More Information
Odor Detectives printable

SUBJECT
Science, Five Senses

GRADE
Pre-K-2

AGE
4-8

Source
The Magic School Bus: Science Fun Activities
Lessons designed to help you use Scholastic's The Magic School Bus as a supplement to your curriculum. The activities provided build on children's interest in The Magic School Bus and offer lots of opportunities to engage them in hands-on learning. Remember what Ms. Frizzle says, "Get out there and explore!"

The Magic School Bus Makes a Stink

Field Trip Notes
Flora Whiff, the famous expert on smell - whose nose knows - comes to school to judge the First Annual Smell Search. Ms. Frizzles class creates a unique smell that is bound to take first prize, but Janet, determined to win herself, changes their smell to an odor only a skunk could love. The kids discover the secret to what makes things smell. Now can they find a way to make sure their creation doesnt make a big stink?

Going Hands-On

Ms. Frizzle's Ideas for the Day

Time: 20 minutes
Group Size: 4-6

Ms. Frizzles class explores Janets nose to learn how we smell. Your kids investigate how well their own odor detectors can identify smells.

What You Need

  • 4 plastic film canisters, plus 1 for each group
  • 4 objects with strong odors
  • Hole punch
  • Copies of ODOR DETECTIVES page

Talk About It

Pizza Day: by Carlos

Ask: What smells can you identify?

What To Do

  1. Number the canisters. Punch a hole in each lid.
  2. Put a strong-smelling object in each canister. Some ideas: cotton balls soaked with perfume, ammonia, spices, citrus peel, soap, toothpaste, coffee, tea, pencil shavings, flavored breakfast cereals, pizza.
  3. Tell students to sniff gently. Caution them not to touch lids with their noses.
  4. Rotate the canisters among groups for identification and response to the odor. Ask: Do odors send a message to you? What are some signals these odors send to you?
  5. Let each group create an odor challenge for the others. Ask: How did you choose your odor? 

Next Stop

Ask: Do smells need time to travel from the source to your nose? Group kids at the back of the room. Uncap a mystery bottle of perfume or aftershave. Time how long it takes kids to detect the odor.

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    The Magic School Bus and the Science Fair Expedition

    The Magic School Bus and the Science Fair Expedition

    It's the 20th Anniversary of The Magic School Bus! Celebrate this groundbreaking series with the Friz's class as they meet some of history's greatest minds and learn what it takes to be a scientist. The class heads to the Walkerville Science Museum to see the exhibit on GREAT SCIENTISTS THROUGH THE AGES, where, suddenly, Galileo comes to life! He is about to make a great discovery, but he needs a ride home. Thank goodness Ms. Frizzle knows the way!

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    Magic School Bus World of Germs Science Kit

    Magic School Bus World of Germs Science Kit

    Ms Frizzle and her students take Young Scientists on a wild ride into the world of germs with these thrilling experiments. Young Scientists will grow bacteria and fungi, test antibiotics, make a fungus bubble, explore antibiotics, grow mold, wake up fungi, cultivate bacteria in yogurt, use yeast to inflate a balloon, and much, much more!

    Seatbelts, everyone! Get ready to discover The World of Germs!

    Based on the popular Magic School Bus book series by Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen, this kit includes a colorful booklet featuring Ms. Frizzle and friends, along with all the tools needed to perform ten exciting, hands-on experiments.

    Materials:

    • 20-page booklet with complete instructions
    • 3 measuring cups
    • 3 test tubes
    • 5 petri dishes
    • Test tube rack
    • Measuring spoon
    • Eyedropper
    • Agar
    • Chicken bouillon
    • Yeast
    • Antibiotic ointment
    • 10 cotton swabs
    • One balloon
    Note to parents:
    We recommend that all experiments be performed under adult supervision.

    $19.95
    toys and games;activity and science kits;science kits and projects | Ages 6-10
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    Magic School Bus World of Germs Science Kit
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