Extreme Science (http://www.extremescience.com)
common sense media says
Sensational twist on science is fun -- but ads distract.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this site gives kids solid information on the more exciting subjects of earth science, like world record-setting feats of nature and cataclysmic events, as well as sharks, poisonous bugs, and space travel. This site is free, but the pay-for-use site Science Castle.com, which the creator of this site works for, is heavily promoted here. Be aware that the center-stage YouTube video on the site's home page is actually an ad for the Science Castle.com site.
Educational value:
The article topics are selected with a keen sense of what will get kids excited about science, and they are written well, if a bit text-heavy for what today's tweens and teens expect to be reading on the Internet. More (not ad-related) photos and video would help. This site links to resources like maps, science calculators, and more that
give young scientists the tools they need to succeed in science in
their studies.
give young scientists the tools they need to succeed in science in
their studies.
Violence:
Graphic photos and videos depict some of nature's more frightening moments -- like sharks eating seals.
Sex:
Not applicable.
Language:
Not applicable.
Consumerism:
Way too many ads (and ads that aren't clearly marked as such) for a kid-centered educational site. Ads by Yahoo, ads for the pay-for-use science Web site that this free site's creator works for, ads for products related to the educational articles (sea life jewelery near articles about sea animals), ads for products related to this website as well as other educational products in the site's store via amazon.com.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Not applicable.
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