Safari Search --Animal Classification System
Creator/Publisher: Blue Wave Learning Company
For more information or to order: www.bluewavelearning.com

Safari Search is a product of the Blue Wave Learning Company. It gives children a very basic introduction to classifying animals and could be used in conjunction with an elementary study of animals. Rather than traditional (boring) drill work, Safari Search accomplishes the same goal as drilling, but with the 'feel' of a game, which serves to engage children in the learning process.

The Safari Search system includes a flip chart, 29 animal flash cards, and 7 category header cards. Each animal flash card has a nice photo of the animal on one side and several paragraphs of information on the back. Important information is highlighted so that the animal characteristics can be readily found. The cards also share an interesting "Did You Know?" fact about the animal.  The flip chart is the main tool used for classifying animals. The student will look at the animal flashcard and begin on page 1 of the flip chart. Page 1 asks "Do I have a backbone?" A 'yes' answer sends the student to the next page to further classify the vertebrate animal -- otherwise (s)he is directed to the page to classify the inverebrate. The student continues answering questions until they end up at the correct classification (e.g. bird, fish, amphibian, arachnid, etc.) The flip chart (4"x 6") is meant to be portable so one could take it to the zoo, park, farm, etc. in order to classify other animals. Blue Wave Learning website contains free activity pages for use on field trips. Tests are also available.

While it does achieve the teaching of animal classification, Safari Search only provides mastery of the basic levels of classsification. There is no age level stated for the system. It would be useful for a young student (age 4-7). It would also benefit an older student who has not had any exposure to various animal groupings. Students older than 7 might find the system to be too simplistic (able to classify the animal without use of flashcard information or flip chart). I would like to see this company expand their system to further subdivide and classify animals (rather than stop at fish, break it down to osteichthyes(bone) and chondricthyes(cartilage)).

A great tool for teaching visual learners, Safari Search is most suited for those parents/teachers working with young children.  The pictures and the process encourage exploration and beginning research skills as students respond to each question in order to learn the proper classification of each creature.

Making the Grade: B+
Cost: $19.95
Value for your homeschool dollar: 8
Reviewed by Kelly Mamott, homeschool mom of 3