Tools for this page
Print

Popular Mechanics for Kids

What’s the Story?

Reviewed by KJ Dell Antonia

POPULAR MECHANICS FOR KIDS isn't always exactly what you'd expect from a show with this title. Sometimes it explores the inner workings of sewer systems, roller coasters, and space travel. Other episodes look more like reality adventure TV, with the teen hosts experiencing a traditional Inuit feast (with plenty of gross-out items -- including raw seal -- on the menu) or wrestling alligators. Either way, it makes for good family viewing, but it isn't always the educational experience it purports to be.

Is It Any Good?

4

The teen hosts (the roster has included Jay Baruchel, Vanessa Lengies, Tyler Kyte, and 24's Elisha Cuthbert) are the conduit to each experience for the viewer. They try things out, ask questions, and sometimes provide explanations or talk about what they've learned. An adult (Charles Powell) sometimes pops up to offer suggestions on how to build something or have a similar experience at home -- where and how to find insects to look at, for example.

The program is perfect for middle graders. Younger viewers will enjoy it, too, but may have questions they need you to answer and may need to be reminded that what's happening is just a demonstration (police breaking down a door, for example). For kids that age, it's best to watch with them -- or at least be nearby.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.