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The National Parks: America's Best Idea

(Rated TV-G, Educational, Where to watch: PBS, DVD)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 0, age appropriate for kids over 5; suggested age 7.

  • Is it any good?

    5.0

  • Common Sense says

    Breathtaking historical look at nation's favorite places.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 7 and Up

The good stuff

  • Educational value:

    This unique view of America's past includes content of historical, geological, and sociological value and gives little-known figures in our country’s past their due for helping create this national treasure.

  • Messages:

    The series celebrates the American spirit and the equalizing effect of democracy -- as reflected in the concept that the country’s most spectacular treasures should belong to all citizens equally. The subject matter raises awareness of issues like deforestation and conservation. Though some content mentions the existence of indigenous people on the lands acquired by the government, not much time is devoted to describing how the change affected them.

  • Role models:

    The series makes heroes of average people-turned-visionaries who enabled the preservation of land for future generations.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Men and women are shown with guns in historical photos, and the narrative sometimes includes details of the physical hardships pioneers endured while navigating the wilds of future national parks.

  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.

  • Language:

    Very rare use of "hell."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Not an issue.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The National Parks: America's Best Idea

Parents need to know that this stunning historical look at America’s national parks from award-winning filmmaker Ken Burns is an excellent pick for families. More than just a collection of awe-inspiring sights, the series is also a gripping history lesson that touches on the economic, political, sociological, and geological forces at play during the formative years of America’s past. While its content is mostly appropriate for any age, it will be best appreciated by tweens and teens who already have some knowledge of American history.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how the media can be used as a teaching tool. Kids: What did you learn from this series? How has the media changed how we learn? In what ways does your school incorporate it in education?
  • Does this series change your view of conservation? If so, how? What responsibility do we have toward future generations when it comes to land use?
  • What aspects of our nation -- past and present -- reflect the philosophy that "all men are created equal"? How does this series illustrate the idea of democracy?
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