The Numbers Game

Fun look at statistics, social behavior has intense images.
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The Numbers Game
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this TV show.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Numbers Game is pretty mild but contains some violent images, including footage of fiery car crashes, special-effects-created scary faces, and moments that might be frightening for sensitive viewers (despite the fact that they're offered in an informative context). Occasionally people are shown in bathing suits or with bare chests, and occasional themes include, for example, how to become more attractive or desirable. The series might be a bit much for younger viewers, but older tweens and teens should be able to handle it.
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What's the Story?
On THE NUMBERS GAME, host and data scientist Jake Porway shows us what statistical science can reveal about people and our behavior. From using statistics to understand the likelihood of being caught in a lie to conducting experiments to illustrate the likelihood of a person helping someone in distress, Porway demonstrates how statistics can be used to understand, change, and improve our lives.
Is It Any Good?
The Numbers Game offers an interesting way to think about numbers and statistics and how they apply to our everyday lives. It also offers different ways of thinking about and understanding people's behaviors in social situations. Meanwhile, the various questions and interactive games in each episode give viewers the chance to test some of Porway's statements.
It's fun, but what makes it educational is the host's ability to demystify the function of statistics, breaking down the numbers-driven science into something both visual and understandable. It also demonstrates firsthand how statistics can be applied to understanding social behaviors to change them for the better. Most importantly, it shows how math and science play a major role in our lives, whether we realize it or not.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the field of statistics. Is it only about math and numbers? What are the different ways statistics are used to explain past, present, and future events?
Do you think TV shows can help viewers understand science better?
TV Details
- Premiere date: April 22, 2013
- Cast: Jake Porway
- Network: National Geographic Channel
- Genre: Educational
- Topics: STEM, Science and Nature
- TV rating: NR
- Last updated: March 2, 2022
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