The Private Eye Materials

A Guide to Developing the Interdisciplinary Mind. Learn how to use The Private Eye to accelerate anyone’s thinking skills, creativity, literacy and scientific literacy with this teacher guide — especially for teachers K-16. Integrates Art, Writing, Science, Math and Social Sciences. Inquiry at its best, and a fabulous way to develop writers of all ages! Great for use in classrooms, homeschools, environmental/outdoor education centers, museums, camps, and more! Includes hundreds of lesson plan ideas. K-16 through life. Read more...

The Private Eye - (5X) Looking / Thinking by Analogy —Simple Steps to a Magnified Mind (Pocket Version) (Ruef, 2003) Illustrated. 28 pp.

This pocket version of The Private Eye teacher guide introduces the essentials of The Private Eye process and makes a handy reference for the individual or teacher - especially useful to have on hand out in the field.

Learn how to develop creative thinking, problem solving, and communication skills through close observation using a jeweler's loupe and thinking by analogy. Also perfect for business people, designers, advertisers, marketers, inventors, writers, and artists - use The Private Eye process to inspire innovation and industrial-strength creativity!  (4.25" x 6")

The Private Eye: Five Fun Steps! (Pocket Version) (Ruef, 2007)

The perfect Cliff Note version of The Private Eye process, and a great companion to the teacher's guide. Plus - a wonderful book for kids or to read with kids! Adventure through the core Private Eye steps for writing, drawing, theorizing, and design. In full color with fabulous illustrations. NEW, enlarged version!


Full color. (Ruef, 2007) Illustrated. 14 pp. (5" x 8")

Introducing Pre-Kindergartners to The Private Eye (Ruef, 2005) Illustrated. 18 pp.
Do you need to know anything special before introducing Pre-K students to The Private Eye? Yes!!  Get a head start by exploring The Private Eye with pre-kindergartners and kindergartners using the approach explained in this booklet. This companion to The Private Eye teacher guide includes essential tips and insights for using The Private Eye curriculum with Pre-K learners.

Kerry Ruef interviews Ann Pelo, a master preschool teacher who says, "I can't imagine not using The Private Eye with this age group. .it opens up incredible possibilities." For ten years she's used The Private Eye at Hilltop Children's Center in Seattle, WA. With warmth and attention to detail, Pelo describes the all important two weeks of preparation that allow 3 ½ to 5 year-olds easy entry into using The Private Eye process and loupes-and the steps she take that make it an integral part of the curriculum.

You'll read the what and the how-including the delightful phrasing that Pelo uses at each stage. Of course, you'll hear exactly what she does and says that first magical day she brings out the loupes. In this booklet you'll find Pre-K analogy lists, drawing tips for this age, discussion of cognitive readiness, and more. Pair this Pre-K (and Kindergarten) companion with The Private Eye - (5X) Looking / Thinking by Analogy (above), and you'll have a deep view of how to best use this approach and curriculum to accelerate creativity, thinking skills, literacy and scientific literacy in your early childhood settings. Full color. (Ruef, 2005) Illustrated. 18 pp. (5.5" x 8.5")

The Private Eye Notebook

Students and teachers love having their own Private Eye Journal.  This notebook has a sunny yellow cover and 44 pages unlined to allow for drawing as well as writing. The inside cover features The Private Eye "Loupe-Analogy-Loop" for easy reference.  Great to use as a loupe-sketch book, writing portfolio, inquiry journal, indoors or out.  Start your portfolios today!

$1.69 ea.

20 or more: $1.49 ea.

The Private Eye Loupe

(1-4): $3.95 ea.

(5-9): $3.55 ea.

(10+): $3.25 ea.

Class Loupe Set

This set of Private Eye jeweler's loupes holds 36 imprinted loupes in a durable two-box set. Comes with instructions on using The Private Eye process on inside lid cover. When used together with The Private Eye questions, the Private Eye jeweler's loupes develop thinking skills, creativity, literacy and scientific literacy across subjects. The durable poly-grid cases are great for staying organized, going on field trips, retreats, presentations, etc. Perfect for most class sizes! Loupes are individually packed in handy ziplock bags.

Half Loupe Set

This set of Private Eye jeweler's loupes holds 18 imprinted loupes in the most durable poly-grid case on the market. Comes with instructions on using The Private Eye process on inside lid cover. The durable poly-grid case is great for staying organized, going on field trips, retreats, presentations, etc. For smaller groups or classes. Loupes are individually packed in handy ziplock bags.  (This set is half of the "Class" set, above.)

Private Eye Loupe-on-a-Lanyard

So fashionable! So useful! With a Private Eye Loupe-on-a-Lanyard, students are always ready to magnify the world—and their minds—as they move indoors and out. Plus: no more dropped loupes! Done for the day? Hang them up or nestle them in your favorite container. A great addition for loupe classroom management and check-out systems.

Beware: Habit forming! Students will not only feel more “attached” to their loupe — they’ll identify even more strongly with the fun and scholarship of The Private Eye process..

Choose from six colors:
Blue, Teal, Yellow, Red, Pink, Green

Private Eye Loupe-on-a-Lanyard Rainbow Pack

Six loupes on six different colored lanyards. Something for everyone in your group! One click and the rainbow is yours.

Beware: Habit forming! Students will not only feel more “attached” to their loupe — they’ll identify even more strongly with the fun and scholarship of The Private Eye process.

