MSB Earth: How to Use the Geotable (157452)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Scholastic's Magic School Bus series: Explores Inside the Earth 1.0
This article was previously published under Q157452

SUMMARY

The main focus of the Magic School Bus Explores the Earth is to help Arnold find missing rocks in his collection. As rocks are picked up in the different areas, they are automatically placed in front of the Rock Box on the Geotable. They appear in the box with a question mark for a label if they are not tested before leaving the table. They can be studied later to find out what type of rock they are.

NOTE: Rocks in the box with labels can be removed and looked at under the magnifying glass, but not retested.

MORE INFORMATION

To get to the Geotable from inside the front of the bus:
  1. Click the mirror with Ms. Frizzle in the upper-left area.
  2. Once you are in the rear of the bus, click the table on the lower-left corner with the pick-hammer on top.

The Geotable

There are five main areas of the Geotable: the Rock Box, the Sponge, the Magnifying Glass, the testing tools, and the Streak Test.

The Rock Box

The rocks picked up are found on the table outside the rock box or by clicking the arrows on the lid of the box until the label has a question mark.

Select the unknown rock to be tested by clicking it, and it moving to the center of the table.

The Sponge

Use the sponge to clean the rock and determine whether it is a rock or mineral when viewed under the magnifying glass.

To use the Sponge:
  1. Click the sponge.
  2. Move the sponge to the rock, and click as you move the sponge over the rock to wash it.

The Magnifying Glass

Click the magnifying glass to activate it. It will swing into motion, telling you whether you have a rock or mineral. It automatically swings back during testing, but it can be used to look at all the stones in the box close up.

Use the Scratch Tools to determine the hardness of the rock. The Scratch tools, from hardest to softest, are the pin, the quarter, and the pocket knife.

NOTE: The hammer and the vinegar are for amusement only.

To determine the hardness:
  1. Click the pin to pick it up.
  2. Position it over the stone and click to test.
  3. Move the pin back to its original position.
  4. Click to replace the dropper in the jar.
  5. Repeat steps 1-5 with the quarter and the pocket knife.
Use the Streak test to see what residue, if any, is left by the rock.

To use the Streak test:
  1. Click the rock to pick it up.
  2. Move it to the smudge test paper.
  3. Click to test the stone on the paper.
  4. If the stone leaves a mark, find the mark at the bottom of the table with the same color. Put an x in the square to the left of the squiggle with the same streak color.
After all tests are completed, Arnold will tell you what rock or mineral you have found.
Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:8/17/2005
Keywords:kbmm KB157452
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