A Pop in the Night - A DNG Review {{and GIVEAWAY}}

This past week we worked on a fantastic study that was all about popcorn.  It's the newest one from Download-N-Go (DNG) - Hoppin' Popcorn.  As usual these  unit studies are jam-packed with loads of information.  So even though they can be done in a week doesn't mean you have to complete it in just one week.

If you've never done a unit study by DNG then I'm going to give you a little background information before I tell you what we did during our study this time.

Every study is divided into 5 days.  Each day's lesson includes a book list that corresponds to the subject matter being taught that day. You can also get the entire book list which is placed at the beginning of the study so that you can get your books from the library as you are preparing for the study.  Each day included videos (embedded within the unit for a safe environment for children) as well as photos and links to websites that help build that day's study.  These are interspersed with both information and questions that your child can write down.

Also included in each unit is lapbooking pieces throughout the unit to be completed either each day or all at once at the end of the unit.  You then take these pieces and build your lapbook.  If you don't know what a lapbook is, there is an explanation page at the beginning of the unit study which also has some Internet links and a video to help teach you about them.

So back to the unit study at hand ... Hoppin' Popcorn.  What are you going to learn?  Well here's the breakdown for each of the days.

Day 1: Popcorn—What Is It?
Day 2: The Story of Popcorn
Day 3: The Flavors of Popcorn
Day 4: The Science of Popcorn
Day 5: Fun With Popcorn

Some of the things we learned with this unit are how many types of corn there are, how many types of corn can pop, and how colonists ate popcorn.  We also have made some homemade butter, made parched corn (something many colonists may have eaten), and have some popcorn kernels growing into plants.

 

Do you see the sprouts?

Even Seanan helped!

Shucking the corn

parched corn cooking

completed parched corn - Yummy!

We've had fun eating popcorn and exploring different kinds and flavors of popcorn.  We may even attempt to eat it for breakfast (like the colonists with cream and sugar) or make some popcorn candies and deserts.

Since I have younger children sometimes the studies take longer then expected.  This time we are enjoying it so much we are letting the girls explore since they are having a blast.  We've been reading tons of books, learning about the nutritional value of popcorn, and learning about five different states (one each day) that have a strong connection to popcorn.

And if you are wondering what subjects you could cover in a unit study, Hoppin' Popcorn has it all.  You learn the historical facts surrounding popcorn's beginning as well as history about one of the most famous man of popcorn and the tool that helps us pop our popcorn.  We have also learned tons of science from how a plant becomes a plant, to what steam is, and of course what makes popcorn pop.  You will also be covering reading, writing, and there's even a bit of math thrown in so all in all you could do this one study for a week or two  and not feel guilty for having a BLAST during school (even though you won't be feeling like you are in school.)  Isn't that what homeschooling is all about?

Oh and I mentioned above we made butter (which was one of the extra activities/experiments in this unit.)   Here's a little video after we had spent about 15-20 minutes shaking our cream.  We ate our fresh butter with dinner tonight on some bread and in our freshly cooked parched corn.

Now I know that I have whet your appetite for popcorn. I know mine is watering (and I have a bowl of kettle corn calling my name.)  But before I go I wanted to let you know that you all have a chance to WIN your very own copy of Hoppin' Popcorn!  So here are the rules:

This giveaway begins Sunday, March 6th and runs through 11:59pm (EST) March 8th (a very quick turnaround.)  You must leave some way for me to get back in contact with you (email.)  If I have not heard from you in 48 hours, I will pick a new winner. Unfortunately, DNG affiliates including the DNG Review Team are not eligible.

MANDATORY ENTRIES:

1. Follow my blog  publicly with Google Friend Connect. (one entry)
2. "Like" Walking Home on Facebook. (two entry)

Additional Entries:
3. List the eight states that make up the "Corn Belt" (one entry)
4. Share this giveaway link on Facebook or your own blog. You must link to this blog entry, not my main page or the blog hop page. (one entry)
5. If you live in one of the Corn Belt states, you will earn an extra entry. Be sure to let me know if you live there! (one entry)


Well there you go.  Up to 6 entries to win!  Hope you win.   Now go ... enjoy some popcorn!




*** I am a member of The Old Schoolhouse 2010-2011 Crew as well as the DNG Review Team and receive free products and services in exchange for a thorough and honest review.  Though I am compensated with free products, I am not compensated in the form of money for any of  my reviews.  My reviews will always reflect my honest opinions, findings, beliefs and experiences with the products and services that I receive.***