipes, we suddenly found ourselves spurting out of a faucet in the girls' bathroom back at our very own school! As the water gushed, we grew back to our normal size, dripping wet but filled with an incredible understanding of the water cycle and the hidden world of the waterworks. Ms. Frizzle, of course, was there to greet us, a knowing smile on her face, as if she'd known all along that a trip to the "boring" waterworks would be the most exciting field trip of our lives.
We piled onto the Magic School Bus, which, to our surprise, Ms. Frizzle herself was driving. The bus, usually yellow, began to shimmer as we entered a dark tunnel, emerging on the other side plastered with images of octopuses. Suddenly, we were all wearing bright red swimming outfits, a strange transformation that left us bewildered but Ms. Frizzle unfazed. Then, the bus did something truly astonishing: it floated up, up, and away, parking itself right on a fluffy white cloud.
"Everyone out!" Ms. Frizzle declared, her voice echoing with an adventurous spirit. We hesitated, but a stern warning about extra homework sent us tumbling out of the bus and onto the cloud. That's when the real magic began. We started to shrink, smaller and smaller, until each of us was no bigger than a tiny raindrop. Suddenly, the cloud opened up, and we plummeted, not in fear, but with a strange exhilaration, raining down into a rushing river below.
The current grabbed us, pulling us along a winding stream, a exhilarating journey that made us feel like specks of water ourselves. We raced past trees and rocks, a part of the natural flow, until the river led us into a vast reservoir. From there, our watery adventure continued, as we were swept into the intricate network of the town's water purification system.
Inside the waterworks, we tumbled through giant pipes, experiencing firsthand the journey water takes to become clean and safe. We saw the screens that filtered out large debris, the settling tanks where impurities sank to the bottom, and the intricate processes of filtration and sanitization. It was a dizzying, fascinating ride, as we learned how every drop of water is meticulously treated before it reaches anyone's home.
Our journey through the water system concluded in the most unexpected way. After flowing through countless pipes, we suddenly found ourselves spurting out of a faucet in the girls' bathroom back at our very own school! As the water gushed, we grew back to our normal size, dripping wet but filled with an incredible understanding of the water cycle and the hidden world of the waterworks. Ms. Frizzle, of course, was there to greet us, a knowing smile on her face, as if she'd known all along that a trip to the "boring" waterworks would be the most exciting field trip of our lives.
What other readers say
Liked
The reviews overwhelmingly praise "The Magic School Bus At the Waterworks" as an exceptionally engaging and informative introduction to science. Readers consistently highlight the book's unique ability to blend scientific accuracy with imaginative adventure, making complex topics like the water cycle and purification accessible and exciting for young minds. Ms. Frizzle, the eccentric and inspiring teacher, is frequently celebrated as a memorable character who fosters a love for learning, supported by vibrant and detailed illustrations that enhance the storytelling. Many reviewers commend the book for its well-researched content, interesting facts, and its capacity to make even seemingly "boring" subjects fascinating. The interactive elements, such as character asides and additional information, are also appreciated for enriching the learning experience.
Disliked
While largely positive, some reviews offered minor criticisms. One reviewer found the book to be "shallow and pedantic," suggesting it may not resonate with all readers. A few mentioned that the storylines can be a bit silly at times. Additionally, the dense amount of information, conversations, and detailed asides on each page means the books are not short reads and can take a considerable amount of time to get through, which might be a consideration for some.
In short
Overall, "The Magic School Bus At the Waterworks" is widely regarded as a classic and highly effective educational tool. It is strongly recommended for young readers, particularly those in elementary school (grades 1-3, or even up to 5th grade, with some suggesting ages 7-11), and is considered ideal for introducing scientific concepts in a fun and memorable way. The book is perfect for children who enjoy imaginative stories and want to learn about the world around them, as well as for teachers seeking engaging material for science lessons or read-aloud sessions. Its enduring popularity and the nostalgic appeal for adult readers further cement its status as a valuable resource for fostering curiosity and a passion for science.
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