Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that this award-winning education site isn't really for young kids although it does cover many topics appropriate for them. Topics that aren't so appropriate -- drugs, alcohol, sex, and weapons -- are handled in a scientific or historical way. Some of the safe topics, such as planning a wedding, won't get your younger kid excited, but there are plenty of things that will (how sword swallowing works, for example). The site does an amazing job doling out information; unfortunately, it's also quite good at bombarding you with ads and related products for sale. Note: If you search for a subject, you'll get sponsored results and Google's results, which can be totally unrelated and/or inappropriate for kids. You'll be warned if you've entered anything "adult," so browse through the site by your kid's side. Kids over 13 can become a member and post in the boards -- just know that the site makes no promises to remove any iffy content posted.
Families can talk about how to find reliable information on the Internet. What are safe sites to browse? How can you tell which sites you can trust? Families can also discuss the differences between an informative article on a computer game and a commercial site like McDonald's game site, which also promotes its fast food products. Families can also touch upon Internet safety and what is -- and isn't -- OK to post online.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Ellen Dendy
HOWSTUFFWORKS.COM covers broad categories (science, entertainment, people) and broken down subcategories. Not only do the articles describe how things work, they also provide in-depth background and consumer-related info. Overall, the site's an excellent reference, with an emphasis on the nuts and bolts of both everyday (energy drinks, laughter) and not-so-everyday stuff (black holes, lie detectors). The site doesn't shy away from adult topics like drugs, alcohol, sex, and weapons, but these themes are handled in a very scientific/historical way. The site definitely sells and promotes more than free knowledge (Consumer Guide is a partner), and searches also scour the entire Web, offering sponsored results (aka places to spend money), followed by the site's links. HowStuffWorks.com provides a wealth of information that's great for researching school projects or just learning something new. If only there was a little less emphasis on selling and more on the fascinating stuff.
Curious kids under the right parental supervision might also want to check out the more comprehensive Wikipedia.com.
Reviewed: 08/16/2007
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Sexual ContentMany articles on human reproduction, but they never go beyond what's taught in most public schools. Diagrams are anatomical, and animations are either anatomical or kid-friendly cartoons. Includes a resource for parents explaining sex to kids entitled "Makin' Babies," with topics from conception to childbirth. There's a less detailed version for younger kids. |
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ViolenceEducational entries about the history of particular weapons and how they work; searches may result in links to ammunitions dealers in the "Featured Sponsored Results" section. |
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CommercialismThe site's consumer focus, while quite prevalent, is not force-fed. Along with links to commercial sites and many ads, an article page may also include links to the HowStuffWorks Consumer Guide, a partner site that offers product and price comparisons, reviews, and other articles. |
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Drug/Alcohol/TobaccoEntries about illicit drugs, alcohol, and tobacco are informative, not glorified. Some even link to sites that promote a drug-free lifestyle. |
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Educational ValueOverall this is an excellent learning tool for curious kids with lots of nuts-and-bolts questions. |
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