A general overview of Box of I.D.E.As. is this: a variety of topic-focused, activity based learning modules are offered in pdf or print format. Each Box contains 10 or more modules with exercises that fit the topic. Topics available include Salt, Laundry, WWII Kitchen, Pigs, Quilting, Civil War Overview, Eleven, and Pearl Harbor. These fantastic units have well researched web links for further study, and include a devotional booklet designed to biblically examine the subject matter. A perfect curriculum choice for multi-level teaching! Most modules in each Box can be used in any order you choose - just pick one and start exploring! (The exception is the Pearl Harbor unit, which should be studied in order.) A supply list is provided at the beginning of each module, and each Box has a summary test at the end for evaluation of student learning. In fact, it's designed as a timed test to offer "consistent practice for SAT/ACT type exams" (quote taken from the product introduction).
Now that I've given a basic overview of the way Box of I.D.E.As. works, on to my review of WWII Pearl Harbor!
The easy-to-understand instructions at the beginning of each module in the Pearl Harbor Box let me know which pages to print (and on what type of paper), and how many copies I needed per student. Super easy to use! Which means, for the average homeschool family, we're a whole lot more likely to use the product for the long term.
Since this Box has it's modules listed in order by time, we began with the first module: "Before Becoming a Base". And I have to say, it was a fascinating way to begin our study of Pearl Harbor! The initial appeal of the islands was, as you might guess, it's abundant supply of black-lipped oysters and their beautiful, large pearls. Our study in this module took us down the path of pearls - comparing oysters and their hidden treasures, discussing the extinction of different animals (including black-lipped oysters), and more. Using the fantastic web links in the pdf, we completed the first module in one sitting. And we were all excited about the next module!
"Beginning of a Naval Base" taught us how whaling led to a large ship presence in the area. That in turn led to an increase in pirate attacks. With so many U.S. ships in the area, our Navy established a presence of protective military ships. See where this is headed? Our Navy was well-established at Pearl Harbor well in advance of the attack on Battleship Row on December 7, 1941. This study from Box of I.D.E.As. taught us so much more than I imagined it would!
As we progressed through the modules, we continued to learn amazing facts about the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the ensuing war in the Pacific Theater, Doolittle's raiders, battles for the islands in the Pacific, and of course the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki that preceded VJ Day in August of 1945. The reading is simple enough for younger children to understand, but thorough enough for older students. And the activities and games are really fun. But hands-down, the part of this incredible resource that my four daughters' and I liked most were the absolutely wonderful web links. The videos, historical websites, web pages, interviews, and more were some of the best I've seen in my 14-years of homeschooling. Rarely do I find something that all four of my girls love to use, but Box of I.D.E.As. WWII Pearl Harbor is one such product. I cannot recommend it highly enough, and I am anxious to try some of their other topics.
The content continually impressed me. The resources and references were top-notch. Not too wordy, not too drawn out, certainly not boring! It opens doors to discuss all sorts of other topics during the course of study. And the images they found for use in Pearl Harbor are awesome. I have to give this curriculum a solid A+. Having used it with my 7th, 9th, 10th, & 12th grade children, I can say it is easy to adapt for all ages and it serves it's purpose well. Seriously, I really love Box of I.D.E.As.!
To learn more about their product line, visit them online at www.BoxofIdeas.us.
To see what other Crew members had to say about Box of I.D.E.As., click HERE.
The PDF download of Pearl Harbor costs $49, and the Physical Box costs $79. Extra student modules are available for $4 apiece.
(Disclaimer ~ I received this product free of charge for review purposes. All opinions shared here are solely my own.)
Be sure to check back often for upcoming topics, such as Pine, Cemeteries, Olives, and more!
Thank you for taking the time to read my review. I hope you will consider making Box of I.D.E.As. a part of your family's homeschool. I promise you won't regret it!
Day 229 done :)
Jan L. Burt
www.AllThingsHomeschool.weebly.com
www.SavanasClayCreations.com
Hi,
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