Ep 2. In The Arctic
- TV-Y
- September 21, 1996
- 25 min
-
8.1 (48)
Based on the well-loved children's book series created by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen, The Magic School Bus follows the adventures of Ms. Frizzle and her class as they embark on exciting field trips in their magical school bus.
In season 3 episode 2 titled "In The Arctic," Ms. Frizzle takes her students on a journey to the frozen tundra of the Arctic. The class is excited to learn about the different animals that inhabit the Arctic and how they've adapted to the extreme environment.
As they arrive in the Arctic, the students experience firsthand the freezing temperatures and harsh conditions. Ms. Frizzle reminds her class about the importance of dressing warmly and protecting themselves from the cold.
Their first stop is a research station where they meet a group of scientists who study the effects of climate change on the Arctic ecosystem. The students learn about how the melting ice is affecting the animals that live in the area and how it's causing a ripple effect throughout the food chain.
Ms. Frizzle wants her class to experience the Arctic animals for themselves, so they climb aboard the magical school bus and shrink down to the size of penguins. They slide on their bellies and waddle around, exploring the frozen landscape. The students are amazed by the penguins' ability to adapt and survive in such a harsh environment.
Next, the class meets a pod of beluga whales. They learn about their migration patterns and how they communicate with each other using echolocation. The students are fascinated and get to experience echolocation for themselves through an interactive lesson with one of the whales.
As they continue their journey, the group comes across a herd of caribou. Ms. Frizzle explains how they migrate in search of food and how they've adapted to have large, mushy feet to walk on the snow. The class watches in awe as the caribou race past them, kicking up snow in their wake.
The students also have a chance to visit a polar bear den. They learn about the polar bear's unique adaptations and how they're able to survive in one of the harshest environments on Earth. The group also watches as the polar bears hunt for food, catching seals and using their powerful jaws to break through the icy surface of the water.
Finally, as the sun sets on their Arctic adventure, the class gathers around a campfire where Ms. Frizzle shares a traditional Inuit story about the Northern Lights. The students are spellbound as they listen to the tale of how the lights are created and the importance of respecting the natural world around us.
As the episode comes to a close, Ms. Frizzle reminds her students about the importance of taking care of the environment and the need to protect the delicate balance of the Arctic ecosystem. The students board the magical school bus and head back to school, filled with newfound knowledge and appreciation for the wonders of the Arctic.
Overall, "In The Arctic" is an educational and entertaining episode of The Magic School Bus that teaches children about the unique animals and environment of the Arctic while instilling a sense of responsibility and respect for nature.