The Private Eye: "5X" Looking/Thinking by Analogy - A Guide to Developing the Interdisciplinary Mind

The Private Eye: "5X" Looking/Thinking by Analogy - A Guide to Developing the Interdisciplinary Mind by Kerry Ruef Look closely.

See more. 
Think more.

This lively introduction to The Private Eye program will propel you, your students and colleagues into the drama and wonder of looking closely at the world, thinking by analogy, changing scale and theorizing. Designed to develop higher order thinking skills, creativity, literacy and scientific literacy — 

The Private Eye's "simple" tools produce "gifted" results. You'll use everyday objects, a jeweler's Loupe, and simple questions to accelerate and magnify thought, whether you're working in science, writing, art, math, social studies, invention or even humor. You'll discover how The Private Eye builds habits of close observation and inquiry across subjects. You'll learn how the loupe (a magnification tool with a simple but amazing difference) along with three powerful questions can transform the curriculum. You'll see examples of student writing, drawing and theorizing as you tour the process — with over 200 lesson plans, ideas and ticklers to enrich the five core disciplines. The Private Eye process builds communication, problem solving, and concentration skills as it develops "the interdisciplinary mind." The Private Eye Project was launched in 1989, and since then, thousands of parents and teachers and over two million children have entered The Private Eye state of mind: critical thinking skills and creativity. When using the loupe with The Private Eye process, you see more, you think more. This is the experience everyone’s excited about!

We have the following components available for The Private Eye Project:
The Private Eye Book (pictured here)
The Private Eye Activity Sheets (Primary)
The Private Eye Activity Sheets (Intermediate)
The Private Eye Loupe

Book Details:

• Number of Pages: 320
• Book Size: 8-1/4" x 10-3/4"
• Book Type: Paperback
• Recommended Ages: 5 through adult
• ISBN 10: 0960543414
• ISBN 13: 978-0960543410

Why We Love It

The loupe and the Private Eye book form a complete creative curriculum for children (and adults). We love that this set makes people think differently about the world around them when viewed up close.

Creative Ideas to Try

What other things can you do with this product? We've included some of our "outside the box" creative ideas below to help get you started...

• The Private Eye process is perfect for homeschooler and classroom use. It also makes a great activity for after-school programs, camps, scout groups, and field trips.
• It's fun to collect specimens and store them in plastic boxes - your own world in a box! Having your own personal collection of interesting items allows you to loupe-look whenever you want, indoors or out. Save items such as: seeds and seed pods; interesting leaves and rocks; insects; shells; and whatever else appears interesting to you.