I think it is very, very good for all audiences. It teaches you how things were made, how things work (hence the name), and more. Too bad it had alchohol and consumerism.
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HowStuffWorks
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Is it age appropriate?
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Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8. -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Smart, fascinating choice for curious families.
updated 11.14.08
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 8 and Up
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence & scariness:
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Sexy stuff:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
About HowStuffWorks
Parents need to know that there's no questionable content in this eye-opening series that examines how basic resources like aluminum, iron, and lead are turned into an array of everyday products. The show's heavily technical content will likely bore young kids, but families with tweens and up who tune in will be amazed by the diversity of uses for these commodities and the effort it takes to process them, and they'll gain a new appreciation for the scientific research that continues to improve agriculture and manufacturing. The series is closely tied to its parent Web site, which offers fans even more intriguing content about each episode's topic.
Read our full review by Emily Ashby
Families Can Talk About
- Families can talk about the sciences. How does this series demonstrate science's real-world applications? What disciplines (chemistry, biology, etc.) were represented ? In what ways do scientists' efforts make the world healthier and more efficient? What aspects of science interest you? What problems would you like to work on improving? Families can also discuss the media's use as a learning tool. Was the purpose of this series to educate or entertain? Do you think it succeeded at its goal? In what ways was information presented differently here from how it is in school or in textbooks? What other shows have you watched that try to teach? How does this one compare?
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Lives in PennsylvaniaI rate this title on for age 3 and give itTeaches it all
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