Common Sense Note
Parents need to know that among its educational games, kid-friendly animal information, and great footage, this online component to National Geographic Kids magazine does have some scary videos. One about the cane toad, for example, talked about how the cute amphibian is very poisonous -- so poisonous that if a crocodile eats one, it can die. Another showed a brief moment where a cheetah attacked its prey. Banner ads offer subscriptions to magazines and also feature other organizations, but are clearly marked and unobtrusive. There's also a link to the main National Geographic site and its store.
Families can talk about using animals to promote learning. How can learning about a lion in Africa teach you about the world? Families can also chat about the animals they see online. What makes a cheetah's body perfect for running fast? What makes a cane toad so dangerous? Kids will love a trip to the zoo or library to learn more about favorite animals they see on the site.
Common Sense Review
Reviewed By: Heidi Kotansky
Like in the real world, there's a lot to check out on KIDS.NATIONALGEOGRAPHIC.COM. Once you click on an animal's image, you can read all about it, watch a video of it, see where it lives on a map, send an e-card of it, or print a "collectors card" with the animal and its facts on it. Some of the videos do show big teeth and animals killing prey, which may be a tad frightening for young kids. And, some of the commentary -- about how a cute cane toad is actually deadly -- can also startle a sensitive kid. Kids will love playing the educational games, doing activities, and reading all kinds of stories (from how the human heart works to how the mountain pine beetle is killing forests) and clicking through to related kid-friendly sites.
For other places to learn about the world around you, check out HowStuffWorks.com or WebRangers.com.
Reviewed: 04/16/2007
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ViolenceSome of the videos' images (a cheetah attacking its prey) and voice-over can be scary for sensitive kids. |
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CommercialismBanner ads promote the magazines and other Earth-related organizations. |
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Educational ValueKids can learn all about animals and science through games, videos, photos, and stories. |
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