NOVA - TV-PG
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: PBS Cast: Calvin Sims, Carla Wohl, Chad Cohen
Genre: Educational
Available on: 
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Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this award-winning science series explores many topics that may be considered controversial, from AIDS to human cloning and "safe" cigarettes. While the science is presented in easy-to-understand terms, younger kids may not be able to grasp everything presented or may lose interest altogether. The show's documentary-style format is lively and far from dry, but parents should be aware that younger or less-curious kids may lose interest in this hour-long program, especially if they're used to watching lighter fare. Parents need to be aware that this show can be used as a teaching tool -- watch it with your kids, then conduct additional research to further expand your minds.
Families can talk about how a topic relates to their own lives, the lives of people they know, and the world at large. Parents and kids can conduct further research to learn more and to find answers to questions that arose while watching the show. For example, after viewing the episode "Monsters of the Milky Way," families may want to discuss string theory and how it relates to tiny black holes. How can "interference patterns" help prove the existence of tiny black holes? If tiny black holes do indeed exist within our solar system, how might they affect space travel, and even our daily lives? PBS's online teacher's guides provide additional discussion topics.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Ellen Dendy
First airing in 1974, PBS's NOVA is the highest-rated science program on TV and has won dozens of awards, including multiple Emmy, Peabody, and Westinghouse Science Journalism honors. The series takes a documentary-style approach to its topics -- each episode exposes and explores many layers of the subject at hand, with an emphasis on the human factor.
NOVA strives to present complex scientific concepts in easy-to-understand terms and is a great educational tool for teens and tweens. Younger kids can also get a lot from the show if they're able to pay attention, but parents may end up fielding some serious science questions from curious little ones who aren't able to grasp every detail. The show's subject material is wide-ranging and can include controversial topics like human cloning and sexuality, so parents may want to watch along with their kids, or pre-approve episodes on an individual basis.
As mentioned, episodes cover everything from global warming to a mysterious, modern-day Turkish family that walks on all fours. One program may delve into the mysteries of the ancient Mayans, while another reveals advances in finding a cure for cancer. The approach is always scientific, and most episodes also offer lessons in history, current events, culture, and other scholarly data.
What makes NOVA such a stand-out series is that it really digs into the topic at hand, leaving no stone unturned as it seeks to reveal the human side of its scientific subjects. It's this thorough, investigative approach that makes NOVA such a great learning tool for families.
Fans might also want to check out Everything You Need to Know, Is It Real?, and MythBusters.
Rate It!
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Sexual ContentScientific coverage of human sexuality, gender, and reproduction, as well as AIDS, population control, and other sex-related topics |
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ViolenceScientific/historical coverage of subjects like war, weapons, crime forensics, and natural and man-made disasters (examples: tornados, plane crashes, 9/11). Some accompanying images can be harrowing. |
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Social BehaviorPromotes science; fosters curiosity and further research. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoSometimes shown in the context of scientific coverage (ie, "Search for a Safe Cigarette"). |
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