Wanda Li

History

Wanda Li is part of the class featured in the Magic School Bus book series, which began with the 1986 publication of The Magic School Bus at the Waterworks. The concept was developed by Scholastic Co. vice-president Craig Walker, who combined science with fictional stories and drew inspiration from his own school field trips and a former teacher. Joanna Cole and Bruce Degen were approached to create the series. The class was later adapted into an animated television series that premiered on PBS on September 10, 1994, produced by Scholastic Entertainment and Canadian animation studio Nelvana.

The series was picked up by Fox Kids Network in 1997 as part of their after-school block, which had been criticized for lacking educational values. Scholastic Entertainment president Deborah Forte saw the adaptation as a way to help children learn science in a fun manner, amid concerns about improving science education for girls and minorities. Ms. Frizzle was voiced by Lily Tomlin. A subsequent series, The Magic School Bus Rides Again, premiered on Netflix in 2017.

Educational impact

The Magic School Bus was funded by the National Science Foundation, which required creators to gain learner interest, ensure engagement, and impact education. The franchise provided resources and curricula that combined science education with entertainment, making concepts accessible for young minds and enhancing science education.