This colÂlecÂtion proÂvides a list of free eduÂcaÂtionÂal resources for K‑12 stuÂdents (kinderÂgarten through high school stuÂdents) and their parÂents and teachÂers. This page is being updatÂed and cleaned up durÂing the COVID-19 criÂsis. Please tell us if we’re missÂing someÂthing valuÂable.
Below you will find free video lessons/tutorials; free mobile apps; free audioÂbooks, ebooks and textÂbooks; qualÂiÂty YouTube chanÂnels; free forÂeign lanÂguage lessons; test prep mateÂriÂals; and free web resources in acaÂdÂeÂmÂic subÂjects like litÂerÂaÂture, hisÂtoÂry, sciÂence and comÂputÂing.
Home SchoolÂing Resources DurÂing COVID-19
- AmazÂing EduÂcaÂtionÂal Resources: A spreadÂsheet of 300+ eduÂcaÂtion comÂpaÂnies offerÂing free subÂscripÂtions due to school closÂings. AddiÂtionÂal helpÂful resources can be found in this artiÂcle by Forbes.
- Resources for EduÂcaÂtors DurÂing the CoroÂnÂavirus PanÂdemÂic: ComÂmon Sense Media has creÂatÂed a colÂlecÂtion of remote teachÂing resources, famÂiÂly eduÂcaÂtion mateÂriÂals, and research-backed strateÂgies to ease stress and encourÂage learnÂing at home. On this othÂer page, you can find Online LearnÂing Resources to SupÂpleÂment HomeÂschoolÂing, Free EduÂcaÂtionÂal Apps, Games, and WebÂsites, and more.
- Zoom’s Free VideoÂconÂferÂencÂing Tools: DurÂing the COVID-19 criÂsis, Zoom is proÂvidÂing K‑12 instiÂtuÂtions free access to their videoÂconÂferÂencÂing tools needÂed to run online coursÂes. Get details here. Also here are tips on how to look your best on a webÂcam.
- Free Zoom ArtisÂtic BackÂgrounds: If you would like to cusÂtomize your Zoom backÂground, you can find free art from Hayao MiyazaÂkÂi’s StuÂdio GhiÂbÂli (the makÂers of Princess Mononoke, SpirÂitÂed Away, etc.) You can also get free art from world class museÂums. InstrucÂtions for cusÂtomizÂing the backÂground can be found here.
- EngiÂneerÂing ChalÂlenges for ChilÂdren DurÂing LockÂdown: DesignÂers from the James Dyson FounÂdaÂtion “have come up with a series of chalÂlenges to help kids learn at home durÂing isoÂlaÂtion. ComÂprised of 22 sciÂence tasks and 22 engiÂneerÂing activÂiÂties, the ChalÂlenge Cards can be comÂpletÂed by chilÂdren using comÂmon houseÂhold items such as eggs, string and balÂloons.” There’s a relatÂed set of videos on YouTube.
- Free Online Resources for Schools ShiftÂing Online DurÂing CoroÂnÂavirus PanÂdemÂic: A colÂlecÂtion of resources curatÂed by SchoolChoiceWeek.com. It covÂers comÂmuÂniÂcaÂtion platÂform resources, math and sciÂence resources, social studÂies resources and more.
- Ideas to Steal: A New Zealand orgaÂniÂzaÂtion proÂvides free activÂiÂties you can do with your kids, using basic mateÂriÂals at home.
- Khan AcadÂeÂmy: Khan AcadÂeÂmy has creÂatÂed guides designed to help parÂents and teachÂers get through the COVID-19 criÂsis.
- Google Teach From Home: A cenÂtral hub of inforÂmaÂtion, tips, trainÂing and tools from across Google for EduÂcaÂtion to help teachÂers keep teachÂing, even when they aren’t in the classÂroom.
- Google Learn at Home: Google has partÂnered with Khan AcadÂeÂmy and othÂer learnÂing creÂators to bring parÂents & famÂiÂlies resources and activÂiÂties to make the comÂing days as eduÂcaÂtionÂal and fun as posÂsiÂble. These resources won’t replace any homeÂwork assigned by teachÂers — but they can comÂpleÂment that work.
- How Schools Can Start TeachÂing Online in a Short PeriÂod of Time: Free TutoÂriÂals from the StanÂford Online High School.
- NationÂal EmerÂgency Library: In the wake of our criÂsis, the InterÂnet Archive has made availÂable online 1.5 milÂlion books. They’re ready to be checked out.
- NetÂflix EduÂcaÂtionÂal DocÂuÂmenÂtaries: DurÂing this periÂod, NetÂflix has made some of its eduÂcaÂtionÂal docÂuÂmenÂtaries free to stream online. The list notably includes David Attenborough’s nature series Our PlanÂet and Abstract, which looks at the art of design.
- New York PubÂlic Library COVID-19 Resources: Need some good book recÂomÂmenÂdaÂtions? Read aloud sugÂgesÂtions? NYPL has your at-home readÂing needs covÂered for kids of all ages. See secÂtions on Pre‑K to 2nd Grade, 3rd to 5th Grade, MidÂdle School and High School.
- ScholasÂtic Learn at Home: Day-to-day projects to keep kids readÂing, thinkÂing and learnÂing. Goes from PreK to 9th grade.
- Free Online DrawÂing Lessons for Kids, Led by Favorite Artists & IllusÂtraÂtors: DurÂing the COVID-19 criÂsis, some well known illusÂtraÂtors (Mo Willems, Wendy McNaughton, Wendy, etc.) are offerÂing free drawÂing lessons for kids.
- The NationÂal ConÂstiÂtuÂtion CenÂter: This orgaÂniÂzaÂtion is offerÂing daiÂly live conÂstiÂtuÂtionÂal conÂverÂsaÂtions for midÂdle school, high school, and colÂlege stuÂdents, availÂable through Zoom, and accesÂsiÂble on home comÂputÂer, lapÂtop, or phone
Free Audio Books, eBooks and TextÂbooks
- Free Audio Books: Our colÂlecÂtion of 450 free audio books includes many chilÂdren’s clasÂsics. The WizÂard of Oz, GrimÂm’s Fairy Tales, The AdvenÂtures of HuckÂleÂberÂry Finn and Mark Twain, The ChronÂiÂcles of NarÂnia by C.S. Lewis, The Swiss FamÂiÂly RobinÂson, GulÂlivÂer’s TravÂels, Anne of Green Gables, Aesop’s Fables, The WizÂard of Oz series, and much more. You can downÂload audio files straight to your comÂputÂer or mobile device.
- Free eBooks: This colÂlecÂtion includes many chilÂdren’s clasÂsics in ebook forÂmat. You genÂerÂalÂly have the option to downÂload these texts to your KinÂdle, iPad, Nook or comÂputÂer. Video tutoÂriÂals are includÂed on the page. You may also want to visÂit our resource: DownÂload 20 PopÂuÂlar High School Books AvailÂable as Free eBooks & Audio Books.
- AudiÂble StoÂries: DurÂing the COVID-19 outÂbreak, AudiÂble is proÂvidÂing free stoÂries to kids and teens.
- Bartleby.com: Gives you access to free online clasÂsics of refÂerÂence, litÂerÂaÂture, and nonÂficÂtion, includÂing Strunk & White’s EleÂments of Style, The World FactÂbook, The Oxford ShakeÂspeare, and The King James Bible.
- CalÂiÂbre: DownÂload free e‑book softÂware that will manÂage your elecÂtronÂic library, conÂvert e‑books from one forÂmat to anothÂer, and give you online access to free e‑books. We have more on it here.
- CK-12: This non-profÂit proÂvides “open textÂbooks” for K‑12 stuÂdents all over the world. It offers free high-qualÂiÂty, stanÂdards-aligned, open conÂtent in the STEM subÂjects (sciÂence, techÂnolÂoÂgy, engiÂneerÂing, and mathÂeÂmatÂics).
- HisÂtoric ChilÂdren’s Books: The UniÂverÂsiÂty of Florida’s BaldÂwin Library of HisÂtorÂiÂcal Children’s LitÂerÂaÂture has digÂiÂtized 6,000 books. They’re free to read online from covÂer to covÂer. You can find othÂer colÂlecÂtions by The Library of ConÂgress and UCLA.
- InterÂnaÂtionÂal ChilÂdren’s DigÂiÂtal Library: ProÂvides free access to high-qualÂiÂty chilÂdren’s books from around the world in difÂferÂent lanÂguages, includÂing AraÂbic, Afrikaans, DanÂish, EngÂlish, FarÂsi and beyond. Hosts books for kids 3–5, 6–9, and 10–13. Start browsÂing the library here.
- LibÂrivox: A favorite of ours, LibÂrivox proÂvides free audio books from the pubÂlic domain. You will find 5000+ books in their catÂaÂlogue.
- OER ComÂmons: Free, adaptÂable, openÂly licensed textÂbooks and supÂpleÂmenÂtal resources.
