An official website of the United States government.

This is not the current EPA website. To navigate to the current EPA website, please go to www.epa.gov. This website is historical material reflecting the EPA website as it existed on January 19, 2021. This website is no longer updated and links to external websites and some internal pages may not work. More information »

DERA

Magic School Bus

"The Magic School Bus Gets Cleaned Up"

Link to Spanish publication - "El Autobus Mágico Necesita Una Limpieza"

The Magic School Bus Gets Cleaned UpPublication Number: EPA-420-K-07-001
To order: Phone: 800-490-9198 · Email: nscep@nscep.awsapps.com · Fax: 301-604-3408
EPA, in collaboration with Scholastic, has created a new book in the popular "Magic School Bus" series for children. In these acclaimed educational books and videos, Ms. Frizzle takes her class on science-oriented field trips, riding their magical school bus.

In "The Magic School Bus Gets Cleaned Up," the children and Ms. Frizzle explore the pollution emitted from their own diesel school bus and learn how to reduce emissions as they travel through the diesel engine. The children learn about idle reduction and other ways to reduce health risks from diesel exhaust. At the end of the book, the "Magic School Bus" gets its own pollution control device, a diesel particulate matter filter.

Quantities are limited due to the popularity of the book.

  • Individuals, schools and libraries may order one copy each at no charge.
  • Non-profit organizations and state and local governments working on diesel and clean air education may request more. Approval is on a case-by-case basis.

Real Magic School Bus Gets a Retrofit

Based on the magical yellow school bus in the "Magic School Bus" series, Scholastic operates a traveling science laboratory Exit housed in a yellow school bus. The bus tours the United States, offering hands-on science lessons to children at schools, fairs, and other community events.

Following the story line of "The Magic School Bus Gets Cleaned Up," this traveling bus was retrofitted with a diesel particulate filter, reducing particulate matter by up to 90%.

Top of Page


Scholastic's traveling Magic School BusScholastic's traveling Magic School Bus is equipped with a diesel particulate filter donated by Caterpillar.
Diesel particulate filter on the traveling Magic School BusUndercarriage view of the diesel particulate filter that was installed on the traveling Magic School Bus.

Top of Page