The Magic School Bus Rides Again - Waste Not, Want Not (S2E11)
Every person and animal poops. But the class isn't convinced that this so-called "brown gold" is as valuable as DA's famous inventor uncle says it is.
| Runtime (min) | 25 |
|---|---|
| Air Date | 2018-04-13 |
| Genres | Kids, Animation |
| TV Rating | TV-Y |
Storyline
In the episode "Waste Not, Want Not," the Magic School Bus class embarks on a journey to discover the truth about poop, which is humorously referred to as "brown gold" by DA's inventor uncle. Skeptical of its value, the students are initially resistant to the idea that animal and human waste can be beneficial. However, their adventure begins when they board the bus and dive into the science behind waste.
As they explore, the students learn how poop contributes to the environment, from enriching soil to supporting plant growth. The class encounters various animals and their waste, gaining a newfound perspective on the ecological importance of this often-taboo topic. By the end of the episode, the students come to appreciate the role of waste in the natural cycle of life, transforming their skepticism into understanding.
What Parents Say
Many parents may wonder how this episode addresses a potentially sensitive topic like poop. The show handles it humorously and educationally, making the subject approachable for children. By presenting waste as a valuable resource, it not only demystifies the topic but also encourages discussions about recycling and sustainability in a fun and engaging way.
Additionally, parents might appreciate the episode's focus on science and environmental education. It fosters curiosity in young viewers, prompting them to think critically about nature and the role of waste in our ecosystems. The characters' adventures make learning enjoyable, reinforcing the idea that science is all around us, even in unexpected places.
What Children Can Learn
Kids learn that every living organism contributes to the cycle of life, and waste plays an essential role in this process. Throughout their journey, the class discovers how animal poop can fertilize plants, support ecosystems, and even be used in innovative inventions. This not only makes the science behind waste relatable but also highlights its importance in nature.
Furthermore, the episode teaches children about sustainability and the value of recycling resources. By showcasing how waste can be transformed into something beneficial, it encourages young viewers to think about their own impact on the environment and the importance of caring for our planet. The humor and engaging storytelling help solidify these concepts in a memorable way.
Five Most Asked Questions
Here are some common questions parents might have about the episode "Waste Not, Want Not" from The Magic School Bus Rides Again.
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What scientific concepts are introduced in this episode? | The episode introduces children to concepts of decomposition, nutrient cycling, and the importance of waste in ecosystems. It explains how poop can enrich soil, support plant growth, and contribute to the health of the environment, making these scientific ideas fun and relatable. |
| How does the episode handle the topic of poop? | The show approaches the topic of poop with humor and creativity, reframing it as "brown gold." This playful terminology helps to destigmatize the subject for children, presenting it as a natural and valuable part of life that can lead to important ecological discussions. |
| Are there any moral lessons in this episode? | Yes, the episode emphasizes the importance of valuing all aspects of nature, including waste. It teaches children not to overlook the significance of something as seemingly unappealing as poop, encouraging them to appreciate and understand the interconnectedness of all living things. |
| How can parents continue the conversation about this episode with their kids? | Parents can engage with their children by discussing the importance of recycling and composting at home. They can encourage kids to think about where their waste goes and how it can be repurposed, connecting the lessons from the episode to real-life practices that support sustainability. |
| What makes this episode entertaining for kids? | The episode combines humor, engaging characters, and an adventurous storyline to make learning about poop enjoyable. The lively animation and fun dialogue keep children entertained while they absorb important scientific concepts, making this educational experience memorable. |
Cast
Writing
Directing
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Change is good for everyone except Arnold, who's worried that a new teacher - Ms. Frizzle's young sister - will alter the class's "ecosystem". |
| 1 | 2 | A field trip to the world's windiest mountain helps Keesha and the class strengthen a set piece for a sequel to "The Three Little Pigs". |
| 1 | 3 | Ms. Frizzle takes the class to Hawaii where an overprotecting Wanda gets schooled when she's forced to think like a tiny little fish. |
| 1 | 4 | Tim pens an original comic book for the school's upcoming time capsule ceremony that pits Weatherman against Captain Rock Man. But who will win? |
| 1 | 5 | While visiting a mountain made of magnetite, Ralphie and the class shrink to subatomic size to get some hot tips for their disorganized dance troupe. |
| 1 | 6 | Carlos plans to convince the principal to let the students keep a pet rat in the classroom. But first, he'll have to stop sneezing. |
| 1 | 7 | Determined to outwit an old rival, DA applies the art of animal camouflage to a schoolwide game of extreme hide-and-seek. |
| 1 | 8 | A lesson on water and its three basic forms -- solid, liquid and gas -- inspires Jyoti's submission for a "3-in-1 Gizmo That Goes" contest. |
| 1 | 9 | An out-of-this world class trip takes the students up into space, where a selfie-obsessed Keesha accidentally sparks disaster. |
| 1 | 10 | An icy glacier's eye-opening birth story helps a data-driven DA -- who's not one for public speaking -- deliver a talk to a sold-out crowd. |
| 1 | 11 | The class constructs a giant robot with help from brainy scientist Dr. Sarah Bellum, then takes a look inside Ralphie's nervous system. |
| 1 | 12 | A skittish Arnold looks to alternative energy sources to help keep his fears at bay while camping outdoors with Ms. Frizzle and the class. |
| 1 | 13 | Ms. Frizzle turns the Magic School Bus into a submarine to take the class into the ocean's darkest depths and retrieve Jyoti's high-tech locket. |
| Season # | Episode # | Episode Name |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | When the class gets an invite to compete on Tim's favorite TV game show, the bus takes them all back in time to bone up on how fossils are formed. |
| 2 | 2 | From scratch marks to stolen pepperoni slices, the science classroom's a mess -- and all clues seem to point to Wanda's bird friend, Marty the Magpie. |
| 2 | 3 | Wanda's been so busy planning this year's Fall Fun Feast that she forgot about the food. Now her only hope is a farm that's supposedly haunted. Gulp! |
| 2 | 4 | Ms. Frizzle and the class race across the internet to recover a digitized Arnold before Jyoti's grandmother accidentally deletes him. |
| 2 | 5 | The kids learn to see the world through the eyes of different animals when a careless Arnold loses Carlos's pet rat -- then turns her invisible! |
| 2 | 6 | While building (and rebuilding) their own space rover to tackle the terrain on a faraway planet, Jyoti and the class learn that it's OK to fail. |
| 2 | 7 | A race between competitive brothers Carlos and Mikey takes the gang to the top of an in-pasta-ble mountain, where they learn about simple machines. |
| 2 | 8 | The kids go looking for rain to test out Jyoti's latest invention, "The Autobrella," only to wind up with their heads stuck in the clouds. |
| 2 | 9 | A little math helps Ralphie make complicated midair calculations when his cousins recruit him to join their high-flying circus act. |
| 2 | 10 | Ralphie doesn't believe Tim when he tells him that trees can talk, so Ms. Frizzle takes the class to a forest that's louder than it looks. |
| 2 | 11 | Every person and animal poops. But the class isn't convinced that this so-called "brown gold" is as valuable as DA's famous inventor uncle says it is. |
| 2 | 12 | The bus takes Ms. Frizzle and the class deep inside Arnold's cousin Janet to learn why our genes makes us look, act and feel the way we do. |
| 2 | 13 | A field trip to the center of the sun takes a dangerous detour when the school's safety-conscious principal, Mr. Ruhle, tags along. |
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