- Project GutenÂberg: The mothÂer of all ebook sites hosts 40000 free ebooks, and makes them accesÂsiÂble for KinÂdle, Android, iPad, and iPhone.
- The HarÂvard ClasÂsics: Harvard’s influÂenÂtial presÂiÂdent, Charles W. Eliot, said that if you spent just 15 minÂutes a day readÂing the right books, you could give yourÂself a propÂer libÂerÂal eduÂcaÂtion. He pubÂlished a 51-volÂume series, now known as The HarÂvard ClasÂsics, and they’re availÂable free online. IdeÂal for the oldÂer stuÂdent.
- Free TextÂbook ColÂlecÂtion: Our site proÂvides a meta colÂlecÂtion of free textÂbooks availÂable on the web. It covÂers everyÂthing from Art HisÂtoÂry to BiolÂoÂgy, Math, Physics, and PsyÂcholÂoÂgy.
- Physics ComÂic Books — PhysicÂsÂCenÂtral, a web site run by The AmerÂiÂcan PhysÂiÂcal SociÂety (an orgaÂniÂzaÂtion repÂreÂsentÂing 48,000 physiÂcists), has creÂatÂed a series of comÂic books designed to get kids excitÂed about physics. Among othÂer comics, you can can read NikoÂla TesÂla and the ElecÂtric Fair for free online.
- RadiÂoÂLab for Kids: Kid-friendÂly stoÂries curatÂed by RadiÂoÂlab. All in one bingeÂable spot.
- Watch Stars Read ClasÂsic Children’s Books: BetÂty White, James Earl Jones, Rita Moreno & Many More: StoÂryÂline Online streams imagÂiÂnaÂtiveÂly proÂduced videos feaÂturÂing celÂeÂbratÂed actors includÂing VioÂla Davis, AlliÂson JanÂney, Chris Pine, WanÂda Sykes, Justin TherÂoux, and BetÂty White readÂing children’s books alongÂside creÂativeÂly proÂduced illusÂtraÂtions.
ForÂeign LanÂguages
- Open CulÂture ForÂeign LanÂguage ColÂlecÂtion: This list creÂatÂed by Open CulÂture offers free lessons in 40 difÂferÂent lanÂguages. You can genÂerÂalÂly downÂload the mp3/podcasts to your devices.
- DuolinÂgo — Learn 30+ lanÂguages online with bite-size lessons based on sciÂence.
- DesÂtiÂnos: An IntroÂducÂtion to SpanÂish: This video instrucÂtionÂal series for high school and colÂlege classÂrooms teachÂes SpanÂish speakÂing and lisÂtenÂing skills. ProÂduced by WGBH Boston.
- Deutsch – warum nicht?: An extenÂsive colÂlecÂtion of introÂducÂtoÂry GerÂman lessons put togethÂer by Deutsche Welle. Part 1, Part 2, Part 3 and Part 4.
- French in Action: Become fluÂent in French by explorÂing French culÂture in this well-known video series for high school and colÂlege classÂrooms. ProÂduced by Yale UniÂverÂsiÂty and WGBH Boston with WellesÂley ColÂlege.
- Ma France: The BBC offers 24 video lessons that will teach you French.
- Real ChiÂnese: PreÂsentÂed by the BBC. A liveÂly introÂducÂtion to ManÂdarin ChiÂnese preÂsentÂed in 10 short parts with video clips from the Real ChiÂnese TV series.
- Talk ItalÂian: A liveÂly introÂducÂtion to ItalÂian preÂsentÂed by the BBC.
- WatchÂKnowLÂearn: This site has aggreÂgatÂed YouTube videos that will teach stuÂdents new lanÂguages.
Video Lessons/Tutorials
- Free CoursÂes: Our colÂlecÂtion, 1,700 Free Online CoursÂes from Top UniÂverÂsiÂties, conÂtains countÂless video lecÂtures from coursÂes offered by top uniÂverÂsiÂties. Some mateÂrÂiÂal can be useÂful for high school stuÂdents, or their teachÂers.
- Khan AcadÂeÂmy: The site famousÂly feaÂtures K‑12 video tutoÂriÂals creÂatÂed by Sal Khan and team. It curÂrentÂly gives stuÂdents access to thouÂsands of video tutoÂriÂals that explain the ins-and-outs of algeÂbra, geomÂeÂtry, trigonomÂeÂtry, calÂcuÂlus, staÂtisÂtics, finance, physics, ecoÂnomÂics and more. Videos can also be accessed via YouTube and iTuneÂsU, or on the Khan AcadÂeÂmy’s webÂsite.
- Crash CoursÂes: CreÂatÂed by author John Green, this YouTube chanÂnel proÂvides crash coursÂes in physics, phiÂlosÂoÂphy, games, ecoÂnomÂics, U.S. govÂernÂment and polÂiÂtics, astronÂoÂmy, anatoÂmy & physÂiÂolÂoÂgy, world hisÂtoÂry, comÂputÂer sciÂence, biolÂoÂgy, litÂerÂaÂture, ecolÂoÂgy, chemÂistry, psyÂcholÂoÂgy, U.S. hisÂtoÂry and more.
- Learner.org: Run by The AnnenÂberg FounÂdaÂtion, Learner.org hosts mulÂtiÂmeÂdia resources for teachÂers, stuÂdents and lifeÂlong learnÂers. You can browse their genÂerÂal colÂlecÂtion of eduÂcaÂtionÂal videos here. SelectÂed colÂlecÂtions are catÂaÂloged below.
- MIT-K12: TakÂing a page from Khan, MIT is now proÂducÂing ”short videos teachÂing basic conÂcepts in sciÂence and engiÂneerÂing” for K‑12 stuÂdents. The videos are genÂerÂalÂly creÂatÂed by MIT stuÂdents. You can sort the videos by topÂic and grade levÂel. Find verÂsions of these videos on iTunes.
- NeoK12: DesÂigÂnatÂed a “Great Site for Kids” by the AmerÂiÂcan Library AssoÂciÂaÂtion, this site proÂvides eduÂcaÂtionÂal videos, lessons, quizzes and eduÂcaÂtionÂal games for K‑12 stuÂdents in varÂiÂous subÂject areas, such as sciÂence, math, health, social studÂies and EngÂlish.
- The Kid Should See This: This blog aggreÂgates interÂestÂing, kid-friendÂly videos focusÂing on sciÂence, art, techÂnolÂoÂgy, and more. The videos weren’t necÂesÂsarÂiÂly made for kids, but kids can get a lot out of them. That’s the premise of the site.
- TED-Ed: The makÂer of TED Talks now proÂvides careÂfulÂly curatÂed eduÂcaÂtionÂal videos or “lessons worth sharÂing.” TopÂics range from LitÂerÂaÂture and LanÂguage, to MathÂeÂmatÂics, to SciÂence and TechÂnolÂoÂgy.
- SchoolÂhouse Rock: AniÂmatÂed musiÂcal eduÂcaÂtionÂal short films that aired durÂing the SatÂurÂday mornÂing chilÂdren’s proÂgramÂming on the U.S. teleÂviÂsion netÂwork ABC. The topÂics covÂered includÂed gramÂmar, sciÂence, ecoÂnomÂics, hisÂtoÂry, mathÂeÂmatÂics, and civics
- WatchÂKnowLÂearn: This site has indexed over 33,000 eduÂcaÂtionÂal videos from YouTube and placed them into a direcÂtoÂry of over 3,000 catÂeÂgories. The videos are availÂable withÂout regÂisÂtraÂtion or fees to teachÂers in the classÂroom and to stuÂdents at home 24/7.
- YouTube EDU: A curatÂed colÂlecÂtion of eduÂcaÂtionÂal videos from sources rangÂing from Sesame Street to HarÂvard. CreÂatÂed by YouTube itself.
Art & VisuÂal CulÂture (Web Resources)
- A VirÂtuÂal Tour of 30 World Class MuseÂums and 2 MilÂlion Works of Art: The page gives you access to colÂlecÂtions of digÂiÂtized art from 30 world class museÂums. It feaÂtures more than 2 milÂlion works of art.
- Google Art Project: A new tool that gives you access to more than 1,000 works of art appearÂing in 17 great museÂums across the world. Using Google’s Street View techÂnolÂoÂgy, you can now tour colÂlecÂtions at 184 museÂums world wide, includÂing the MoMA and Met in New York City, the Uffizi Gallery in FloÂrence, the HerÂmitage in St. PetersÂburg, the Van Gogh MuseÂum, and the RijksmuÂseÂum in AmsÂterÂdam.
- ArtÂThink: CreÂatÂed by the San FranÂcisÂco MuseÂum of ModÂern Art, this site offers theme-based activÂiÂties in visuÂal arts, lanÂguage arts, hisÂtoÂry and social studÂies. The site lets stuÂdents invesÂtiÂgate artists’ work, lives, and their hisÂtorÂiÂcal conÂtext.
