Around the World in 80 days

[Parrothead]

Dd and I started reading the Classic Starts version of this book today. I ran a quick search to see if I could find a unit study or some such to go with our reading. The only stuff I could find was geared toward the high school level, and not easily convertible to a grammar level child.

I've never read the book before so I don't know exactly what the plot is. I know there is a hot air balloon involved at some point. So I'm going to find a world map that we can plot the journey on and a mini-unit on hot air balloons.

Does anyone have any other ideas for activities to go along with our reading?

[Kathy in MD]

Dd and I started reading the Classic Starts version of this book today. I ran a quick search to see if I could find a unit study or some such to go with our reading. The only stuff I could find was geared toward the high school level, and not easily convertible to a grammar level child.

I've never read the book before so I don't know exactly what the plot is. I know there is a hot air balloon involved at some point. So I'm going to find a world map that we can plot the journey on and a mini-unit on hot air balloons.

Does anyone have any other ideas for activities to go along with our reading?

If memory serves me right, the balloon only occurs in the films. BTW, my favorite version stars Pierce Brosnan. I love that guy.

I think that mapping it would be a good idea. Maybe a unit study on trains, because I'm sure trains were used. I'm sorry that my memory isn't that good.

[elegantlion]

I have not used it, but Trail Guide to World Geography (http://www.geomatters.com/products/details.asp?ID=6)has a unit study of the "Around the World in 80 days" in its book.

[Ellie]

but there are trains, and steam boats, and Indian burial customs.

I like the book much better than any of the movies:)

[angela in ohio]

I love this book! He's like a cross between James Bond and McGyver, LOL...

Plot his travels around the globe
Read about the cultures he encounters
read about the different methods of transportations (early railroad, etc.)
Track his money or time
Study the international date line and time zones

[dixiemaiden]

I love this book! There are no balloons though. One thing I thought would be fun is to see how long it would take to go around the world today. Of course the way the airlines are working these days it might take eighty days!

[Hoggirl]

has a son in a classical Christian school where they use this book as one of their "bigger" literary studies. I think they have to do reports set "in the time" for each of the cities he travels too??? Sorry, I am not familiar with the book either, but I remember her saying that it was kind of tricky b/c the facts about the cities had to be appropriate to the time setting of the book.

[cupajoe]

We are currently doing ATW80Days using Trail Guide to World Geography (with just turned 9yo and 11yo). The unit study is found in weeks 28-36 in Trail Guide. We read approx. 4 chapters per week and do most of the activities, mapping associated with the unit study. My dc are REALLY enjoying this book and they have never complained (which is quite amazing, if you knew my dc!) about any aspect of the unit study. It includes spelling, vocabulary, a little math, geography, and arts/crafts ideas. We are also using United Streaming videos to learn more about the different countries & ports Phileas Fogg passes through.
Lots of fun!
HTH.
Erika