The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor 

The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor takes readers on an exciting underwater adventure with Ms. Frizzle and her students as they explore the ocean floor and learn about plate tectonics and the Earth’s geological processes.  

Written By Joanna Cole 

Illustrated by Bruce Degen 

Read Aloud: Artificial Intelligence is a Blast with Tynker 

Own it:  Amazon.com : magic school bus on the ocean floor  

Grade Level focus:  2nd-6th 

  

Teaching focus: The book focuses on teaching kids about the ocean floor, plate tectonics, and the movement of Earth’s crust. It’s a great resource to pair with lessons about natural disaster like hurricanes and tsunamis, which can be caused by shifts in the Earth’s plates.  

Addresses NCSS Themes:  

  • People, Places, and Environments 
  • Time, Continuity, and Change 

  

MI State SS Standards  

2-H2.0.2: Examine different perspectives of the same event in a community and explain how and why they are different.  

6-G1.2.1: Apply the skills of geographic inquiry to analyze a geographic problem or issue.  

Possible Essential Questions  

  1.    How do plate tectonics affect the environment? 
  1. What is the connection between plate movement and the formation of landforms? 
  1. How do different natural features like mountains, valleys, and volcanoes form due to tectonic activity? 
     
    Short Summary: 
     
    The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor follows Ms. Frizzle and her students as they take a field trip to explore the ocean floor. They learn about plate tectonics, the Earth’s crust, and how the movement of tectonic plates can shape landforms such as mountains and volcanoes. The book explains complex geological concepts in an engaging and easy-to-understand way, making it an excellent resource for teaching kids about Earth’s physical processes.  
     
     
    Additional Features:  
  • Fun illustrations of the ocean floor and tectonic plates 
  • Interactive learning about geological processes and the science behind earthquakes, volcanoes, and landform creation 
  • A great introduction to understanding Earth’s natural features and how they are shaped by plate movement 

  

Resources for further reading /Related lesson plans:  

  

  • PBS Learning - Plate Tectonics  

Related Primary Sources:  

  • Cole, J., & Degen, B. (1994). The Magic School Bus on the Ocean Floor. Scholastic.  

  

  

 

The Solar System

Written By Emily Bone

Illustrated by Terry Pastor and Tim Haggerty

In- Person Talk

Own it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DXc7aTEJRcM&t=2s

Grade Level focus: 6th-8th

Teaching focus: The Solar System – learning about how the sun, earth, and moon affect each other.

MI State SS Standards

https://www.michigan.gov/mde/-/media/Project/Websites/mde/Literacy/Content-Standards/Science_Standards.pdf?rev=a63819680d47402ca6c3858a191f6827&hash=DDABC35C110EB150C748F282D164EC84

 

MS-ESS1-1 Develop and use a model of the Earth-sun-moon system to describe the cyclic

patterns of lunar phases, eclipses of the sun and moon, and seasons

MS-ESS1-3 Analyze and interpret data to determine scale properties of objects in the solar

system

Possible Essential Questions

  •         Why do we have seasons, and how does Earth's axial tilt create them?
  •         How does the angle of sunlight affect temperature and daylight hours throughout the year?
  •         What causes the lunar eclipse?
  •         What is the difference between a solar and lunar eclipse?
  •         What are the phases of the Moon, and how do they change over time?

Short Summary:

The Solar System introduces young readers to the planets, moons, and celestial bodies that make up our solar system. It explains the relationships between the Sun, Earth, and Moon, providing detailed yet accessible explanations of lunar phases, eclipses, and seasonal changes. With engaging illustrations and easy-to-understand text, this book supports learning about space systems with real-world connections.

Additional Features: (end pages, author’s note, timeline, etc).

  •         End pages with fun space facts
  •         Author's note explaining the importance of space exploration
  •         Timeline of key discoveries in space science

Resources for further reading /Related lesson plans:

  •         NASA’s "Moon Phases and Eclipses" lesson plan
  •         Interactive simulations from ExploreLearning Gizmos
  •         Hands-on activities from the National Science Teaching Association (NSTA)

Related Primary Sources:

  •         NASA images and videos of lunar and solar eclipses
  •         Historical records of past eclipses
  •         Data from space missions such as the Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter

 

Title: Ocean: A Visual Encyclopedia

Author: DK
 Grade Level Focus: 5th–7th grade
 Teaching Focus: Marine ecosystems, ocean zones, and human impact on ocean life
 MI State Science Standards Alignment:

  • MS-LS2-2: Construct an explanation that predicts patterns of interactions among organisms across multiple ecosystems

  • MS-ESS3-3: Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing human impact on the environment

Possible Essential Questions:

  • How do organisms interact and adapt within marine ecosystems?