- Free ColÂorÂing Books from World-Class Libraries & MuseÂums:World class museÂums and libraries have made free colÂorÂing books availÂable for downÂload.
- SmartHisÂtoÂry: SmarthisÂtoÂry proÂvides an extenÂsive colÂlecÂtion of audio and video introÂducÂtions to works of art found in stanÂdard art hisÂtoÂry surÂvey texts. (See our post “An IntroÂducÂtion to 100 ImporÂtant PaintÂings with Videos CreÂatÂed by SmarthisÂtoÂry.”) You can find a comÂplete colÂlecÂtion of their videos on YouTube.
- VirÂtuÂal Tour of the SisÂtine Chapel: Thanks to VilÂlanoÂva UniÂverÂsiÂty, you can take an amazÂing virÂtuÂal, panoramÂic tour of the SisÂtine Chapel. Using butÂtons in the lowÂer left screen en, you can move around the room and zoom in on the paintÂings, includÂing those on the ceilÂing.
GeogÂraÂphy (Web Resources)
- NationÂal GeoÂgraphÂic: ProÂvides facts, phoÂtos, videos, and more about counÂtries around the world — someÂthing NatÂGeo knows a lot about.
- World Atlas: An eduÂcaÂtionÂal resource for world maps, atlases, and in-depth geogÂraÂphy inforÂmaÂtion. ProÂvides teachÂers and stuÂdents free maps of Europe, Asia, the U.S., CanaÂda, FloriÂda, the Caribbean Islands and much more.
- World Data Atlas: Great source of world staÂtisÂtics on every counÂtry. Includes data on more than 2500 indiÂcaÂtors. TopÂics covÂer EcoÂnomÂics, DemoÂgraphÂics, Health, EduÂcaÂtion, EnerÂgy and othÂer socioeÂcoÂnomÂic inforÂmaÂtion. Includes interÂacÂtive visuÂalÂizaÂtions like rankÂings, graphs and maps. All inforÂmaÂtion can be exportÂed and embedÂded onto the web.
HisÂtoÂry & PolÂiÂtics (Web Resources)
- 50States.com: Offers copiÂous inforÂmaÂtion about the fifty UnitÂed States of AmerÂiÂca.
- A BiogÂraÂphy of AmerÂiÂca: This video series for high school and colÂlege stuÂdents presents AmerÂiÂcan hisÂtoÂry as a livÂing narÂraÂtive rather than a colÂlecÂtion of facts and dates. ProÂduced by WGBH Boston in coopÂerÂaÂtion with the Library of ConÂgress and the NationÂal Archives and Records AdminÂisÂtraÂtion.
- A Crash Course in World HisÂtoÂry: Best-sellÂing author John Green gives you a playÂful and highÂly visuÂal crash course in world hisÂtoÂry, takÂing you from the beginÂning of human civÂiÂlizaÂtion 15,000 years ago through to our modÂern age. The videos are aniÂmatÂed and fun. We have a few more details here.
- AbraÂham LinÂcoln at the CrossÂroads: An eduÂcaÂtionÂal game for advanced midÂdle- and high-school stuÂdents. Learn about Lincoln’s leadÂerÂship by explorÂing the politÂiÂcal choicÂes he made.
- Ben’s Guide to U.S. GovÂernÂment: A primer on AmerÂiÂcan govÂernÂment for grades K‑2.
- BridgÂing World HisÂtoÂry: CreÂatÂed by Learner.org, this site offers mulÂtiÂmeÂdia mateÂriÂals designed to help learnÂers disÂcovÂer world hisÂtoÂry. The mateÂrÂiÂal is orgaÂnized into 26 theÂmatÂic units, which include videos and an audio glosÂsary.
- DemocÂraÂcy Web: The site feaÂtures an interÂacÂtive world map and an online study guide for teachÂers. Designed for use with upper secÂondary- and lowÂer colÂlege-levÂel stuÂdents, this resource proÂvides an overview of the prinÂciÂples of democÂraÂcy and their oriÂgins, as well as an examÂiÂnaÂtion of how a variÂety of conÂtemÂpoÂrary politÂiÂcal sysÂtems funcÂtion.
- Gilder Lehrman InstiÂtute of AmerÂiÂcan HisÂtoÂry: The Gilder Lehrman InstiÂtute of AmerÂiÂcan HisÂtoÂry is a nonÂprofÂit devotÂed to the improveÂment of hisÂtoÂry eduÂcaÂtion. The GLI web site feaÂtures video/audio with experts disÂcussing varÂiÂous topÂics in AmerÂiÂcan hisÂtoÂry. Don’t miss their iTuneÂsU colÂlecÂtion with talks includÂing: Famous AmerÂiÂcans, AmerÂiÂcan PresÂiÂdents, The U.S. ConÂstiÂtuÂtion, The AmerÂiÂcan CivÂil War, The Great DepresÂsion and World War II, Women in AmerÂiÂcan HisÂtoÂry, LinÂcoln and the CivÂil War, and SlavÂery and Anti SlavÂery.
- Google CulÂturÂal InstiÂtute: Google has built a robust, umbrelÂla CulÂturÂal InstiÂtute to house 42 new online hisÂtorÂiÂcal exhiÂbiÂtions. Each exhibÂit feaÂtures, in Google’s words, “a narÂraÂtive which links the archive mateÂrÂiÂal togethÂer to unlock the difÂferÂent perÂspecÂtives, nuances and tales behind these events.” TopÂics curÂrentÂly covÂered include the Life and Times of NelÂson ManÂdela, the Fall of the Iron CurÂtain, the SpanÂish CivÂil War, the Life of Anne Frank, D‑Day, and Apartheid in South Africa. The CulÂturÂal InstiÂtute also gives you access to super high resÂoÂluÂtion images of The Dead Sea Scrolls.
- Google HisÂtorÂiÂcal VoyÂages and Events: This site is dedÂiÂcatÂed to the explorÂers, voyÂages, events, and hisÂtorÂiÂcal backÂgrounds of counÂtries throughÂout the world, and uses Google techÂnolÂoÂgy to bring this hisÂtoÂry back to life.
- HisÂtoÂry and PolÂiÂtics Out Loud: A searchÂable archive of politÂiÂcalÂly sigÂnifÂiÂcant audio mateÂriÂals for scholÂars, teachÂers, and stuÂdents. It is a comÂpoÂnent of “HisÂtorÂiÂcal VoicÂes,” fundÂed by the NationÂal EndowÂment for the HumanÂiÂties in partÂnerÂship with MichiÂgan State UniÂverÂsiÂty.
- HisÂtoÂry MatÂters: Designed for high school and colÂlege stuÂdents and teachÂers, HisÂtoÂry MatÂters serves as a gateÂway to web resources and offers othÂer useÂful mateÂriÂals for learnÂing and teachÂing U.S. hisÂtoÂry.
- iCivics: FoundÂed by Supreme Court JusÂtice SanÂdra Day O’Connor, iCivics preÂpares young AmerÂiÂcans to become knowlÂedgeÂable and engaged 21st cenÂtuÂry citÂiÂzens by offerÂing free and innoÂvÂaÂtive eduÂcaÂtionÂal mateÂriÂals. iCivics has proÂduced 16 eduÂcaÂtionÂal video games as well as vibrant teachÂing mateÂriÂals that have been used in classÂrooms in all 50 states.
- LibÂerÂty’s Kids: An aniÂmatÂed eduÂcaÂtionÂal hisÂtorÂiÂcal teleÂviÂsion series origÂiÂnalÂly broadÂcast on PBS Kids. TeachÂes 7 to 14 year olds about the foundÂing of the UnitÂed States.
- The LivÂing Room CanÂdiÂdate: An archive of presÂiÂdenÂtial camÂpaign comÂmerÂcials from 1952 to the present, orgaÂnized by year, type, and issue, with teacher resources and playlists creÂatÂed by experts.
- Teachinghistory.org: This site is designed to help K–12 hisÂtoÂry teachÂers access resources and mateÂriÂals to improve U.S. hisÂtoÂry eduÂcaÂtion in the classÂroom. ProÂvides lesÂson plans and best pracÂtices. FundÂed by the U.S. DepartÂment of EduÂcaÂtion and the CenÂter for HisÂtoÂry and New Media.
- The InterÂnet HisÂtoÂry SourceÂbooks: This site feaÂtures colÂlecÂtions of pubÂlic domain and copy-perÂmitÂted hisÂtorÂiÂcal texts preÂsentÂed cleanÂly for eduÂcaÂtionÂal use. HostÂed by FordÂham UniÂverÂsiÂty, this resource is broÂken down into sub-areas: Ancient HisÂtoÂry, Medieval, ModÂern, ByzanÂtine StudÂies, African StudÂies, East Asian StudÂies, GlobÂal StudÂies, India, IslamÂic, JewÂish, LesÂbian and Gay, SciÂence, and WomÂen’s StudÂies.
