The Magic School Bus Explores the Solar System

Wow.... blast off into an interactive, multimedia adventure of interplanetary fun. That's what is in store from Microsoft Home Corporation. $50.00. Available on CD-ROM for Windows.
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Content

This CD begins in the classroom with the students and teacher for the PBS series and the Scholastic book series of the same name. The user can click on most any picture and see lots of exciting activity.

The room is lined with student reports on the different planets. The user can click on any report to see and hear facts about that planet. Pictures are of real shots of the planets.

Once the user begins the field-trip into outerspace, Ms. Friz gets lost while going through the asteroid belt. It is now up to the user to help the students find Ms. Friz.

The user must explore different planets, hear reports, and play the "Whatsit" game in order to win coins. These coins are placed in a special slot on the transformed school bus. Earning these coins allows the user to hear clues in order to locate their missing teacher. [Top of Page]


Ease of Use

It is very easy to maneuver around this game. There are no long wait times for operation changes or links, therefore no frustration using program.

The graphics are very colorful and attractive. Liz the lizard is always hanging around to repeat the directions or help out whenever needed. [Top of Page]


Audience

The Magic School Bus Explores the Solar System is both entertaining and educational. A great game for any 8-12 year old.

This could be used in combination with the video and book of the same name. The facts are short and concise. Students could record facts to help with their own reports. An instruction book, which includes a pass port section and stickers, is included with this CD-ROM. [Top of Page]


Installation Details

This CD is easy to install and run. Step by step instructions are given in the accompanying booklet. A list of numbers is also included for trouble-shooting if the user has problems with installation.

The system requirements are: a 386 processor or better, 4 MB of RAM, SVGA 256 color monitor, Microsoft Windows 3.1 with Multimedia Extensions, compatible CD-ROM drive, compatible sound card, mouse, and speakers. [Top of Page]


Other Reviews

Ulanoff, Lance. "Top 100 CD-ROMs." PC Magazine. June, 27, 1995. Page 138:
     "...stunning videos and facts are interspersed with
      different activities." 

Review by Sandy Teague. Sandy has an MLIS endorsement from UT Austin (July 1995).
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