Ep 12. Cold Feet
- TV-Y
- November 25, 1995
- 25 min
-
7.5 (52)
Ms. Frizzle and her class of curious students are back for another exciting adventure on The Magic School Bus! In season 2, episode 12, entitled "Cold Feet," the gang sets out to explore the fascinating world of why animals have adaptations for different environments and conditions.
When the episode starts, the kids are all bundled up for a snowy day at school. They're discussing how animals are able to survive in such extreme conditions with all that snow and ice around them. Arnold speaks up and wonders how certain animals like penguins, polar bears, and arctic foxes are able to walk on the snow without sinking into it. Ms. Frizzle, always up for an adventure, suggests they find out by going on an incredible field trip!
The class hops aboard the Magic School Bus, and soon enough, they're traveling across the snowy north pole. They meet up with a group of penguins waddling around in the snow, and Ms. Frizzle explains to the kids how their feet are specially adapted to the cold weather. Their feathers help to keep them warm, and their waterproof coating allows them to swim in icy waters. They also have a special gland that helps them to extract salt from seawater, which is crucial for their survival in their icy environment.
After the penguin encounter, the class keeps moving on their voyages of discovery. They come across a pack of wolves running through the snow, and the kids take notice of how their feet are different than the penguins. They have big, broad paws that help them to run through the snow and ice, which keeps them from sinking down too low. Ms. Frizzle explains that wolves also have a thick fur coat that insulates their bodies from the cold climate.
The journey continues as the class discovers different animals with unique adaptations to their snowy habitats. They come across a polar bear that has powerful paws that help it to hunt and travel across the icy terrain. The kids also get to witness how narwhals, a type of whale with a long tusk-like tooth, use their unique feature to break through the thick ice.
As the episode progresses, the class eventually comes across a musk ox, which is a large mammal that inhabits the tundra region. Ms. Frizzle explains to the kids about the thick fur coats and insulating underfur that keeps the animal warm and protected from the cold. The musk ox also has strong hooves that allow it to dig through the snow to access the grass underneath.
The group even goes inside an igloo to see how people living in those regions adapt to the weather. They take notice of the different materials used to create the igloo, how the ice walls and ceilings help insulate the dwelling, and how people use furs and other materials to stay warm and comfortable.
Throughout the episode, the class learns about the many different adaptations that animals and humans have developed to survive in such an extreme environment. They also see how different animals in the same environment have different adaptations depending on their species and needs. By the end of the episode, they come away with a newfound appreciation for the intricate adaptations that make survival in these cold regions possible.
The Magic School Bus season 2 episode 12, "Cold Feet," is an exciting and educational episode that will take viewers on an unforgettable trip to some of the coldest regions on Earth. With their thirst for knowledge and curiosity, Ms. Frizzle and her class learn about the many incredible ways that animals and people have adapted to survive in these harsh environments. Whether you're an animal lover, a science enthusiast, or just looking for some winter-themed fun, this episode is sure to leave you feeling inspired and informed.