Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this impressive nature series is well suited for family viewing. Both adults and kids will be inspired by the majestic scenery and shots of wildlife like bears, caribou, and bald eagles in their natural surroundings. There are learning opportunities as well, as host Jeff Corwin gives thorough background on the scientific factors (glaciers, earthquakes, volcanoes) that formed -- and continue to reshape -- the land. If your kids are very young, you might need to explain some animal behavior, like occasional scenes of creatures eating their prey.
Families can talk about travel and adventure. Do you think shows like this encourage travel -- or is just seeing it on TV enough? Do you enjoy traveling? What are some of your favorite places that you've been? What can people learn from experiencing other languages, cultures, and traditions? How do you think outsiders would view your lifestyle? Where would you most like to visit? Why? What kinds of things would you like to do and see there?
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Emily Ashby
INTO ALASKA WITH JEFF CORWIN gives viewers a great armchair tour of the diverse natural wonders of America's largest state.
Sporting his trademark enthusiasm for nature, zoologist Jeff Corwin hikes, boats, and climbs his way through the wilds of some of Alaska's most awe-inspiring venues, pointing out along the way the majestic topography and wealth of wildlife that make the state such a stunning place. His travels take him to the Kenai Peninsula to observe marine life, to Kodiak Island for a glimpse at brown bears, and along the western coastline for prime whale-watching opportunities.
Every adventure offers learning opportunities. For example, one episode tracks Corwin's visit to Denali National Park, where he crosses the massive Ruth Glacier on foot to see firsthand how its constant movement has carved through the rocky mountains that flank it on either side. Spotting a crevasse in the ice, he rappels into the opening to get a better look at the glacier's cross-section and to tell viewers more about how they're formed and how they affect their surroundings. From there he heads into the wilderness to watch salmon migrate upstream and seek out the majestic bald eagle.
It's Corwin's palpable excitement -- coupled with the amazing Alaskan scenery -- that makes this series so much fun to watch. That said, as travel shows go, it doesn't offer much innovation, sticking instead to the tried-and-true format of following an adventurous host as he visits some of his favorite haunts and explains why they inspire him.
Whether you're pondering a destination for your next vacation or just looking to get a glimpse at nature, Into Alaska certainly won't disappoint. Expect some questions from young viewers about animal behavior during scenes of predators eating small prey and other unfamiliar habits. But other than that, just sit back and enjoy the ride into America's final frontier.
Some other great travel and nature show choices for families include 1,000 Places to See Before You Die and Get Out There!.
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ViolenceOccasional scenes of animals killing and eating prey. Also, the host often discusses the potential dangers of what he's doing; in one segment, for example, he likens falling out of his canoe in a treacherous stretch of river to the effect of a potato meeting a grater. |
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Social BehaviorViewers get lessons in geology, biology, and history as Corwin describes the factors that contributed to Alaska's current topography and comments on the wildlife he sees. |
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