Catch It Keep It (SCIENCE)

common sense media says

Science-based contests will get tweens' gears turning.


parents & educators say

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this science-based series demonstrates some of the real-world applications of technology and construction skills like carpentry and welding. Contestants must work together, combining their know-how and keeping a cool head under pressure to win the competition. In some cases, though, that same pressure causes tempers to flare, so expect occasional strong language (“damn,” mostly) and tense exchanges. Episodes also frequently feature challenge-related fires, explosions, and more. But overall, the series encourages creative thinking and problem-solving and is a fun choice for older tweens and teens.

Positive messages: Demonstrates the need to use skills, knowledge, and teamwork to overcome challenges. Also demonstrates everyday applications of science and technology.
Positive role models: Participants usually work well together and respect one another's suggestions, but when time limits loom and pressure mounts, tempers do flare. Encouragingly, the participant pool includes women, who are in the minority in these fields.
Violence: No violence, but the show does include potentially dangerous, man-made stunts like gale-force winds, intense fire, and explosions. Each episode begins with a public-service warning against trying similar endeavors at home.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: Occasional use of words like “damn.”
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: In at least one episode, a cache of beer is the object of the engineers’ attention.  

More on Catch It Keep It

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
  • Families can also talk about science and its applications. How do science and technology improve our daily existence? What aspects of science interest you? What problems would like to solve? How would you go about it?
  • What parts of the show are based in pure science, and which do you think might have been added to make for more exciting TV? Would you have been as interested in watching if there weren't any explosions, etc?
  • How much of what you see on TV is actually advertising? How do TV shows and movies include product placement in their content? Does the Internet increase this advertising overload?

What's the story?

What's the story?
In CATCH IT KEEP IT, contestants get 48 hours to overcome the scientific and engineering challenges that stand between them and a prize. In each episode, a three-person team must devise a way to protect a specific item -- a guitar, an aquarium, or a year’s supply of beer, for instance -- from the destructive tactics of the show’s resident engineer, Mike Senese, who simultaneously builds his own invention for meeting the same challenge. If the team is successful, they win a prize associated with the episode’s theme.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

This no-frills, science-based series is an intriguing choice for older tweens and teens who enjoy watching the problem-solving process in action. The challenges are designed to get viewers’ gears turning along with the contestants’, and families can have fun devising their own solutions to the tasks (which they’re invited to submit via the show’s Web site).

And aside from some occasional strong language as a result of the participants’ stressful working conditions, the content is mostly worry free, so families of tweens and teens can tune in without concern.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: SCIENCE
Cast: Mike Senese, Zach Selwyn
Genre: Educational
Where to watch: SCIENCE

This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

homer123
parent of 16 year old
 
good show
best new show

 
Pointless and wasteful. Creating silly contraptions for a silly situation. Science? don't waste your time. Opening music is horrible also--probably the worst part.

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About our rating system
ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age