Magic School Bus Volcano Adventure

Other products by Microsoft

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 4.8 ounces
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00005JG02
• Item model number: G06-00003
• Date first available at Amazon.com: April 30, 2001
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #9,077 in Software (See Bestsellers in Software)

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  Software > Children's Software > Science & Nature

• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review
Miss Frizzle gleefully leads a pack of kids to the red-hot edge of an active volcano, to burn information into their curious brains about magma, a'a, and Krakatoa. Most parents would gladly let this wonderfully wacky lady take their kids wading in lava, and we heartily endorse the "learning is good" spirit of Magic School Bus, which is abundantly present in this fine field trip.

However, we feel that the folks who design the Magic School Bus programs would do well to add some new shtick to their repertoire. Structurally, this program is a mirror of other MSB offerings: kids can explore 10 activities inside of the school bus, or leave the bus and go volcano-side to learn factoids from the Magic School Bus Kids and play a few more games. Though these programs always emphasize freeform learning, the folks who design the programs cling to this now tiresome "in the bus," "out of the bus" formula.

That complaint aside, the activities use real-life volcanoes, 3-D graphics, and multiple photographic and video images of spewing lava and underwater steam vents. Visually, Magic School Bus Volcano Adventure is fantastic.

Some of the activities inspire experimentation and learning. A "make your own volcano" lab invites kids to combine three amounts of gas with three thicknesses of magma, then renders the recipe's results: a volcano that either explodes or seeps depending on the combination of materials used. "Dare to Compare" features four real-life volcanoes (Mount St. Helens, Krakatoa, Mauna Loa, and Eldfell) and compelling graphics and information about what sets these volcanoes apart. A world map highlights volcanic activity around the globe. A site called "Green Machine" allows kids to plant trees and watch them colonize on the stark gray flanks of a volcano. Then they can cause an eruption, wipe out the burgeoning life, and start all over.

Kids can play volcano games with three levels: in "Operation Rescue," they use spatial skills to guide hot lava down a slope and away from homes and cars. Speedy mousing and evasive maneuvers come into play in "Rub-a-Dub" as kids maneuver a submarine around steaming vents and lava tubes to collect volcanic rocks. And a game called "Leaping Lava" could cause survivors of Mount St. Helens to have flashbacks. Players must guide the Magic School Bus across multiple mudflows by hopping from log to log and avoiding burning lava patches. During this one, the Magic School Bus theme music plays in a minor key. It's rather creepy.

Volcano Adventure will please most junior volcanologists. But if your child can already pronounce "pahoehoe" and knows the difference between lava and magma, they'll quickly tire of having only the inside of the bus, or the rim of the volcano, to visit. (Ages 6 to 10) --Anne Erickson

Amazon.com Product Description
Share the excitement with Ms. Frizzle, her class, and their pal Liz as they go on a thrilling volcano adventure. Discover the explosive wonder of thesequaking giants and learn about different volcanoes from around the world. Play Operation Rescue, create cool art with the Green Machine, perform zanyexperiments, and complete fun art projects.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars a disappointment, but entertaining, November 27, 2003

By	Robert J. Crawford (Balmette Talloires, France) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

My son is nuts for volcanoes, so this appeared a natural for him. It is somewhat informative and has some great images, but he ran through it in about an hour and shows no interest in going back to it. When you get down to it, most cd-roms are just multiple choice exams but without penalties for guessing wrong. We should not expect much more from them, and at the price that this cost, I could have taken him myself to a movie for a longer entertainment! Nonetheless, this one does introduce kids to the tools of scientists better than other magic school bus cd-roms I have seen, but it doesn't do much to teach anything about the way that scientists think and work.

4 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars My seven year old son now loves volcanoes, December 7, 2002

By A Customer

My seven year old son now loves volcanoes after playing with the Magic School Bus Volcano Adventure. He has enjoyed all the games which he has played repeatedly. Some of the games don't seem to be as educational as other Magic School Bus adventures, but overall, my boy loves it.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wow, Volcanoes Rock Here!!, July 1, 2004

By	Frank Beckendorf "Frank from Chalmette and no... (Abilene, TX USA) - See all my reviews

Microsoft keeps putting out educational software that rocks for kids. As a teacher, regular and special education, I welcome every issue Microsoft tackles. For several reasons. I know it's gonna be good. Educational. Compelling. Enjoying....

As a parent of a seven year old, I know what good software can mean to a child. Microsoft knows, too. You will...if you buy this issue.