Let's review: 'Expedition Australia'

Here's an interesting product for those who enjoy unit studies and lapbooking.

I'm reviewing another product for The Old Schoolhouse called 'Expedition Australia'. It is part of a series of ebook unit studies by Amanda Bennett and is available for $7.95US for this single issue from The Old Schoolhouse site here. (Go here if you need to check exchange rates.)

If you're new to lapbooking, rest easy. Any uncertainty is covered with links Amanda provides in an introduction by Stephanie Ruby within the book, including links and a You Tube video.

In fact, there are LOTS of links in this ebook, so you'll want to have time to spend on the internet with your child to do the research, then use the printed activity pages to complete the work.

This product is aimed for the lower primary K-4, or ages 4-9.  I'd certainly be recommending it to the younger audience, but Mariposa (age 8) found this too easy. **BUT... I should say that we've done a comprehensive study on Australian geography and animals already last year, which would probably account for how she received this work. Therefore I'd agree that it would suit up to children in grade 4 if similar work has not been completed before. Please note, though, that it's a working with a parent or older person/sibling unit. You can't expect a younger child to research this and complete all the questions on their own.

What's covered in this unit study?

This is a week's worth of work (5 days), where each day is set out for you. Video links (which are EXCELLENT!), mapping and writing descriptions based on what you learn.  Look at constellations, the National Anthem, and currency.

Daily features include:

• 'Geographic Feature of the Day'.
• 'Word of the Day' with a fun activity for the youngest ages.
•  'Animal of the Day' which includes research, drawing and some math activities.
• 'Weather here and there' compares weather in capital cities with where you are, and time differences.
• 'Book Ideas' for optional extra reading.
• There is also a daily scriptural reference.
• Each day's work ends with a beautiful colour photographic page and poem.

Unfortunately, most of the book ideas listed weren't available to us through our local libraries, although most of them look excellent from Amazon U.S. I'd advise a visit to your library and check for available supplementary books. If you take the list of books in to the library ahead of beginning this unit, the librarian may well be able to help you check for relevant books from inter-library loans also.  All books are linked online, so there is also the option to buy should you desire.

Two things the author may need to amend is that the photo on page 27 is actually of a wallaby rather than a kangaroo.  It's quite similar and understandably easy to confuse.  (See here or here for explanation of wallaby.)

The other thing is about the wombats on page 41. It's worth noting that wombats don't climb trees. I understand that this is a fun page for younger children, but I thought I'd mention it in case this was a misunderstanding.

Overall, I do like this product. As I've already said, the links are EXCELLENT! and there are extra learning links to extend the work for the older children.

A sample of 'Expedition Australia' can be viewed here.

Order from here or, if you really like this series, you may choose to order a discounted bundle deal from the series page here. 

Thank you to TOS for the opportunity to use and review this product.