Television Review: Assignment Discovery
What Parents Should Know
Parents need to know that this educational series is
specifically meant for use in the classroom. Topics include
American history, Hans Christian Anderson stories, the Ice Age,
ocean genetics, and many more. With their wide range of topics,
some episodes are more appropriate for middle schoolers, while
others are better for high school kids. Topics like slavery,
animal reproduction, war, and religion, while handled deftly,
might upset some viewers and/or prompt questions for parents.
Families can talk about the topics the show covers. What did
you learn? What did you already know? Was there anything in the
episode that surprised you? Was there something you learned
about that you'd like to research further? How will you go
about doing that? Will you need help from a parent or teacher
to find the information you want?
ASSIGNMENT DISCOVERY is an educational program specifically designed for middle and high school students. Covering a wide range of topics, the show methodically introduces students to concepts and ideas related to earth science, language arts, physics, history, and much more. Documentary film footage from the Discovery Channel library is enhanced by lesson plan material embedded into the program, such as topic questions and periodic breaks for student discussions about what they've learned so far. Experts such as scientists, writers, and explorers provide context and analysis throughout each program, and the show suggests resources so students can find out more about that episode's subject.
For teachers or home-schooling parents, Assignment Discovery can be a great resource for teaching, especially since the Discovery Channel Web site provides lesson plans and other resources to accompany the episodes. Throughout the episodes, the narrator speaks slowly and clearly -- much like an ideal teacher -- as the screen displays the kind of top-notch footage that the Discovery Channel is known for. Those eager to learn about certain subjects might find the show fascinating even outside of school, but be forewarned that most adults -- and many teens -- will find the slow pace and simplistic language too dull to maintain their interest.
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