Perplexus.

Just the name of this unique 3D game sounds intriguing! As soon as it’s pulled out of the box, you’ll quickly realize just how perplexing – and addicting – this innovative maze is.

At first glance, my adult reaction to the Perplexus was doubt – how in the world is this thing supposed to work?!? Then, after rolling it around a few times, I started to see the pattern of the tracks. But I was still doubtful that the little steel ball inside could possibly fight gravity to make it through the maze. Or to be more precise, I was doubting MY ability to make it work. My sons, however, had no such doubt or lack of self-confidence. They quickly figured out the starting gate principle, and how to follow the numbered paths through the maze. They were fascinated with the complexity of the various traps, gates, and tracks. The challenge of getting to the next level made this game even more fun for my kids.

Our entire family watched the video interview (see the link to this interview at the bottom of the product page) with the inventor of Perplexus, and my kids were inspired. My kids thought it was fantastic that someone’s idea as a child, ended up being a game that can be played with today.

Pros: Ingenious design; completely self-contained (no parts to lose).

Cons: The plastic sphere is challenging to see into when light glares off the convex surface (best used in daylight, versus under a table lamp).

This is a very creative product, and one we highly recommend! For more information, and to see the video interview with the inventor, click Perplexus

Join us on an educational adventure through each state in the USA! Each post in this series focuses on one state, and includes a regional recipe from that state. This is a fun way to get your kids involved in cooking, as well as learn a bit about United States geography! The post also includes a link to the featured state’s website, where you can learn more about the state. We also include free forms that you can download and print to use along the journey. Geography has never been so delicious!

Make sure to check back each week for the next post!

Did you know that Indiana is the leading state in egg production? It also produces more corn for popcorn than any other state!

This recipe uses those delicious eggs from Indiana in a breakfast dish that kids like to prepare and love to eat!

As a bonus this week, make sure to check out our Sparkly Popcorn idea for even more fun!

INDIANA Egg Bake Breakfast Casserole

What You Will Need:

• 1 Slice Bread, Cubed


• 1 Egg, beaten


• 3 tablespoons Milk


• 1/4 cup Bacon or Ham, cooked and diced


• 1 dash Worchestershire Sauce


• 2 tablespoons Cheddar Cheese, shredded (use the kind of cheese you like best)


• 1/4 teaspoon Dry Mustard


• 1/8 teaspoon Salt


• Dash Pepper


• 6-inch Microwave-Safe Serving Bowl


• Plastic Wrap

What You Do:

• Combine all ingredients into a 6-inch microwave-safe serving bowl and blend well.


• Cover tightly with plastic wrap, then poke a few small perforations in the top to vent.


• Cook in a microwave on Medium High, or 80% power, for 4-1/2 to 5-1/2 minutes.


• Halfway through cooking time, turn the dish a half-turn (if your microwave doesn’t turn)


• Let stand, covered, for 30 seconds to finish cooking


• Serve with fresh fruit or fruit juice


• Makes 1 serving

Variations and Notes:

• You can prepare this casserole the night before – refrigerate for the night, then pop it in the microwave in the morning. Cook a little longer if it has been refrigerated.


• Since this is a single-serving recipe, let your kids experiment by adding their favorite ingredients! For example, add mushrooms, onions, sausage – or whatever your kids would like!

Indiana State Information – Click this link to learn more about Indiana attractions, activities, and to request free brochures, maps, and so much more!

US Geography Journal Pages – Use these journal pages to create a geography journal as you collect information about each state.

Indiana Outline Map – Use this state map to label capitals, major rivers and lakes, and other areas of interest. Draw a star on the place you would most like to visit in this state!

United States Outline Map – Use this USA map to track your journey as you “eat your way across the USA”! Color in each state that you’ve tried one of recipes for.

• The United States Cook Book – Take a Tasty Tour of America’s 50 States, and learn a lot of United States geography along the way! (PLEASE NOTE: The recipe featured above is not included in this book.)


• US History Cook Book – Serve up a heaping lesson of history with delicious recipes from our nation’s past… from the pilgrims’ first feast to today’s high-tech, low-fat fare.


• Maps of the United States – This reproducible book contains geopolitical maps of each of the fifty states; political maps of the six regions; and political, physical, and thematic maps of the United States. You’ll also find fun facts, geography bee-type questions, and review pages.


• DK State-by-State Atlas – More than an atlas, this book shows and tells young geographers who, what, when, where, and why.


• The Geography Book – From finding directions by the stars, to mapping your neighborhood, to making an earthquake in a box, you’ll have a great time learning about the world with The Geography Book.


• Professor Noggins USA Geography Game – From rural farming communities to urban cities, from snow-capped mountains to tropical islands, this game covers both the natural and political geography of the United States. Learn about the states, cities, and natural geographical wonders that make this country such an interesting place to visit.


• State by State Card Game – Learning about United States geography is made fun and memorable with this unique deck of cards!


• GeoPuzzle USA Puzzle – GeoPuzzles provide a hands-on approach to learning geography.

Make sure to check back next week for the next state in this series!

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