Common Sense Media Review
By Emily Ashby
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Fascinating science show that families can really dig into.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Time Team America
What's the Story?
In TIME TEAM AMERICA, a group of scientists visits dig sites throughout the country to uncover vital archaeological clues. Using both high-tech equipment and help from local scientific and cultural experts, the team races against a 72-hour time limit to find answers to long-standing questions about the sites and their inhabitants. Host Colin Campbell also serves as the resident artist, putting the experts' suppositions to paper as they interpret clues and develop a picture of the site's history.
Is It Any Good?
This intriguing series opens viewers' eyes to the exciting possibilities of modern-day archaeology by allowing them a bird's-eye view of the entire process. There's a surprising element of suspense throughout the show as the team anticipates their discovery and slowly pieces together clues. On a fundamental level, the experts also demonstrate the scientific process in action, from identifying a problem to theorizing an outcome, testing their results, and (as is often the case) adjusting their conclusion.
Time Team America is a worthwhile choice for families because it mixes entertainment with education and exposes viewers of all ages to the possibilities of science. What's more, the show's United States setting reminds us that we don't have to look very far to find links to the past -- and might inspire budding archaeologists among young viewers.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about science. Kids: What aspects of science interest you? How do scientists help improve our quality of life, our ability to communicate, and our understanding of the world around us?
You can also discuss teamwork. How do the show's experts work together toward a common goal? What teams have you been a part of? How do you resolve conflict with your friends or teammates?
How does media function as an educational tool? What did you learn from this series? How do teachers use TV and videos as teaching tools in the classroom?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 8, 2009
- Cast : Colin Campbell
- Network : PBS
- Genre : Educational
- Topics : History , STEM
- Character Strengths : Curiosity
- TV rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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