Amanda Bennett Unit Study Review: Magnificent Moon Download 'N' Go

WHAT?
Magnificent Moon is a unit study created by Amanda Bennett in e-book format. It is very simple to use; the only preparation required is to search out optional library books to read along during the week for enrichment. This already contains indepth studies in every subject in this lineup:

Day 1: What Exactly Is a Moon?

Day 2: Getting to Know the Moon

Day 3: The Story of the Moon

Day 4: Science Secrets of the Moon

Day 5: Cool Things About the Moon

WHO?

I used this study with my four children, ages 10, 8, 7, 4. Although it is recommended for K-4, I found that my 5th grader did quite well with the study presenting it as-is.

HOW?
We went at this with just the unit provided. We live in a small town with a limited library. We still  learned plenty  just doing the study alone with none of the read-along type extras. It was more than enough! I find in doing these DNG units that I don't really need extras. Amanda has done all of that for me and that's the simple beauty of these studies.

I gather my children round the computer and we read through them, taking one activity at a time. There is always debate on who get to do the scrolling and who gets to read all the cool information.  Also, to save a little money, I just keep the e-book saved on a flash drive and do not print out the entire book. I only print out the activity pages. For those who lapbook, the components are linked within the book and are found at the end of the study.


THE VERDICT



Download 'N' Go Magnificent Moon  is a much deeper study than I expected. This study could have easily lasted my family two weeks, had we done every single activity. We had some previous experience with another unit on moons and astronomy. But I felt that the information presented in Magnificent Moon was still quite challenging for my 5th grader.  This study brought some things more to life for them, seeing it presented through some of the links provided.  I have always enjoyed watching the shuttles lift off, land and followed their journeys.  So, I was able to share my thoughts and memories on watching space exploration through my lifetime.    We ended our study with our version of a moon cake. 

I appreciated that this is a complete study, with all of the subject areas covered nicely. I did feel that some of the information was over the head of a Kindergartener and on some days, my First grader; but a basic introduction is sufficient for that age anyway.  There wasn't anything for me to add in or have to pull together to supplement. Download 'N' Go studies make it effortless to teach on so many topics and feel confident that they are learning.

If you'd like to read more reviews from other homeschool parents, click here and see what they think of Download 'N' Go Magnificent Moon.

Also, check out these other value priced studies from Amanda Bennett:

The Cabin Fever Fun Pack, which includes Magnificent Moon, Winter Wonders, Expedition Canada, and Popcorn is currently on sale, and will be through 1/31/11 for $20 (regularly $28).

Also, stay tuned for a fabulous giveaway contest! The contest will run from 1/24-28/11, with the drawing at 9pm on 1/28. We will be giving away 2 standard Moon Maps from National Geographic, valued at $16.99 each


I have been provided one free copy of the Magnificent Moon Download 'N' Go to review in exchange for my honest opinion on the product.