Really Big Things
By Emily Ashby,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Educational field trips are big fun for families.
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What's the Story?
In REALLY BIG THINGS, host Matt Rogers goes on location to get hands-on with some of the world's largest structures, devices, and production processes. Working alongside the resident experts, he learns how oversized vehicles operate, large-scale manufacturing plants keep up with demand for items, and massive buildings are built and maintained.
Is It Any Good?
From trash compactors big enough to chew up a home to a unique NFL stadium, there's no end to the fun that Rogers -- and viewers -- will have checking out the latest and greatest big thing. In one episode, for example, Rogers tags along with the set-up crew for the Cirque du Soleil as they erect a big top large enough to cover 2,700 circus fans. While the project leader (or tentmaster, as he's known) coordinates the movements of a huge workforce, Rogers hops from job to job, rolling out canvas, attaching the tent top to the structural poles, and ascending the structure to affix waterproof material to any remaining gaps. Next he turns his attention to the world's largest land-to-water hovercraft, which the Navy uses to transport military equipment and troops. He gets a tour of the vehicle, learns about its specialized uses in and out of combat, and gets the feel of the cockpit during a multi-surface test run.
This intriguing series is as big on fun as it is devoid of iffy content, and the charismatic and adventurous Rogers is a great host. Really Big Things offers some really great family entertainment for parents and their kids, especially boys -- who are likely to be most awed by the array of massive vehicles.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about how things like the vehicles and devices featured on this show make our lives easier. What purposes do they serve? Why do they need to be so big? Do any of them directly affect your life? How? What really big things do you use or rely on every day? On the flip side, are there any things whose small size makes them extra useful? If you could invent something to make life easier, what would it be?
TV Details
- Premiere date: January 9, 2007
- Cast: Matthew Rogers
- Network: Discovery Channel
- Genre: Reality TV
- Topics: Science and Nature
- TV rating: TV-G
- Last updated: February 24, 2022
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