Tools for this page
Print

HowStuffWorks

(Rated TV-G, Educational, Starring Nadia Dajani, Where to watch: Discovery Channel, Online)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 6, age appropriate for kids over 8; suggested age 8.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Smart, fascinating choice for curious families.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 8 and Up

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    The series offers a fascinating look at the science behind turning resources like wheat, rubber, and cotton into an array of everyday consumer products. There are plenty of learning opportunities here, especially related to science. The show also touches on the environmental effects of the production process and the efforts to make it and the products it yields more earth friendly.

 

What to watch out for

  • Violence & scariness:

    Not an issue.
  • Sexy stuff:

    Not an issue.
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Brand names are prominent in segments shot at processing plants for companies like Jolly Time Popcorn and Jack Daniels.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Some stories center on the production of alcohol -- like Jack Daniels whiskey.

 

What Parents Need to Know

About HowStuffWorks

Parents need to know that there's no questionable content in this eye-opening series that examines how basic resources like aluminum, iron, and lead are turned into an array of everyday products. The show's heavily technical content will likely bore young kids, but families with tweens and up who tune in will be amazed by the diversity of uses for these commodities and the effort it takes to process them, and they'll gain a new appreciation for the scientific research that continues to improve agriculture and manufacturing. The series is closely tied to its parent Web site, which offers fans even more intriguing content about each episode's topic.

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about the sciences. How does this series demonstrate science's real-world applications? What disciplines (chemistry, biology, etc.) were represented ? In what ways do scientists' efforts make the world healthier and more efficient? What aspects of science interest you? What problems would you like to work on improving? Families can also discuss the media's use as a learning tool. Was the purpose of this series to educate or entertain? Do you think it succeeded at its goal? In what ways was information presented differently here from how it is in school or in textbooks? What other shows have you watched that try to teach? How does this one compare?

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about HowStuffWorks?
  •  I think this show is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Pennsylvania
    I rate this title on for age 3 and give it 5.0

    Teaches it all

    I think it is very, very good for all audiences. It teaches you how things were made, how things work (hence the name), and more. Too bad it had alchohol and consumerism.

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Tech Tip

    Protecting privacy is a bigger issue than predators.Beyond Safety

    Protecting privacy is a bigger issue than predators.

  • Must See TV

    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Pick of the Week

    Spook-tacular Books

    Spook-tacular Books

    Fun Halloween picture books for young kids.

  • Game of the Week

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs

    Fun movie-based action game has constant but mild violence.

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
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

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