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We
all know kids are full of questions--especially when it comes
to discovering how objects work in the world around them. To provide
you (and them) with some answers, we've gathered these videos
that take a behind-the-scenes look at how some everyday objects
are built or made. An Ohio mom reported, "This project introduced
me to another category of videos I had not considered. It also
gave me an opportunity to see the wide variety of videos available
at the main library downtown. There were lots of titles on how
things work and are built."
We bet you'll be amazed, too. So
grab the popcorn and a hard hat if you have one, and get ready
for these nifty video field trips.
How a Car Is Built
(Think Media, ages 4-12).
Buckle your seatbelt for a trip to the Ford Mustang factory. Viewers
get an up-close look at the assembly line where these sleek driving
machines are put together.
Works: Fun and Games
(Sony Wonder, ages 3-10).
The kids who star in this video travel from the Works Clubhouse
to a number of factories and workshops to see how some favorite
playthings are created. Get the lowdown on how professionals construct
kites, puppets and swing sets. And you won't want to miss the
tour of the crayon factory.
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Better
Yet:
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| Take
your child to see the real thing. Call up your local factories
and see if any of them have tours for children. |
The Teddy Bear Factory
(Premier Images, ages 4-up)
Freddy, a friendly talking bear, leads young viewers through the
Basic Brown Bear Factory in San Francisco. See all that goes into
building a teddy bear from cutting out a pattern to sewing the
last stitch. Fun facts about the teddy bear's origin are also
included.
"How a Car Is Built" led
the pack for our test families. The B. family in Cincinnati checked
out the video from their local library. "It was worth the
search. The kids loved it!" Mom told us. The title was a
real eye-opener for the whole family. Mom added, "I was amazed
at how involved the process is--wow! We may consider a factory
tour. My kids already love to go visit the plant where my husband
works. The machines there are fascinating!"
The Hannans were equally impressed
with "How a Car Is Built". They, too, found the video
at their public library. Mom noted that "Jack (4) loved the
parrot narrator and remembered the car video because of it. Jack
is very mechanical anyway, and he was glued to the set. We both
found the painting process very interesting, and we talked about
how each person in a factory was responsible for a specific job
and is an expert at it." In "Works: Fun and Games",
crayons were the draw. "The crayon factory was very cool
and interesting. Jack was fascinated in the process and by how
the specialized machinery operates. These videos were very thorough.
The narration stayed on level and was very well done; both kids
were attentive through both titles."
Take It From Me: "We
have friends in Philadelphia we are visiting this fall, and this
reminded me to try and see the Hershey [chocolate/candy] plant
when we're there. I haven't researched factory tours on the Internet
before, but I will, to plan the Hershey trip." --The Hannans
© Studio
One Networks
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