- What So ProudÂly We Hail: An eduÂcaÂtionÂal resource about what it means to be an AmerÂiÂcan, inspired by the antholÂoÂgy of the same title. Through a series of online conÂverÂsaÂtions about clasÂsic AmerÂiÂcan texts, award-winÂning teacher-scholÂars Amy A. Kass and Leon R. Kass seek to eduÂcate both hearts and minds about AmerÂiÂcan ideals, AmerÂiÂcan idenÂtiÂty and nationÂal charÂacÂter, and the virtues and aspiÂraÂtions of our civic life.
- World HisÂtoÂry for Us All: A powÂerÂful, innoÂvÂaÂtive curÂricuÂlum for teachÂing world hisÂtoÂry in midÂdle and high schools. The site offers a wealth of teachÂing units, lesÂson plans, and resources. IdeÂal for anyÂone thinkÂing about how to teach world hisÂtoÂry to stuÂdents.
- World WonÂders Project: CreÂatÂed by Google, this valuÂable resource lets stuÂdents virÂtuÂalÂly disÂcovÂer some of the most famous sites on earth — for examÂple, the ruins of PomÂpeii, StoneÂhenge, VerÂsailles and more. It also lets you visÂit the Great BarÂriÂer Reef and ShackÂleÂton’s ExpeÂdiÂtion in AntarcÂtiÂca. The project offers an innoÂvÂaÂtive way to teach hisÂtoÂry and geogÂraÂphy to stuÂdents of priÂmaÂry and secÂondary schools. TeachÂers can downÂload relatÂed guides for using these resources.
- VisuÂalÂizÂing EmanÂciÂpaÂtion: A map of slavery’s end durÂing the AmerÂiÂcan CivÂil War. It finds patÂterns in the colÂlapse of southÂern slavÂery, mapÂping the interÂacÂtions between fedÂerÂal poliÂcies, armies in the field, and the actions of enslaved men and women on countÂless farms and city blocks.
LitÂerÂaÂture (Web Resources)
- DownÂload 20 PopÂuÂlar High School Books AvailÂable as Free eBooks & Audio Books: Gives you access to clasÂsic texts freÂquentÂly taught in the classÂroom. Includes works by Mark Twain, George Orwell, Aldous HuxÂley, Jane Austen, F. Scott FitzgerÂald and more.
- A Crash Course in EngÂlish LitÂerÂaÂture: A new video series by best-sellÂing kids author John Green covÂers ShakeÂspeare, FitzgerÂald, Salinger, and EmiÂly DickÂinÂson and more. See our post on this series.
- FolÂger ShakeÂspeare Library: Offers a world of online resources for teachÂers — from lesÂson plans to study guides to videos — for teachÂing ShakeÂspeare on the K‑12 levÂels.
- Google Lit Trips: This site proÂvides free downÂloadÂable files that mark the jourÂneys of charÂacÂters from famous litÂerÂaÂture on the surÂface of Google Earth. We offer more details here.
- InterÂnaÂtionÂal ChilÂdren’s DigÂiÂtal Library: ProÂvides free access to high-qualÂiÂty digÂiÂtal books from around the world. Offers books for kids 3–5, 6–9, and 10–13. Start browsÂing the library here.
- Lit2Go’s Audio Books: The UniÂverÂsiÂty of South FloriÂda proÂvides an extenÂsive colÂlecÂtion of free audio books along with mateÂriÂals to help K‑12 teachÂers present litÂerÂaÂture in the classÂroom. Find more inforÂmaÂtion on our blog here.
- PoetÂry Archive: Search the PoetÂry FounÂdaÂtion’s archive of over 10000 poems. SearchÂable by poet, title, first lines and more.
- Shakespeare’s Plays: If you’re lookÂing for ShakeÂspeare’s plays on the web, MIT offers the Web’s first ediÂtion of the ComÂplete Works of William ShakeÂspeare. If you’re lookÂing for a nice colÂlecÂtion for the iPhone/iPad, Oxford has you covÂered. They offer the first comÂplete colÂlecÂtion of ShakeÂspeare’s plays, from the First Folio of 1623, in their origÂiÂnal spelling and orthogÂraÂphy. You can also read all of Shakespeare’s plays free online, courÂtesy of the FolÂger ShakeÂspeare Library.
- Shakespeare’s Plays AniÂmatÂed: The AniÂmatÂed ShakeÂspeare brings to life famous ShakeÂspeare plays. Leon Garfield, a well-known British children’s author, wrote the scripts, mainÂly using ShakeÂspearÂiÂan lanÂguage. And some talÂentÂed RussÂian artists did the aniÂmaÂtion. You can find free copies of ShakeÂspeare’s plays in our colÂlecÂtions of Free Audio Books & Free eBooks.
- Shmoop LearnÂing Guides: Shmoop’s learnÂing guides break down some of the texts most freÂquentÂly taught in high school classÂrooms. EveryÂthing from Mark Twain to Ayn Rand to ShakeÂspeare.
- InviÂtaÂtion to World LitÂerÂaÂture: A mulÂtiÂmeÂdia course for stuÂdents, teachÂers, and lovers of litÂerÂaÂture. The course moves from ancient to modÂern litÂerÂaÂture, and is taught by David DamÂrosch at HarÂvard. Find more details here.
MathÂeÂmatÂics (Web Resources)
- AAA Math: FeaÂtures a comÂpreÂhenÂsive set of interÂacÂtive arithÂmetic lessons. UnlimÂitÂed pracÂtice is availÂable on each topÂic which allows thorÂough masÂtery of the conÂcepts. You can sort by grade levÂel. K‑8.
- Against All Odds: Inside StaÂtisÂtics: This resource shows stuÂdents the relÂeÂvance of staÂtisÂtics in real-world setÂtings. Video series for high school and colÂlege classÂrooms.
- IXL: Site feaÂtures thouÂsands of exerÂcisÂes designed to help young stuÂdents (K‑8) pracÂtice math. FeaÂtures pracÂtice quesÂtions, step-by-step explaÂnaÂtions, engagÂing awards and cerÂtifiÂcates, easy-to-read progress reports, and more.
- Khan AcadÂeÂmy Math: You can dive into the Khan AcadÂeÂmy’s math tutoÂriÂals using the folÂlowÂing links: ArithÂmetic and Pre-AlgeÂbra, AlgeÂbra, GeomÂeÂtry, TrigonomÂeÂtry, ProbÂaÂbilÂiÂty, StaÂtisÂtics, PreÂcalÂcuÂlus, CalÂcuÂlus, DifÂferÂenÂtial EquaÂtions, LinÂear AlgeÂbra, Applied Math, Brain Teasers, and Vi Hart AniÂmaÂtions.
- Math Shack: CreÂatÂed by Shmoop, Math Shack allows stuÂdents to pracÂtice an infiÂnite numÂber of auto-genÂerÂatÂed math probÂlems in Pre-AlgeÂbra, AlgeÂbra, and GeomÂeÂtry. It’s ComÂmon Core-aligned, and stuÂdents can see how they’re performing—by topÂic and subject—through an easy colÂor-codÂed sysÂtem.
- NRICH: The Nrich Math Project (based at CamÂbridge UniÂverÂsiÂty) offers mathÂeÂmatÂics resources for chilÂdren
, parÂents and teachÂers to enrich learnÂing. It proÂvides resources for stuÂdents of all ages.
- STEM From The Start: Designed for PreK‑2 learnÂers, SFTS uses the powÂer of eduÂcaÂtionÂal video to help lay the groundÂwork for STEM subÂjects by engagÂing chilÂdren in learnÂing that is fun, engagÂing and long-lastÂing. ProÂduced by New HampÂshire PBS & LearÂniÂverse EduÂcaÂtionÂal Media.
- WolÂfram MathÂWorld: Bills itself as the web’s most extenÂsive mathÂeÂmatÂiÂcal resource. Designed for more advanced stuÂdents, this colÂlecÂtion is proÂvidÂed as a free serÂvice by WolÂfram Research, makÂers of MathÂeÂmatÂiÂca. TopÂics covÂered include: AlgeÂbra, Applied MathÂeÂmatÂics, CalÂcuÂlus and AnalyÂsis, DisÂcrete MathÂeÂmatÂics, FounÂdaÂtions of MathÂeÂmatÂics, GeomÂeÂtry, HisÂtoÂry and TerÂmiÂnolÂoÂgy, NumÂber TheÂoÂry, ProbÂaÂbilÂiÂty and StaÂtisÂtics, RecreÂationÂal MathÂeÂmatÂics, and TopolÂoÂgy.
Music (Web Resources)
- A Child’s IntroÂducÂtion to Jazz: In 1961, Julian “CanÂnonÂball” AdderÂley, the jazz saxÂoÂphonÂist best known for his work on Miles Davis’ epic album Kind of Blue, narÂratÂed a children’s introÂducÂtion to jazz music. FeaÂtures music by Louis ArmÂstrong, Duke EllingÂton, ColeÂman Hawkins, TheloÂnious Monk and CanÂnonÂball himÂself.
