Common Sense Media Review
By Sierra Filucci
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
In-depth, fun look at the science of the everyday.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 8+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
What's the Story?
With the guidance of Daniel Wilson, a hip smartypants with a Ph.D. in robotics, THE WORKS looks behind the everyday experience to explore the history and science of things like garbage, tattoos, skydiving, and more. Wilson takes a hands-on approach to learning as he does things like spend a day with a garbage collector in New York City to understand what goes into managing the globe's 251 million annual tons of trash. He walks viewers through the entire process of each topic he investigates, tossing out interesting statistical tidbits along the way. Viewers will see how, for instance, recycled paper is converted into new pizza boxes within 12 hours of being collected at the curb.
Is It Any Good?
The Works doesn't break any new ground. We've seen other reality shows go into great (and sometimes disgusting) detail on the behind-the-scenes processes that make up our daily life. But while the show isn't revolutionary, it's educational and goes a little deeper than some other shows that just skim the surface. Graphics and analogies help tell the stories. For example, the show about garbage tells us that the average human produces 4.6 pounds of trash per day -- which equals the weight of eight elephants per year.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about any everyday items they're curious about. Is there something you do or use every day that you wish you knew more about? What could you do to find out more? Who would you talk to first? Can you get others involved in learning more? Does learning about something through a TV show make it more fun? Why or why not?
TV Details
- Premiere date : July 10, 2008
- Cast : Daniel Wilson
- Network : History
- Genre : Educational
- TV rating :
- Last updated : September 20, 2019
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