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Extreme Engineering

(Rated TV-G, Educational, Starring Danny Forster, Larc Spies, Where to watch: Discovery Channel, DVD, Online)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 4, age appropriate for kids over 7; suggested age 7.

  • Is it any good?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Bridge-and-tunnel show will wow construction fans.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    Promotes understanding of engineering and construction and an awareness of the world around us.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Host mentions possible dangers (explosions, heat, pressure, etc.), though that's not a huge element of the show.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Not an issue.

  • Consumerism:

    Some construction vehicles bear company or manufacturer names, like Volvo (in Sweden).

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Extreme Engineering

Parents need to know that this educational, documentary-style series takes a close look at current and future large-scale engineering projects. The show goes into great detail about each project, providing an informative -- if sometimes boring, depending on your level of interest -- glimpse into the world of engineering and construction. The narrator attempts to build tension and create drama by emphasizing costs, weight, temperatures, and even the risks to human life that an engineering mistake could have. But there's really nothing to raise eyebrows here; if your kids like this kind of thing, they'll learn a lot.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the structures they see in their daily lives. Do you go over bridges or through tunnels? Have you ever thought about how they were built? Would you be interested in taking a closer look at them? (If so, a trip to look under a bridge or meet with a construction professional might be in order.) What kind of futuristic structures can kids imagine?
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