- Free Music TheÂoÂry Flash Cards: DocÂtor Mozart proÂvides free music flashÂcards for stuÂdents of all ages.
- ClasÂsics for Kids: IntroÂduces eleÂmenÂtary and midÂdle school chilÂdren to clasÂsiÂcal music in a fun and enterÂtainÂing way. The site gives you access to famous pieces of clasÂsiÂcal music online and also relatÂed lessons plans and activÂiÂty sheets. Plus it has a page with othÂer helpÂful teachÂing resources.
- ExplorÂing the World of Music: Learn the essenÂtials of music theÂoÂry and how music expressÂes culÂture in this instrucÂtionÂal video series for high school classÂrooms.
- K‑12 Resources for Music EduÂcaÂtors: ValuÂable resources for music eduÂcaÂtors and music stuÂdents at all eduÂcaÂtionÂal levÂels. CareÂfulÂly researched and comÂmerÂcial free.
- The Alan Lomax Sound Archive: This huge treaÂsure trove conÂtains folk songs colÂlectÂed by the legÂendary folkÂlorist Alan Lomax from the 1940s to the 1990s, as well as interÂviews recordÂed by Lomax. The colÂlecÂtion has been digÂiÂtized and made availÂable online for free lisÂtenÂing. Gives you access to 17,000 songs. More details here.
- The World Music Archive: Run by the BBC, this archive allows you to samÂple the musiÂcal traÂdiÂtions of more than 40 counÂtries. India, CorÂsiÂca, ChiÂna, Cuba, Iran, Brazil, MozamÂbique, Turkey — they’re all repÂreÂsentÂed in this eclecÂtic colÂlecÂtion of indigeÂnous music.
PhiÂlosÂoÂphy (Web Resources)
- 350+ AniÂmatÂed PhiÂlosÂoÂphy Videos: A meta colÂlecÂtion of aniÂmatÂed phiÂlosÂoÂphy primers covÂerÂing phiÂlosÂoÂphy, from ancient to modÂern.
- PhiÂlosÂoÂphy for Kids: DedÂiÂcatÂed to helpÂing adults conÂduct philoÂsophÂiÂcal disÂcusÂsion with eleÂmenÂtary school chilÂdren, this site uses well known picÂture books to raise philoÂsophÂiÂcal quesÂtions — for examÂple Harold and the PurÂple CrayÂon, HarÂry the Dirty Dog, The Cat in the Hat, varÂiÂous Frog and Toad stoÂries and much more. The site is run by Tom WartenÂberg at Mount Holyoke.
- PhiÂlosÂoÂphy for Kids!: This site givÂen the same name as the one above is run by Gary Matthews, ProÂfesÂsor of PhiÂlosÂoÂphy at the UniÂverÂsiÂty of MassÂaÂchuÂsetts, Amherst. It also uses chilÂdren’s stoÂries to introÂduce stuÂdents to philoÂsophÂiÂcal quesÂtions.
- PhiÂlosÂoÂphy for ChilÂdren: A non-profÂit orgaÂniÂzaÂtion affilÂiÂatÂed with the UniÂverÂsiÂty of WashÂingÂton DepartÂment of PhiÂlosÂoÂphy, the NorthÂwest CenÂter for PhiÂlosÂoÂphy for ChilÂdren proÂvides lesÂson plans for using chilÂdren’s litÂerÂaÂture to introÂduce phiÂlosÂoÂphy, activÂiÂties for engagÂing chilÂdren in phiÂlosÂoÂphy, and tips for sucÂcessÂful pre-colÂlege phiÂlosÂoÂphy sesÂsions.
SciÂence (Web Resources)
- 100,000 Stars: An interÂacÂtive visuÂalÂizaÂtion of—you guessed it—more than 100,000 stars. 100,000 Stars was creÂatÂed by Google using data from NASA and the EuroÂpean Space Agency. Before you expeÂriÂence the map, you will need to downÂload the Chrome browsÂer. We have more on it here.
- Ask an Astronomer: In video forÂmat, sciÂenÂtists answer quesÂtions about the uniÂverse. For examÂple, where is the cenÂter of the uniÂverse? What hapÂpens when galaxÂies colÂlide?
- Atlas of the UniÂverse: ConÂtains maps of the uniÂverse zoomÂing out from the nearÂest stars to the entire visÂiÂble uniÂverse.
- BioED Online: An online eduÂcaÂtionÂal resource for eduÂcaÂtors, stuÂdents, and parÂents. DedÂiÂcatÂed to biolÂoÂgy, the site offers access to streamÂing video preÂsenÂtaÂtions and a slide library that feaÂtures, among othÂer things, excitÂing lesÂson plans and activÂiÂties.
- Bugscope: Lets K–12 stuÂdents view bugs under a scanÂning elecÂtron microÂscope over the web. From the UniÂverÂsiÂty of IlliÂnois.
- BuiltÂByKids: EncourÂages next genÂerÂaÂtion of makÂers to tackÂle the do-it-yourÂself projects of their dreams. EngiÂneerÂing very 101.
- CELLS Alive!: Brings togethÂer 30 years of comÂputÂer-enhanced images of livÂing cells and organÂisms for eduÂcaÂtion and medÂical research.
- ChemÂistry ActivÂiÂties for Kids: FeaÂtures chemÂistry demonÂstraÂtions, crafts, and projects that are suitÂable for kids. Some activÂiÂties require adult superÂviÂsion. AssemÂbled by Anne Marie HelÂmenÂstine, About.com Guide to ChemÂistry.
- DigÂiÂtal UniÂverse Atlas: DevelÂoped by the AmerÂiÂcan MuseÂum of NatÂurÂal HisÂtoÂry’s HayÂden PlanÂeÂtarÂiÂum, with supÂport from NASA, this digÂiÂtal atlas makes availÂable the most comÂplete and accuÂrate 3D atlas of the UniÂverse from the local solar neighÂborÂhood out to the edge of the observÂable UniÂverse. DownÂload it for free!
- DisÂcovÂer Space: The Space FounÂdaÂtion DisÂcovÂery CenÂter in ColÂorado Springs hosts STEM and space-themed eduÂcaÂtionÂal lessons, videos, and activÂiÂties. Of parÂticÂuÂlar interÂest are lesÂson plans feaÂturÂing Snoopy and the Peanuts Gang that are fun and easy for everyÂone to enjoy.
- DynamÂic PeriÂodÂic Table: An interÂacÂtive Web 2.0 periÂodÂic table with dynamÂic layÂouts showÂing names, elecÂtrons, oxiÂdaÂtion, trend visuÂalÂizaÂtion, orbitals, and isoÂtopes.
- Impact Earth!: An interÂacÂtive tool that lets anyÂone calÂcuÂlate the damÂage a comet or asterÂoid would cause if it hapÂpened to colÂlide with our planÂet. You can cusÂtomize the size and speed of the incomÂing object, among othÂer items.
- Khan AcadÂeÂmy SciÂence: You can explore the Khan AcadÂeÂmy’s sciÂence and techÂnolÂoÂgy lessons using the folÂlowÂing hotlinks: BiolÂoÂgy, ChemÂistry, CosÂmolÂoÂgy and AstronÂoÂmy, HealthÂcare and MedÂiÂcine, OrganÂic ChemÂistry, Physics, LeBron Asks, MIT+K12, Projects.
- NASA for StuÂdents: AmerÂiÂca’s space agency proÂvides eduÂcaÂtionÂal media for difÂferÂent age groups. See Grades K‑4, Grades 5–8, and Grades 9–12.
- Eyes on the Solar SysÂtem: A 3‑D enviÂronÂment lets you explore the cosÂmos from your comÂputÂer, hop on an asterÂoid, fly with NASA’s VoyÂager spaceÂcraft, see the entire solar sysÂtem movÂing in real time. CreÂatÂed by NASA.
- NASA GateÂway to AstroÂnaut PhoÂtogÂraÂphy of Earth: Brings togethÂer all images and videos of the Earth takÂen by NASA astroÂnauts from space.
- NASA PhoÂto Archive: NASA curatÂed a big archive of hisÂtorÂiÂcal images into Flickr ComÂmons, givÂing users access to more than a half cenÂtuÂry of NASA’s phoÂtoÂgraphÂic hisÂtoÂry. The images are dividÂed into three neat sets – “Launch and TakeÂoff,” “BuildÂing NASA” and “CenÂter NameÂsakes” – and they’re all copyÂright-free, meanÂing that you can share and use these images howÂevÂer you like.
- Ocean DefendÂer Online CoursÂes: Kids can learn from home with the Ocean DefendÂer online coursÂes that are develÂoped and delivÂered by Sea Smart’s highÂly trained team of marine biolÂoÂgists and enviÂronÂmenÂtal eduÂcaÂtors! StuÂdents in Grades 2–4 (or enthuÂsiÂasÂtic younger learnÂers) start their jourÂney to become an Ocean DefendÂer through a series of interÂacÂtive and engagÂing virÂtuÂal lessons with hands-on activÂiÂties to learn about the amazÂing aniÂmals that live in our oceans and what we can do to proÂtect our ocean.
