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Invention Nation

(Rated TV-G, Educational, Starring Christohper Martin, Micah Donovan, Nobu Adilman, Where to watch: Science 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?

    3.0

  • Common Sense says

    Green docuseries is educational but one-sided.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series spotlights earth-friendly inventions that make products like biodiesel fuel, solar power, and hybrid cars accessible to the general public. Experts discuss the financial and ecological benefits of replacing standard products like gasoline and propane with "green" products. But the series is severely one-sided, and inventors rarely offer full details about the complete costs of their earth-friendly products.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Very rare use of "hell."

  • Consumerism:

    Interviewees often wear clothing adorned with their companies' names, and some use their time on the air for blatant self-promotion.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About Invention Nation

Parents need to know that this docuseries heavily promotes earth-friendly fuel alternatives like biodiesel and solar power, giving inventors the chance to tout the qualities of "green" products ranging from bamboo bikes to hybrid cars. The arguments are persuasive but one-sided, glossing over some of the less-convincing details (many of which relate to implementation costs). Still, the series exposes viewers to lots of earth-friendly resources and encourages serious thought about the effects of the world's current energy consumption.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the show's messages. What do you think the producers' goals are? What do they want viewers to take away? Are you convinced? Do you think the series tells the whole story behind the featured products? What other reliable sources of information exist about products like these? How could you investigate them further? Families can also discuss their own energy consumption. What resources do you use on a daily basis in your home? Where do they come from? What are some ways you could be more responsible with them?
Tools and tips that can help

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Adult Reviewer
    Shaneighneigh
    Lives in Maryland
    I rate this title on for age 13 and give it 3.0

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

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