BE SWEPT BY THE STORM!

With such unpredictable weather in our area, it’s never too early to explain to kids the importance of weather tracking, as it plays a major role on where they live and even what they wear! Through the exhibit’s hands-on components, they can study how meteorologists monitor these fascinating climatic changes and learn to appreciate the beauty and danger of our environment.

Join Ms. Frizzle™—the irrepressible teacher with a taste for adventure, her sidekick, Liz—the lizard, and a school bus that changes into just about anything, in an exploration about weather phenomena!  Find out what causes lightning and why it takes a few seconds later to hear thunder. Why do we have seasons? What causes tornadoes and hurricanes? The Magic School Bus™ will put the pedal to the metal answering these questions in an engaging and exciting ride!

WONDER THUNDER
“Weather may be majestic, but explaining it to kids could be quite the opposite,” explained Keith Ostfeld, Director of Exhibit Design. “The Magic School Bus™ Kicks Up A Storm is a fun and easy way to spark interest in them; they know the characters, and the lingo is simple enough for parents to explain, and for kids to soak up the information.”

Kids will learn about the different types of weather and characteristics. They’ll read natural world indicators to predict the weather and manipulate scientific measurement tools, such as thermometers and anemometers. Plus, they’ll get the behind-the-scenes scoop on how to read maps and graphs like real meteorologists!

A FUN FORECAST
Climb aboard The Magic School Bus™ bus which has been transformed into The Weather Observatory. In there, measure lightning and discover how it is created through a recreation of a thunderstorm. Learn about snowstorms, high winds and rain experiencing them first-hand! Or, take it to the next level by mixing up your own weather and creating your own weather tools.

Visit the Walkerville Weather Center where you’ll watch and interpret LIVE Weather data over the Internet and post it on the Local Weather Board. Then, try your hand at being the weatherman “live” from the Frizzle News Network (FNN-TV) studio to report the weather just like your favorite meteorologist.

Ms. Frizzle's Classroom is filled with science projects created by her inquisitive students to introduce the study of weather with a serious twist—science with an attitude! Check out Ms. Frizzle’s Weather Bureau and explore a variety of climatic regions and how people adapt to them. Learn how weather determines what we wear, where we live, what we eat, or do to entertain ourselves! Plus, join Liz for exciting hands-on experiments, as she makes special appearances at the Museum!
 
Through Ralphie’s Hot Air Balloon Race, send miniature hot air balloons sailing over a heated surface to capture rising heat and learn about its important role in weather.  In Tim’s Hot Backyard, compare the effects of heat on a variety of surfaces or at Keesha’s Wind Globe, watch global wind patterns and how wind is created. Learn how the Earth’s tilt is the reason for the seasons as you explore Dorothy Ann’s Ring Around the Seasons!

ABOUT THE MAGIC SCHOOL BUS™ KICKS UP A STORM
Scholastic's The Magic School Bus™ Kicks Up A Storm was created by the Children’s Museum of Houston, in collaboration with Scholastic Entertainment. Funds for the project’s design, development, construction and maintenance have been provided by a $1.6 million grant from the National Science Foundation.