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Tools of the Trade

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

  • 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?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    How high-tech gear helps on the job.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series offers an intriguing, educational look at how high-tech tools help in many different jobs.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Depending on the featured trade, men and women are sometimes shown in life-threatening situations (like firefighters putting out blazes), but no one is ever injured. In an episode about SWAT teams, members carried guns.

  • 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 Tools of the Trade

Parents need to know that this informative documentary series is great for curious viewers of all ages who like to know how things work. Detailed investigation and narration is enhanced by illustrative computer-generated images to explain which tools professionals use to perform their jobs efficiently. Some of the featured professions are associated with violence -- law enforcement, firefighting, etc. -- and although no one is ever shown injured, scenes of house fires or SWAT teams swarming may be frightening to the littlest viewers.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the tools they use every day. What tools help make our lives easier? How do they work? What would we do if we didn't have access to them? How would it affect our lives? How do you think people come up with these tools? If you could invent any tool, what would it be? How would you design it? How would it improve people's lives?
Tools and tips that can help

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