- PaleÂonÂtolÂogy PorÂtal: This site is a resource for anyÂone interÂestÂed in paleÂonÂtolÂogy, from the stuÂdent in the classÂroom, to the interÂestÂed amaÂteur scoutÂing for fosÂsils, to the proÂfesÂsionÂal in the lab. FundÂed by the NationÂal SciÂence FounÂdaÂtion, the site was proÂduced by the UniÂverÂsiÂty of CalÂiÂforÂnia MuseÂum of PaleÂonÂtolÂogy, the PaleÂonÂtoÂlogÂiÂcal SociÂety, the SociÂety of VerÂteÂbrate PaleÂonÂtolÂogy, and the UnitÂed States GeoÂlogÂiÂcal SurÂvey.
- Physics to Go: A colÂlecÂtion of webÂsites where you can learn physics on your own, through games, webÂcasts, and online exhibits and activÂiÂties. FeaÂtures a colÂlecÂtion of more than 950 webÂsites with physics images, activites, and info. ProÂduced by the AmerÂiÂcan PhysÂiÂcal SociÂety.
- RobotÂics: CreÂatÂed by the UniÂverÂsiÂty of SouthÂern CalÂiÂforÂnia, this web site is designed to help K‑12 teachÂers and othÂer eduÂcaÂtors in develÂopÂing or improvÂing coursÂes that use robotÂics as a tool for teachÂing STEM topÂics or robotÂics itself. RobotÂics is a great way to get kids excitÂed about sciÂence, techÂnolÂoÂgy, engiÂneerÂing, and math.
- RoyÂal InstiÂtuÂtion ChristÂmas LecÂtures: Back in 1825, Michael FaraÂday, the venÂerÂatÂed EngÂlish sciÂenÂtist, estabÂlished The RoyÂal InstiÂtuÂtion ChristÂmas LecÂtures for ChilÂdren, hopÂing to get a younger genÂerÂaÂtion interÂestÂed in sciÂence, and the traÂdiÂtion has carÂried on ever since. You can watch the lecÂtures preÂsentÂed by famous sciÂenÂtists online, includÂing Richard Dawkins and Carl Sagan.
- SciÂence Kids: ProÂvides eduÂcaÂtionÂal resources for teachÂers and parÂents to help make sciÂence fun and engagÂing for kids. FeaÂtures fun activÂiÂties, facts, projects and experÂiÂments that proÂmote a desire amongst kids to learn more about sciÂence and techÂnolÂoÂgy.
- SciÂence News for Kids: Helps kids (midÂdle school and above) stay up-to-date on sciÂenÂtifÂic trends. ProÂvides crisp, conÂcise covÂerÂage of all fields of sciÂence daiÂly.
- STEM From The Start: Designed for PreK‑2 learnÂers, SFTS uses the powÂer of eduÂcaÂtionÂal video to help lay the groundÂwork for STEM subÂjects by engagÂing chilÂdren in learnÂing that is fun, engagÂing and long-lastÂing. ProÂduced by New HampÂshire PBS & LearÂniÂverse EduÂcaÂtionÂal Media.
- TeachEngineering.org: A searchÂable, web-based digÂiÂtal library colÂlecÂtion popÂuÂlatÂed with stanÂdards-based engiÂneerÂing curÂricÂuÂla for use by K‑12 teachÂers and engiÂneerÂing facÂulÂty to make applied sciÂence and math (engiÂneerÂing) come alive in K‑12 setÂtings.
- The HabÂitÂable PlanÂet: A SysÂtems Approach to EnviÂronÂmenÂtal SciÂence — A mulÂtiÂmeÂdia course for high school teachÂers and adult learnÂers interÂestÂed in studyÂing enviÂronÂmenÂtal sciÂence. The Web site proÂvides access to course conÂtent and activÂiÂties develÂoped by leadÂing sciÂenÂtists and researchers in the field. JointÂly creÂatÂed by HarÂvard and the SmithÂsonÂian.
- The Known UniÂverse: This video takes viewÂers from the Himalayas through our atmosÂphere and the inky black of space to the afterÂglow of the Big Bang. The film is made with the DigÂiÂtal UniÂverse Atlas (downÂload it here) that is mainÂtained and updatÂed by astroÂphysiÂcists at the AmerÂiÂcan MuseÂum of NatÂurÂal HisÂtoÂry.
- UnderÂstandÂing EvoÂluÂtion: CreÂatÂed for K‑12 teachÂers, this online resource proÂvides a one-stop, comÂpreÂhenÂsive resource on evoÂluÂtion. This site is a colÂlabÂoÂraÂtive project of the UniÂverÂsiÂty of CalÂiÂforÂnia MuseÂum of PaleÂonÂtolÂogy and the NationÂal CenÂter for SciÂence EduÂcaÂtion.
- USGS SciÂence Resources: AssemÂbled by the U.S. GeoÂlogÂiÂcal SurÂvey, this site brings togethÂer lots of resources that will teach stuÂdents about BiolÂoÂgy, GeogÂraÂphy, GeolÂoÂgy, Water, and more. The site is dividÂed into secÂtions: K‑2, 3–5, 6–8, and 9–12.
TechÂnolÂoÂgy (Web Resources)
- CodecadÂeÂmy: This venÂture gives stuÂdents the abilÂiÂty to take free comÂputÂer sciÂence lessons online. TeachÂes everyÂthing from HTML basics to Python in a “user active” style. We have more details here.
- ComÂputÂer SciÂence CoursÂes from Great UniÂverÂsiÂties: The more advanced stuÂdent can watch lecÂtures from comÂputÂer sciÂence coursÂes preÂsentÂed at great uniÂverÂsiÂties.
Khan AcadÂeÂmy TechÂnolÂoÂgy: Find lessons in DrawÂing & AniÂmaÂtion and ProÂgramÂming Basics.
EduÂcaÂtionÂal Apps (MostÂly for iPhone/iPad)
- Aesop’s Fables InterÂacÂtive Book: The Library of ConÂgress has released a free app for use on iPhones, iPads and Android platÂforms. This innoÂvÂaÂtive readÂing expeÂriÂence has been adaptÂed from the 1919 book The Aesop for ChilÂdren, and includes outÂstandÂing drawÂings by Milo WinÂter, a notÂed illusÂtraÂtor.
- AmerÂiÂcan MuseÂum of NatÂurÂal HisÂtoÂry: CosÂmic DisÂcovÂerÂies: Take a ride with the Museum’s astroÂphysiÂcists through our Solar SysÂtem, the Milky Way Galaxy, and beyond. CosÂmic DisÂcovÂerÂies is the first app to colÂlect nearÂly 1,000 stunÂning astroÂnomÂic images.
- Babbel: SupÂportÂed by the EuroÂpean RegionÂal DevelÂopÂment Fund, the Babbel apps are availÂable for 11 lanÂguages, and conÂtain 2,000–3,000 vocabÂuÂlary words per lanÂguage. All words are accomÂpaÂnied by images and proÂnounced for you by native speakÂers.
- BrainÂPop FeaÂtured Movie: This well-respectÂed app presents a difÂferÂent aniÂmatÂed movie every day covÂerÂing subÂjects relatÂed to hisÂtorÂiÂcal and curÂrent events, and then lets youngÂsters test their new knowlÂedge with an interÂacÂtive quiz.
- 3D Brain: DisÂcovÂer how each brain region funcÂtions, what hapÂpens when the brain is injured, and how it is involved in menÂtal illÂness. Each detailed strucÂture comes with inforÂmaÂtion on funcÂtions, disÂorÂders, brain damÂage, case studÂies, and links to modÂern research. Use your touch screen to rotate and zoom around 29 interÂacÂtive strucÂtures.
- ColÂor UncovÂered: BeauÂtiÂful app teachÂes you the basics of colÂor sciÂence using smart, interÂacÂtive optiÂcal illuÂsions.
- Dictionary.com: PretÂty simÂple, but handy. A good dicÂtioÂnary in your pockÂet.
- EarthÂlapse: Turn your iPad or iPhone into a winÂdow aboard the InterÂnaÂtionÂal Space StaÂtion. ExpeÂriÂence stunÂning views of planÂet Earth capÂtured by NASA astroÂnauts. Touch the views and conÂtrol the planÂet with your finÂger.
- EduÂCreÂations: This app will turn your iPad into a whiteÂboard where you can do screenÂcastÂing.
- EverÂnote: A handy app for takÂing notes.
- ExoÂplanÂet: This app offers a comÂpreÂhenÂsive visuÂal dataÂbase of all known exoÂplanÂets (planÂets orbitÂing othÂer stars) disÂcovÂered so far. It is freÂquentÂly updatÂed as new disÂcovÂerÂies are conÂfirmed.
