The Private Eye

The Private Eye is another elementary science resource that has been a staple in my toolbox for years and that I have somehow neglected to mention on this site. The foundation of these supplemental materials are a set of jewelers loupes that students use to look closely at the natural world. The curriculum is very effective in supporting integration of science with art, literacy, and thinking skills. According to the site-

The Private Eye is a program about the drama and wonder of looking closely at the world, thinking by analogy, changing scale and theorizing. Designed to develop critical thinking skills, creativity and scientific literacy – across subjects – it’s based on a simple set of tools that produce “gifted” results.

The Private Eye site provides:

• Ordering information for the Teacher Guide, Loupes, and other materials
• Gallery of student work– including art and writing- great stuff here!
• Recommended resources– books, articles, videos
• testimonials, grant opportunities, and more