The Private Eye Teacher Guide

The Private Eye - (5X) Looking / Thinking by Analogy:  A Guide to Developing the Interdisciplinary Mind, by Kerry Ruef.
(The Private Eye Project, 2003, 1998, 1992) 240 pages.
K-16 through life. Profusely illustrated in black and white. $24.95

Also available with laminated, removable pages. $85.00

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."

SEE: The Private Eye Table of Contents
          Read an excerpt the book...

Response to the book:

"I'm very impressed. A really exciting set of tools...  to bring out the gifted in everyone."
— Joseph Renzulli, Director, The National Research Center on the Gifted and Talented

"After looking through the book, I felt like I'd walked in the front door of heaven. What really impresses me is the scientific learning that you've built into observation, and the chance to draw. I think how you've tied thinking by analogy and theorizing with the loupe is spectacular."
— Ann H. Zwinger, naturalist and author of The Mysterious Lands; Downcanyon

"I am mesmerized by your Book!!! Wow!!!"
— Marcy Fowler, teacher, Pasadena, CA

"...exceptionally ingenious and effective program for science teaching. ... I am very conscious of the importance of thoughtful, lively innovations that substantially raise the students' interest and thus raise the educational results.  The Private Eye Project is the most promising such innovation I have ever seen."
—Charles L. Remington, Professor of Biology and Environmental Studies, Yale University; Curator, Yale Natural History Museum

"This book takes the reader on a journey of discovery that incorporates science, art, literature, and creative thinking.  The author leads the reader through the creative process, quoting writers and scientists and presenting solid scientific research.  Open, study, and explore this book and discover the treasures waiting within."
— Dolores Choat, Science and Children  (NSTA)

"I must tell you that your book has inspired me to totally rethink my curriculum forever."
— Hill Horton, teacher, Ann Arbor, MI

"What a fantastically successful and effective program!  I'm tremendously impressed.  It's the best, most innovative program I've seen in a long time."
— Ola Edwards, Prof. of Biology, University of Washington

 

Forthcoming:
     The Private Eye Companion Volume I
     The Private Eye Companion Volume II and Volume III