TOS Review/ The Curiosity Files - Puffer Fish

Eureka! I found it!  I finally found a set of unit studies that truly span the ages of my children. 

There are a lot of unit studies out there that claim to do this, but The Curiosity Files actually made it happen. 

I have 2 children, ages 6 and 13, and that is a big age gap. While The Curiosity Files are geared towards children ages 8-13, They can easily be adapted to younger, or even older children. Even if your child can't read they will still enjoy these studies if you, or an older sibling will read it to them. 

You may not have heard about the Curiosity Files yet, so let me explain a little bit about them. 

These are not your typical unit studies. You are not likely to find these topics anywhere else. 

These topics cover the unusual, odd, and perhaps even weird things found in nature. Things that you may not have otherwise taken the time to learn about. 

Professor Ana Lyze will take your children on an investigating, hands on journey to learning.

There are currently nine units to choose from. 

• Blue Diamond
• Dung Beetle
• MRSA
• Puffer Fish
• Red Tide
• Zombie Fire Ants
• Blue-footed Booby
• Cicada Killing Wasp
• Quicksand

                               

We were given our choice of which unit study we wanted to review.  I chose to review the Puffer Fish.                                   

 

When my children and I began this study, one of the first things we noticed were the bright, beautiful graphics. We appreciate this because it really enhances the study.

We learned so much about the puffer fish. I say we, because I learned a lot too. For example, I did not know that puffer fish puff up with water instead of air!

It makes sense, but I guess I never even thought about it. I just assumed it was air, but of course, where would they get all this air under the water? lol

We have learned many other things as well, such as:

*How many species of puffer fish there really are

*puffer fish have skin instead of scales

*puffer fish are poisonous

*What puffer fish eat
And much more. 

There is a lot of detail in this 85 page study. 

When my daughter did the 21 question review, she asked her little brother, age 6, all of the questions. We were shocked that he knew almost all of the answers! He really paid attention, and understood what I read to him. That says a lot about this study. It is easy to understand, but at the same time it really goes in- depth.

There are many activities and reinforcements included in this study, such as:

*Puffer fish Ordinal Numbers

*Measurment

*Multiplication

*Elapsed Time

*Exchange Rates

*Finding common and proper nouns in a story

*Sentence Combining

*Spelling and Vocabulary

*Puffer fish Games

*Bible Copywork

*Making Paper Mache puffer fish

*Making a science fair display board

*Making a lithograph

*Making a puffer fish paper plate Puppet

*Step by step drawing of a puffer fish

*Sign Language
*Lapbooking and more.

As you can see, there are a multitude of activities for all ages to reinforce what you have learned.
You will mostly need simple household items to complete these activities.

There is very little teacher preparation involved. It mostly consists of having the items ready to complete the projects.

We are still in the process of doing this study. We are enjoying it so much that we want to do all of the activities. We have been doing this for just about a month now, and I can see it lasting a couple more weeks. Of course the time it would take you to finish will vary, depending on how often you use it. We have been using it a few times a week.

I will use this unit again with my son when he gets older. I love that I can use it over and over again for future childern.  I also really appreciate the answer keys.

My daughter is currently working on her science fair display board.
Here is a sample of a display board from the pages of the study.

We are also making the paper mache puffer fish. You can see a sample of one in the above photo.

Actually, we invited some friends over to make the paper mache puffer fish, but with all of the snow we have been getting here, we haven't been able to get together enough to finish them.They are paper mached, but not painted yet.

I will replace these photos with our personal photos as soon as my children finish their projects. There will be many more pictures to add once we are completed with this study. I didn't want to make them rush through just to get their pictures up. They are taking their time, and doing a fantastic job! I can't wait to show you their pictures.

These activities are great for small groups. It would be easy, and fun to do this study with a friend. Even if you were to do the learning part separately, but then get together to do the projects, that would be fun.

I highly recommend all of The Curiosity Files. Let's put it this way. I already have 8 of the 9 units that are currently available. I only need to purchase one more to have the complete set!
(There will be more to come though.)

My 6 year old son says, " I like that they fill up with water. I like that the Tiger Shark eats them."
My 13 year old daughter says, " I thought it was fun. I enjoyed learning about the puffer fish, and making the paper mache fish."

I asked them both if they would want to do another study like this one, and they said, "Yes".

My daughter said she would like to do one on a mammal, and my son said he would like to do one on a reptile.

So why don't you grab all of your kiddos together, and try out one of The Curiosity Files. I don't think you will be disappointed. 

You can view a sample of this unit study here.

The Curiosity Files can be purchased in a 9 pack CD Bundle for only $49.00, or you can purchase the same 9 units in download form for $46.00.

These units can be purchased separately, if you would like. Just check The Old Schoolhouse Store frequently for current pricing. 

And remember, there is always free shipping at The Old Schoolhouse.

Check out what my fellow Crew mates thought of The Curiosity Files.

*I have received a download copy of The Curiosity Files, free, as a member of the TOS Homeschool Review Crew, in return for my honest opinion. No other compensation has been given to me.*