MEDIA

Why Trains Crash

(NOVA). 55 min. PBS. 2017. $24.99. ISBN 9781627899369.
COPY ISBN
Gr 9 Up—This episode examines several recent deadly train crashes and identifies causes and potential solutions. Interviews with experts, survivors, and conductors, as well as harrowing accident footage, accompany computer-animation reconstructions to complete the accounts. The program dedicates substantial time to explaining a government-mandated safety overhaul of the rail industry, which has been delayed for nearly a decade. It redirects attention to the efficient high-speed rail system in Japan, demonstrating the advanced technology and precise training required to operate its bullet trains. Picture and sound quality are up to the series's usual high standards.
VERDICT Young problem solvers will enjoy the challenge of addressing the problems posed by public transportation. Blood, mangled limbs, and a (censored) "F-bomb" from a witness may make this appropriate for more mature students.
Reviewed by Ryan Henry, Daviess County Public Library, Owensboro, KY , Jul 01, 2017

Be the first reader to comment.

Comment Policy:
  • Be respectful, and do not attack the author, people mentioned in the article, or other commenters. Take on the idea, not the messenger.
  • Don't use obscene, profane, or vulgar language.
  • Stay on point. Comments that stray from the topic at hand may be deleted.
  • Comments may be republished in print, online, or other forms of media.
  • If you see something objectionable, please let us know. Once a comment has been flagged, a staff member will investigate.

RELATED 

BLOGS

The Chambered Nautilus: How A Small Idea Played a Big Role in the Plot for the Third Book in my Middle Grade Trilogy, a guest post by Laura Segal Stegman
by Amanda MacGregor
BLOGS

The Joy of Wonder: Using Story to Bring Science to Life, a guest post by Rebecca E.F. Barone
by Amanda MacGregor
BLOGS

Read Rec Rachel: Book Rainbows, by Teen Librarian Rachel Strolle
by Rachel Strolle
BLOGS

Six facts about The Worst Perfect Moment, a guest post by Shivaun Plozza
by Amanda MacGregor
BLOGS

Take Five: Short Middle Grade Novels
by Amanda MacGregor
BLOGS

This Feels Like My First Book, a guest post by Jeffrey Ebbeler
by Amanda MacGregor
More
ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?

We are currently offering this content for free. Sign up now to activate your personal profile, where you can save articles for future viewing

ALREADY A SUBSCRIBER?