TV Details
Starring
Genre
More details
See more TV reviews

MegaStructures (National Geographic Channel)

common sense media says

Impressive engineering is fun for tweens and up.

parents & educators say
Be the first to review it

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that this documentary series details the design and construction of some of the world's most impressive structures and machines. Experts weigh in on the process from conception through planning and building, and computer graphics help demonstrate the science behind it all. The series also touches on outside factors (wars, depressions, technological advances, etc.) that played a role in enhancing or delaying each project. The educational content is great for tweens and teens, but young kids may find it on the dull side.

Positive messages: The series details the design and construction process of some of the world's most impressive architectural and engineering feats.
Violence & scariness: Occasional discussion of injuries, illnesses, and fatalities that occur during the construction process.
Sexy stuff: Not applicable.
Language: Not applicable.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on MegaStructures

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about the role and impact of TV documentary series. Do shows like this one make education fun for viewers? Do you think they usually give an accurate representation of the facts? How can series like this inspire interests in fields like architecture, archaeology, and history? Families can also discuss the construction process. What challenges do planners face when designing massive structures? How do factors like weather and geography affect their success? What tools allow them to overcome these challenges? How has technology changed the way designers and architects work?

What's the story?

What's the story?
MEGASTRUCTURES documents the design and construction of some of the world's most architecturally impressive buildings and machines, explaining how engineers overcame daunting challenges to complete the projects and relied on innovative tools to get the job done. The series also explores the history of the building materials that make these projects possible -- like concrete, steel, and brick -- as well as machines of war and awe-inspiring bridges. Past episodes have taken behind-the-scenes looks at everything from the Pentagon, the Sears Tower, and the Panama Canal to the Berlin Wall and the Autobahn, including historical background on the project's location, putting the need for the super structures and the various factors that made their construction difficult into context. Experts explain the design and building process, and video footage and accounts from actual participants help illustrate the scale of each undertaking. When visuals are needed, computer graphics demonstrate the science behind the construction.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

In addition to offering insight into large-scale construction, MegaStructures celebrates the innovative human spirit that's at the heart of every project featured in the series. Families of tweens and teens can marvel at these man-made wonders together, but the show's somewhat dry subject matter may well bore younger viewers.

TV themes & details

TV Details
TV Rating: TV-PG
Network: National Geographic Channel
Cast: Jonathan Hart
Genre: Educational
Where to watch: National Geographic Channel
This review was written by Emily Ashby
 
 

Review It

 

Review MegaStructures

Hang on! You need to be a member to post your review.
A safe community is important to us. Please observe our guidelines.
 

There aren’t any reviews yet. Ask your friends to review this title.

More reviews ...

An independent voice for families
Age-appropriate reviews
Advice on the big issues
 

vote now

Will you see MegaStructures?

Won't miss it
We'll try
Change it

Already seen it? What do you think?

I recommend it
It's a pass
 

Great alternatives handpicked by our editors

Browse more TV
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
Our child development rating guidelines