- FotoÂpeÂdia UNESCO World HerÂitage Site: DrawÂing on 20,000 curatÂed phoÂtos, this free iPhone/iPad app lets you visÂit (at least virÂtuÂalÂly) 890 UNESCO World HerÂitage sites. In a matÂter of minÂutes, you can move from Notre Dame in Paris, to the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, to Machu PicÂchu in Peru, to the Great PyraÂmid of Giza in Egypt. FotoÂpeÂdia offers a numÂber of othÂer great apps relatÂed to forÂeign travÂel here.
- Gene Screen: A fun way to learn how recesÂsive genetÂic traits and disÂeases are inherÂitÂed and why cerÂtain disÂeases are more prevaÂlent in difÂferÂent popÂuÂlaÂtions. Gene Screen also proÂvides inforÂmaÂtion on some recesÂsive genetÂic disÂeases and genetÂic screenÂing proÂgrams.
- Google Sky Map: Sky Map enables users to idenÂtiÂfy stars and planÂets by pointÂing their devices towards these objects in the sky. Users can zoom in and out, and switch varÂiÂous layÂers such as conÂstelÂlaÂtions, planÂets, grids, and deep sky objects. Users can also deterÂmine the locaÂtions of planÂets and stars relÂaÂtive to their own curÂrent locaÂtions.
- iTuneÂsU: The iTunes U app gives you access to comÂplete coursÂes from leadÂing uniÂverÂsiÂties and othÂer schools — plus the world’s largest digÂiÂtal catÂaÂlog of free eduÂcaÂtion conÂtent — right on your iPad, iPhone, or iPod touch. You can find many of these coursÂes on our list 550 Free Online CoursÂes from Top UniÂverÂsiÂties.
- Khan AcadÂeÂmy: This new app for the iPhone and iPad gives users access to nearÂly 3,500 videos covÂerÂing K‑12 math, sciÂence topÂics such as biolÂoÂgy, chemÂistry, physics, and the humanÂiÂties.
- LetÂterÂpress: The highÂly ratÂed app lets young stuÂdents find words, steal tiles, and colÂor the board!
- LouÂvre MuseÂum: From the most imporÂtant museÂum in Paris, this app proÂvides a virÂtuÂal tour of the LouÂvre’s galÂleries and lets users check out the works of everyÂone from DaVinÂci to MichelanÂgeÂlo. The app gets you up close and perÂsonÂal with paintÂings, drawÂings, prints, sculpÂtures, and even the French Crown JewÂels.
- MolÂeÂcules: An app for viewÂing three-dimenÂsionÂal renÂderÂings of molÂeÂcules and manipÂuÂlatÂing them using your finÂgers. You can rotate the molÂeÂcules by movÂing your finÂger across the disÂplay, zoom in or out by using two-finÂger pinch gesÂtures, or pan the molÂeÂcule by movÂing two finÂgers across the screen at once.
- MindÂsnacks SpanÂish Lessons: Award winÂning app teachÂes stuÂdents the lanÂguage skills they need: getÂting direcÂtions, orderÂing food, meetÂing new friends, shopÂping, relaxÂing. The introÂducÂtoÂry levÂel is free, although more advanced levÂels require payÂing for the app.
- Moon: The perÂfect resource to help stuÂdents learn about the moon.
- Moon Globe: This free app puts the moon in your pockÂet with 3D graphÂics and touch screen navÂiÂgaÂtion.
- MuseÂum of ModÂern Art: The MoMA lets you take a close look at art by Abstract ExpresÂsionÂists, includÂing JackÂson PolÂlock, Mark Rothko, David Smith, Willem de KoonÂing and many othÂers.
- Name It: “Name It” is a biolÂoÂgy learnÂing app for the iPhone. It will teach you to recÂogÂnize species by picÂtures. ProÂvides access to 1,117,900 species pages and 1,914,317 picÂtures. Based on the EncyÂcloÂpeÂdia of Life, the open source proÂjet to docÂuÂment all livÂing organÂisms on earth.
- NASA: DisÂcovÂer a wealth of great space travÂel inforÂmaÂtion on this free app. The NASA App colÂlects, cusÂtomizes and delivÂers an extenÂsive selecÂtion of dynamÂiÂcalÂly updatÂed inforÂmaÂtion, images and videos from varÂiÂous online NASA sources in a conÂveÂnient mobile packÂage. AvailÂable for Android, iPhone and iPad.
- OffiÂcial SAT QuesÂtion of the Day: CreÂatÂed the ColÂlege Board, this app gives you a new offiÂcial SAT quesÂtion every day. It also gives you a staÂtisÂtiÂcal analyÂsis of your perÂforÂmance.
- PeriÂodÂic Table of EleÂments in HD: CreÂatÂed by MerÂck, this chemÂistry app has received lots of praise.
- PlanÂets: A 3D guide to the solar sysÂtem for aspirÂing astronomers. DownÂloaded over 8 milÂlion times, the app lets kids locate planÂets with a flat view of sky in 2D, or a planÂeÂtarÂiÂum style view of the sky in 3D.
- PoetÂry from the PoetÂry FounÂdaÂtion: From William ShakeÂspeare to CĂ©sar ValleÂjo to Heather McHugh, the PoetÂry Foundation’s app turns your phone into a mobile poetÂry library.
- Project Noah: A great tool to explore and docÂuÂment wildlife and a platÂform to harÂness the powÂer of citÂiÂzen sciÂenÂtists everyÂwhere. AvailÂable for Apple devices and the Android.
- Quick Graph: A powÂerÂful, high qualÂiÂty, graphÂic calÂcuÂlaÂtor that takes full advanÂtage of the mulÂtiÂtouch disÂplay and the powÂerÂful graphÂic capaÂbilÂiÂties of the iPad and iPhone, in both 2D and 3D.
- SciÂence 360: The Science360 for iPad app, creÂatÂed by The NationÂal SciÂence FounÂdaÂtion, proÂvides easy access to engagÂing sciÂence and engiÂneerÂing images and video from around the globe and a news feed feaÂturÂing breakÂing news from NSF-fundÂed instiÂtuÂtions.
- ShakeÂspeare: A nice app that puts the comÂplete works of ShakeÂspeare on your iPhone. As you will see, the app comes with some handy funcÂtionÂalÂiÂty: you can search the text by keyÂword and also increase/decrease the fonts. Plus the app autoÂmatÂiÂcalÂly rememÂbers the last page you read.
- Sight Words List: Sight Words, also known as the Dolch List, are an inteÂgral part of learnÂing how to read. The Dolch Word list conÂtains 315 words that are broÂken down into approÂpriÂate age groups. IdeÂal for kids 1 — 5 years old.
- SpaceÂcraft 3D: NASA’s SpaceÂcraft 3D is an augÂmentÂed realÂiÂty appliÂcaÂtion that lets you learn about and interÂact with a variÂety of spaceÂcraft that are used to explore our solar sysÂtem, study Earth, and observe the uniÂverse.
- SparÂkNotes: SparÂkNotes — the pubÂlishÂer of popÂuÂlar litÂerÂary study guides — offers a free iPhone app that feaÂtures 50 pre-installed study guides. And it also gives you access to hunÂdreds of study guides availÂable for viewÂing online.
- StanÂza: AnothÂer good app for downÂloadÂing free e‑books on the iPhone. Once you downÂload the app, navÂiÂgate to the “Online CatÂaÂlog” secÂtion and then focus on the “Project GutenÂberg” mateÂriÂals, which conÂtain a long list of free clasÂsics.
- StreetÂMuÂseÂum: This free iPhone app from the MuseÂum of LonÂdon overÂlays 400 years of hisÂtoric images on today’s city streets.
- TED: TEDTalks need no introÂducÂtion. They’re perÂhaps the most popÂuÂlar video lecÂtures on the web, feaÂturÂing talks by “the world’s leadÂing thinkers and doers.” Now you can access these talks on your mobile phone too.
- The EleÂmenÂtals: IntroÂduces chilÂdren to the difÂferÂent eleÂments of the periÂodÂic table. HighÂly ratÂed and free.
- Today in HisÂtoÂry: Lists notable events in hisÂtoÂry and when imporÂtant peoÂple were born/died. Includes over 100,000 events.
- USA PresÂiÂdents: A flash card app that teachÂes you cool facts about the hisÂtorÂiÂcal line of AmerÂiÂcan presÂiÂdents.
- Yours, VinÂcent The LetÂters of VinÂcent Van Gogh: ProÂvidÂed by the Van Gogh MuseÂum in AmsÂterÂdam, this appliÂcaÂtion uses the artist’s own letÂters to explore the life and times of the great painter. Includes videos and images of Van Gogh paintÂings.
YouTube ChanÂnels
- AmerÂiÂcan MuseÂum of NatÂurÂal HisÂtoÂry: This chanÂnel feaÂtures the excelÂlent “Known UniÂverse” video, which gives you a six-minute jourÂney from Mt. EverÂest to the farÂthest reachÂes of the observÂable uniÂverse.
