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Engineering the Impossible

(Rated TV-PG, Educational, Where to watch: National Geographic Channel)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 5, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Docu builds interest in historical construction.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series investigates the history of the construction process as it relates to three ancient projects. Experts detail the innovative techniques and materials -- many of which are still used today -- that were used to make the massive buildings possible.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Dramatic re-enactments sometimes include historical scenes like swordfights and the mistreatment of slaves.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Engineering the Impossible

Parents need to know that although this thorough documentary series is quite tame overall, some of the dramatic re-enactments used to bring the history of the three central architectural undertakings to life include images of things like swordfights and slavery. But tweens and teens intrigued by architecture and engineering are sure to enjoy it -- and, thanks to computer graphics and experts' explanations of the innovative construction techniques and materials that revolutionized the projects -- they'll understand it all, too.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about why it's so important to understand history. What can we learn from studying the past? How does understanding past events affect how we look at the future? What role does the media play in helping (or hindering) people examine and understand history? How has technology altered how things are done in more recent history?
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