Rainbow Pack includes one of each color:
Blue, Teal, Yellow, Red, Pink, Green

Private Eye Loupe-Lanyard

If you already have loupes, just insert your loupe(s)into the open band(s). With a Private Eye Loupe-Lanyard, students are always ready to magnify the world—and their minds—as they move indoors and out. Plus: no more dropped loupes! Done for the day? Hang them up or nestle them in your favorite container. A great addition for loupe classroom management and check-out systems.

Beware: Habit forming! Students will not only feel more “attached” to their loupe — they’ll identify even more strongly with the fun and scholarship of The Private Eye process.

Choose from six colors:
Blue, Teal, Yellow, Red, Pink, Green.
Choose between one Loupe Clip (for one loupe) or two Loupe Clips (for two loupes! — remember, two loupes nested together give 10X magnification). (loupes not included)

NEW!  Team Loupe Set

This set of Private Eye jeweler's loupes holds 6 imprinted loupes in a poly-grid case. Easily clean the magnifying lenses of your Private Eye jeweler's loupes with the included microfiber cleaning cloth. The poly-grid case is great for staying organized, going on field trips, retreats, presentations, etc. Perfect for table top work, small teams, homeschool groups, and travel. Loupes are individually packed in handy ziplock bags.

Table Team Set

To enhance team discoveries and The Private Eye experience, combine the Team Loupe Set (see above) with the Mini World-in-a-Box® (the same table-top specimen set used in every Private Eye Workshop).  Perfect for table teams and Homeschool groups!

Deluxe World-in-a-Bag™

The same World-in-a-BagT that participants receive in our workshops. An easy way to introduce your students or staff to the wonders of The Private Eye - and it makes a perfect gift! Magnifies literacy, boosts creativity, and heightens inquiry. Also for the individual, classrooms, and presentations. Consider a classroom or staff set. Inside the durable poly bag: a NEW 14 page Kid-friendly / adult-friendly booklet in full-color that starts you on the essential Private Eye steps for writing, drawing and theorizing. All ages! Plus two Private Eye loupes, and seven great starter specimens: sponge, small light bulb, sweet gum seedpod, starfish leg, orange mesh, sea urchin, and peppercorns.
Bag dimensions: 5 1/4" x 8 3/8" x 3 1/8"

$21.95 ea.

5 or more: $19.95 ea.

The Private Eye Class Kit

Click here for a full description of contents.

The perfect all-in-one kit for exploring the world with The Private Eye in your classroom or for checking out of the resource center.

with paperback guide: $685.00

Literally the world in a box! Redwood case, hinged back, clasp on side. 9”x13”x2.5”. Endless explorations possible with the mini-museum of natural history!

Redwood case, 31 specimen boxes: 9” x 13” x 2.5” sturdy redwood box, hinged back, clasp on side; filled with 31 assorted containers (magnifier boxes, acrylic boxes, etc.) for holding your own specimens. Includes insect preservation instruction sheet and jeweler’s glue (See below).

Make your own Private Eye Museum!
The easy way to collect, protect and organize all your discoveries. Each 1.5" x 1.5" clear acrylic magnifier box (3X lens in lid) has its own compartment (keeps boxes scratch-free!) in this heavy-duty poly-grid case. Includes a great lesson plan for creating your own museum and guidebook! Don't forget glue!

NEW!
The Mini-World In A Box
The same great specimen sets we use during our Private Eye workshops! Put one of these at each table of students or teachers to share. 12 of our top specimens, gateways to biology, physics, chemistry, and earth science:   two preserved insects in magnifier boxes, preserved barnacles, sea horse, sea urchin, amethyst, jasper, paua shell, poppy seed pod, preserved cypress in magnifier box and small light bulb. (some substitutions may occur.)  Includes specimen Key.  Box dimensions: 9" x 4 1/2" x 1 1/2"

The Private Eye DVD


A lively, 8-minute introduction to classroom use at the elementary, middle school, and high school level.

Powers of Ten DVD

For the ultimate change of scale, link Powers of Ten video to your Private Eye® Studies! Powers of Ten, a film of Charles & Ray Eames, takes the viewer on an adventure to the edges of the universe and back again, ending inside a DNA molecule in a white blood cell.   21 minutes.

The Private Eye Inquiry Poster Set

Stimulate your students to use The Private Eye approach — year round.  Surround posters with your students' Private Eye work for an instant display!  Full color.  Heavyweight paper.  12x18" each.  Six Posters in set. 

The Private Eye Poster

Vividly colored, graphic poster will enliven any classroom or office. 16"w X 24"h.

(Click on image for larger view.)

Jeweler's glue, bead tip adhesive
Perfect glue for gluing specimens into acrylic boxes and for gluing lids.

Magnifier Box "A"

Small 1" x 1", clear (4x magnifying lid).

highest quality specimen box.  30 + @ $0.88 each.

Large 1.5" x 1.5", clear (3x magnifying lid).

Clear Acrylic Box "C"

1" x 2" x .75", clear (no magnifier lid).

The famous "Pond Box" from The Private Eye workshops and conferences -- the only box we know of in the world that is virtually leak-proof (if you follow the steps on the Q+A page of this web site)

Clear Acrylic Box "D"

2" x 2" x .75", clear (no magnifier lid).  .

The Private Eye Mug

Rise and shine with a hot cup of coffee and The Private Eye!  This mug is sure to brighten your day and inspire creative thinking.  The back side features a José Ortega y Gasset quote that sums up The Private Eye perfectly: "To be surprised, to wonder, is to begin to understand."  Makes a great gift or door prize!