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Album Description
When introducing primary sources to any learner, not just the young, having images that are familiar yet not is a gateway to deeper interest and engagement. There are many topics to explore, this one is the SCHOOL BUS.
Virtually every school public or private has a school bus of some kind. But when did school buses get their start? Turns our, it was way back in the 19th century with School Wagons that bounced and rattled the kids to school. These gave way to elongated and covered pickup truck like contraptions that eventually became the Bluebird yellow bus that patrol the streets of America today.
One activity for little (or big) learners is to print sets of images of school buses from various decades, including school wagons, and have the students attempt to sort them into chronological order. This will, inevitably, lead to "I Wonder" questions.
Don't forget to include at least ONE story from the Magic School Bus series. School buses are, indeed, magic because they transport us on field trips!!!
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In what decade do you think this photo was taken? What are some clues? What season is it?
Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/ncr001537/
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What decade is this from? How do you know?
Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/2016839714/
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When were these buses used? How are they similar to the ones we ride today? How are they different?
Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/2017783111/
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This is a tricky one. When was this one used? Was it for a big school or a small school?
Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/2018741302/
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What do you think about how these student had to get onto the bus?
Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/2017763843/
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Do you and your teacher have to wash the school bus at the end of the day?
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Newspaper: Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972Teaching Notes
What do you think happens to school buses when they wear out and can't be used for students any longer?
Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/2017883892/
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School bus safety is always a concern. Drivers don't always respect the laws. This school superintendent had a good solution for the parents. What do you think about it?
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Newspaper: Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972Teaching Notes
School bus or not a school bus? What clues help you decide?
Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/2014690221/
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School bus or not?
Reference link: https://www.loc.gov/item/2017738702/
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What other uses can you think of for old school buses?
Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/2017793674/
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Another old school bus...what could this be used for?
Hint: in some places they are used to haul a fruit that is big and heavy, green on the outside and red on the inside, and we love to eat it in the summer time
Reference link: http://www.loc.gov/item/cmns000833/
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How did this school bus get from place to place to pick up students?
Reference link: https://www.loc.gov/item/2017780863/
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