  • What are the major zones of the ocean, and how does life vary in each?

  • How does pollution affect ocean life and what can be done to reduce it?

Short Summary:
 This DK encyclopedia offers a stunning visual journey through Earth’s oceans. Students can explore sea creatures, ecosystems, ocean geography, and the environmental challenges facing our seas. With crisp photographs and bite-sized facts, this reference is perfect for station work or supporting independent research projects.

Additional Features:

  • Glossary of marine terms

  • Fact files on different ocean animals

  • Sections on climate change and pollution

Resources for Further Reading / Lesson Plans:

 Rocks and Minerals

Author: Eyewitness Books / DK Publishing
 Grade Level Focus: 5th–6th grade
 Teaching Focus: Earth's composition, rock cycle, and identifying minerals
 MI State Science Standards Alignment:

  • MS-ESS2-1: Develop a model to describe the cycling of Earth’s materials and the flow of energy that drives this process

  • MS-ESS2-2: Construct an explanation based on evidence for how geoscience processes have changed Earth’s surface at varying time and spatial scales

Possible Essential Questions:

  • What processes are involved in the rock cycle?

  • How can we classify and identify rocks and minerals?

  • How do geologic processes shape the Earth over time?

Short Summary:
 This highly visual book covers everything from the formation of igneous, sedimentary, and metamorphic rocks to how we use minerals in everyday life. With charts, diagrams, and striking photographs, it provides a comprehensive guide for young geologists. Perfect for rock and mineral labs or independent learning stations.

Additional Features:

  • Timeline of Earth's geologic history

  • Hands-on activity suggestions

  • “Did you know?” rock facts throughout

Resources for Further Reading / Lesson Plans:

The Way Things Work Now

Author: David Macaulay
 Grade Level Focus: 6th–8th grade
 Teaching Focus: Physics in real-world applications—machines, energy, and technology
 MI State Science Standards Alignment:

  • MS-PS3-3: Apply scientific principles to design, construct, and test a device that either minimizes or maximizes thermal energy transfer

  • MS-ETS1-1: Define the criteria and constraints of a design problem with sufficient precision to ensure a successful solution

Possible Essential Questions:

  • How does energy move through systems and machines?

  • What simple machines are used in everyday life?

  • How does technology evolve to solve problems?

Short Summary:
 This engaging and humorous illustrated guide to physics and mechanics explains everything from levers and pulleys to wifi and nuclear power. David Macaulay uses diagrams and funny woolly mammoths to help students grasp complex concepts in a way that's accessible and entertaining. Ideal for project-based learning or design challenge days.

Additional Features:

  • Illustrated glossary of mechanical concepts

  • Real-world applications of physics

  • Historical insights into invention and discovery

Resources for Further Reading / Lesson Plans:

Tracking Trash: Flotsam, Jetsam, and the Science of Ocean Motion

Author: Loree Griffin Burns
 Grade Level Focus: 5th–7th grade
 Teaching Focus: Ocean currents, pollution, and human impact on the environment
 MI State Science Standards Alignment:

  • MS-ESS3-3: Apply scientific principles to design a method for monitoring and minimizing human impact on the environment

  • MS-ESS2-6: Develop and use a model to describe how unequal heating and rotation of the Earth cause patterns of atmospheric and oceanic circulation

Possible Essential Questions:

  • What can floating trash teach us about ocean currents?

  • How do ocean currents move and affect ecosystems?

  • What strategies can we use to reduce marine pollution?

Short Summary:
 This nonfiction narrative follows the journey of oceanographer Curtis Ebbesmeyer as he uses floating debris (like rubber duckies) to map ocean currents. Blending storytelling with science, the book captures the curiosity and real-world impact of studying Earth’s water systems.

Additional Features:

  • Maps showing current movement

  • Profiles of environmental scientists

  • Real case studies of ocean pollution

Resources for Further Reading / Lesson Plans:

 

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