- Bad AstronÂoÂmy: Bad AstronÂoÂmy is all about astronÂoÂmy, space, and sciÂence. The videos are creÂatÂed by Phil Plait, an astronomer, writer, and someÂtimes TV-sciÂence-show host.
- HooplaKidz: This chanÂnel is dedÂiÂcatÂed to aniÂmatÂed nursÂery rhymes and stoÂries designed to enterÂtain and eduÂcate chilÂdren between the ages of 2 and 8.
- EduÂtopia: Offers inspiÂraÂtion and inforÂmaÂtion for what works in eduÂcaÂtion. EduÂtopia is run by The George Lucas EduÂcaÂtionÂal FounÂdaÂtion.
- Khan AcadÂeÂmy: This chanÂnel feaÂtures thouÂsands of videos that will teach stuÂdents the ins and outs of algeÂbra, geomÂeÂtry, trigonomÂeÂtry, calÂcuÂlus, staÂtisÂtics, finance, physics, ecoÂnomÂics and more.
- Minute Physics: Cool sciÂence videos that are all about getÂting peoÂple into learnÂing physics.
- NASA TeleÂviÂsion: NASA’s misÂsion is to pioÂneer the future in space exploÂration, sciÂenÂtifÂic disÂcovÂery and aeroÂnauÂtics research. This chanÂnel helps explore funÂdaÂmenÂtal quesÂtions about our place in the uniÂverse.
- NumÂberÂphile: Videos about numÂbers — it’s that simÂple. Videos by Brady Haran.
- PeriÂodÂic Videos: Your ultiÂmate chanÂnel for all things chemÂistry. A video about each eleÂment on the periÂodÂic table.
- Sick SciÂence: Videos and cool sciÂence experÂiÂments from Steve SpanÂgler and SteveSpanglerScience.com
- SpaceÂLab: Can plants surÂvive beyond Earth? Can proÂteins observed in space reveal the mysÂterÂies of life? These quesÂtions and more get answered by SpaceÂLab, a YouTube chanÂnel creÂatÂed by Google and LenoÂvo, in coopÂerÂaÂtion with Space AdvenÂtures, NationÂal AeroÂnauÂtics and Space AdminÂisÂtraÂtion (NASA), the EuroÂpean Space Agency (ESA), and the Japan AeroÂspace ExploÂration Agency (JAXA).
- YouTube EDU: YouTube hosts a secÂtion dedÂiÂcatÂed to acaÂdÂeÂmÂic videos. It’s a litÂtle bit of a mixed bag, but it feaÂtures some qualÂiÂty videos.
Test Prep (Web Resources)
- Khan AcadÂeÂmy TutoÂriÂals: SAT Math, GMAT, CAHSEE, CalÂiÂforÂnia StanÂdards Test, ComÂpeÂtiÂtion Math, IIT JEE.
- OffiÂcial SAT QuesÂtion of the Day: CreÂatÂed the ColÂlege Board, the iPhone/iPad app gives you a new offiÂcial SAT quesÂtion every day. It also gives you a staÂtisÂtiÂcal analyÂsis of your perÂforÂmance.
- SAT PracÂtice: The ColÂlege Board (the makÂers of the SAT exam) also hosts free pracÂtice exerÂcisÂes on its web site.
GenÂerÂal RefÂerÂence (Web Resources)
- Bartleby.com: Gives you access to free online clasÂsics of refÂerÂence, litÂerÂaÂture and nonÂficÂtion, includÂing Strunk & White’s EleÂments of Style, The World FactÂbook, The Oxford ShakeÂspeare, and The King James Bible.
- Convert-me.com: ProÂvides instant conÂverÂsions for thouÂsands of varÂiÂous units and meaÂsureÂments, both comÂmon (e.g., U.S. and metÂric) and quite exotÂic, such as ancient Greek and Roman meaÂsureÂments.
- DynamÂic PeriÂodÂic Table: An interÂacÂtive Web 2.0 periÂodÂic table with dynamÂic layÂouts showÂing names, elecÂtrons, oxiÂdaÂtion, trend visuÂalÂizaÂtion, orbitals, and isoÂtopes.
- EncyÂcloÂpeÂdia SmithÂsonÂian: The SmithÂsonÂian proÂvides a set of handy online resources across many disÂciÂplines. From Art & Design to SciÂence & TechÂnolÂoÂgy.
- InterÂacÂtive TimeÂlines: This site allows peoÂple to creÂate interÂacÂtive timeÂlines, which they can share anyÂwhere on the web.
- Unz.org: This right-leanÂing archive gives users access to AmerÂiÂcan periÂodÂiÂcals going back to 1821. The archive also has a colÂlecÂtion of free books and videos & film. We have more on the archive here.
- World Atlas: An eduÂcaÂtionÂal resource for world maps, atlases, and in-depth geogÂraÂphy inforÂmaÂtion. ProÂvides teachÂers and stuÂdents free maps of Europe, the U.S., CanaÂda, FloriÂda, the Caribbean Islands and much more.
Teacher and ParÂent Resources
- CliÂmate ClassÂroom: A NationÂal Wildlife FedÂerÂaÂtion iniÂtiaÂtive that focusÂes on creÂatÂing age- and develÂopÂmenÂtalÂly approÂpriÂate curÂricÂuÂla and projects that eduÂcate youth about the causÂes of and remeÂdies for globÂal warmÂing. The NWF also offers a great numÂber of lesÂson plans.
- ComÂmon Sense Media: Non profÂit dedÂiÂcatÂed to improvÂing the lives of kids & famÂiÂlies by proÂvidÂing the trustÂworÂthy inforÂmaÂtion about eduÂcaÂtion, media and techÂnolÂoÂgy. Includes reviews of movies, games, apps, & more so parÂents can make informed deciÂsions.
- CurÂriÂki: The site hosts an online comÂmuÂniÂty for creÂatÂing and sharÂing curÂricÂuÂla and teachÂing best pracÂtices. CurÂrentÂly the site offers over 46,000 free K‑12 lessons, units, assessÂments, and mulÂtiÂmeÂdia learnÂing resources across all subÂject areas, and the platÂform enables eduÂcaÂtors to build their own curÂricuÂlum by assemÂbling CurÂriÂki resources, as well as their own, into colÂlecÂtions.
- EduÂtopia: Run by The George Lucas EduÂcaÂtionÂal FounÂdaÂtion, EduÂtopia empowÂers teachÂers, adminÂisÂtraÂtors, and parÂents with innoÂvÂaÂtive soluÂtions and resources to betÂter eduÂcaÂtion. You can access mateÂriÂals by grade levÂel: K‑2, 3–5, 6–8 and 9–12.
- EDSITEÂment: A free high qualÂiÂty K‑12 eduÂcaÂtionÂal resource from the NationÂal EndowÂment for the HumanÂiÂties. The colÂlecÂtion has over 450 lessons plans in the humanÂiÂties writÂten by scholÂars and teachÂers covÂerÂing the fields of hisÂtoÂry, litÂerÂaÂture, art and culÂture, and forÂeign lanÂguages. The site also feaÂtures guides for teachÂers.
- Learner.org: Run by The AnnenÂberg FounÂdaÂtion, Learner.org proÂvides mulÂtiÂmeÂdia resources for teachÂers, includÂing video series designed to help teachÂers improve their instrucÂtion in speÂcifÂic areas.
- NationÂal SciÂence FounÂdaÂtion ClassÂroom Resources: A diverse colÂlecÂtion of lessons and web resources for classÂroom teachÂers, their stuÂdents, and stuÂdents’ famÂiÂlies. CovÂers AstronÂoÂmy & Space, Physics, BiolÂoÂgy and much more.
- PBS TeachÂers: PBS TeachÂers serves up eduÂcaÂtionÂal resources, lesÂson plans, and activÂiÂties for the K‑12 classÂroom.
- Share My LesÂson: A site where eduÂcaÂtors can come togethÂer to creÂate and share their very best teachÂing resources. DevelÂoped by teachÂers for teachÂers, the free platÂform gives access to high-qualÂiÂty teachÂing resources and proÂvides an online comÂmuÂniÂty where teachÂers can colÂlabÂoÂrate with, encourÂage and inspire each othÂer.
- TeachÂing ChanÂnel: TeachÂing ChanÂnel is a video showcase—on the InterÂnet and TV—of inspirÂing and effecÂtive teachÂing pracÂtices in AmerÂiÂca’s schools. The video library offers eduÂcaÂtors a wide range of subÂjects for grades K‑12. The videos also include inforÂmaÂtion on alignÂment with ComÂmon Core State StanÂdards and ancilÂlary mateÂrÂiÂal for teachÂers to use in their own classÂrooms.
- TeachÂing ForÂeign LanÂguages K‑12: AnnenÂberg’s Learner.org proÂvides lessons approÂpriÂate for K‑12 teachÂers of forÂeign lanÂguages.
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