Crew Review: Box of I.D.E.As. SALT

In the interest of full disclosure I must tell you that when I first visited the website for Box of I.D.E.As.  I did not immediately jump and down with excitement.  A box full of activity ideas focused on one topic such as Salt or Pearl Harbor?  Sounds too much like a unit study for this non-unit study mom. But I read the descriptions and Turtlegirl read the descriptions and my non-excitement became full enthusiasm when Turtlegirl shared with me how much she wanted to try out the BOX of Ideally Dynamic Enrichment Activities: SALT.

We received a literal box labeled SALT filled with 10 Activity Bags.  Each bag is clearly labeled and contains nearly everything you need to complete the activity.  For example, the activity that teaches about sodium levels of food includes the laminated planner, a dry erase marker and a list of foods with their sodium content.  Another activity bag included ice melt, rock salt and extra bags for an experiment.  Turtlegirl only needed a pencil! and some water.  The portfolio page included the charts and graphs she needed to record the rate of ice melting.  I was so impressed that they had included the three bags needed to freeze water.  One of the bags was already labeled “control.”

What types of Activities are Included? Fun types.  Well, we thought they were fun. The Salt Box contains 10 activity modules and many of those include game like activities.  There was one experiment type activity which Turtlegirl thoroughly enjoyed.  Together the modules covered history, geography, language, and science. 

How We Used the Product: Turtlegirl set aside her regular science curriculum to make time to use these activities.  She completed all 10 modules.  Some she did alone, a few we did together (ok, she redid  a few of the games with me!) and some of the games she played with her sisters.   Many of these modules sparked discussions and led to more questions which brought us back to the weblinks. 

Thoughts from Turtlegirl (age 15): “I loved how they were all in individual plastic ‘sleeves’. It made it very easy for me to select the one I wanted. It also made it really simple for me to clean up. I also liked the variety of activities in the different modules. Every module contained an introduction, a portfolio page, and an activity or game. Sometimes the activity would help you complete the portfolio page and vice versa. I loved the experiment. I also loved that they had discussion questions for the experiment and charts for you to record the data from the experiment. They also have a unit test to see how much you learned! I really enjoyed this program, and I hope to revisit them with Tailorbear too! In other words, I highly recommend it!”

A Couple of Things to Mention:

• We encountered a few typos.  Mostly ok but one that I found glaring (misuse of effect/affect)  Perhaps for the next printing these will be corrected.
• Some of the game directions seemed incomplete or confusing.  We were able to make them work and we enjoyed them.  It was not difficult to take a few moments to talk/think through the directions and “fill in the gaps.”

What I love about BOX of I.D.E.As. SALT (Physical Box):

• Very Well Organized Modules!~ Each module is labeled with the contents of that module, the materials needed, and a Salt related quote.  Oh and each module has the parts contained in labeled bags.  This makes it so easy to just grab and go!
• Nearly Everything You Need is INCLUDED! ~ Many of the modules require only a writing instrument. 
• Each Module Includes Extensions and Weblinks! ~ You can use these to expand the learning and take the topic deeper.
• A Fun and Engaging Way to Learn! ~ I especially enjoyed the Language of Salt module.   Even my developmentally delayed daughter who functions around age 6 wanted to participate.
• Can Be Done Independently! ~ For older children, this program can be done independently.  Turtlegirl didn’t need me though we enjoyed working together.
• I Didn’t Have to Do Any Planning or Prep! ~  I loved this part more than anything else.  It really is just grab out of the box and do it!

My Bottom Line: We loved it!  It was easy to use.  I would be interested in trying another of these and will be watching for the release of Light & Optics.

This is a multi-level product targeting ages 9-16.  I think it can be used with children 9-12 with assistance.  This worked beautifully with my 13 and 15 year old children.  I think many of the extension activities would work better for children in the upper end of the range. 

In addition to the physical box format, available for $79.00,  Box of I.D.E.As. also has a PDF Download version and  Extra Student Module for the Physical format.  Some of my crew mates reviewed the Pearl Harbor BOX.

Click on the banner below to read what other Crew Members had to say about Box of I.D.E.As. Salt or WWII Pearl Harbor

All information is correct and accurate as of the date of this review.

Disclaimer: As a TOS Crew member, I received this physical print version of this product free of charge to review. I am required to write a review but I am not required to write a positive review. This review contains my and/or my daughters’ honest opinion with, hopefully, enough detail as to why I/ we liked or did not like a product so that my readers can make an informed decision. I received no compensation.

You can read my other Schoolhouse Review Crew Reviews by clicking here.