One of the issues we are running into in our country is a lack of science knowledge. Science education is failing to some degree because we don’t emphasize it very much in our schools. Additionally, the rhetoric surrounding science in public discourse often treats it like opinion. While science is always finding new information, and revising past theories based on new discoveries, our discussions about science don’t reflect a reasoned approach, and schools don’t always make up for it.
If you are interested in helping your children learn scientific concepts, here are 10 great science websites for kids:
1. Bill Nye the Science Guy
Bill Nye was one of my heroes growing up — and he still is today. My son loves Bill Nye as well. Visiting his website provides access to fun videos, entertaining experiments you can try at home, and a range of educational resources.
2. Discovery Kids
Looking for a fun, interactive website? Discovery Kids offers a number of different videos, quizzes, and activities for kids to learn about science. From space to dinosaurs to physics, there’s a lot to explore at the Discovery Kids website.
3. Amazing Space
As a child, I was captivated by space. Even today, as an adult, I love stargazing. My son and I have a membership to the local planetarium (in addition to a local museum membership). This is why I think one of the best science websites for kids is Amazing Space. On this site, your kids can learn about different items in space, understand light and color, and learn about telescopes and how they work. There’s plenty to see and do on this site, which is also the home of images from the Hubble space telescope.
4. ARKive
This website is all about endangered and threatened species. I love the image-rich ARKive website, and kids will, too. There are plenty of resources divided up by age group, along with activities and quizzes that make learning fun.
5. Bitesize Science
You don’t have to live in the UK to appreciate Bitesize Science from the BBC. Fun activities geared for children take a look at living things and physical processes. Subjects ranging from the solar system to electrical circuits and how the circulatory system works to food chains in ecology are covered on this fun, accessible site.
6. Center for Game Science
This is one of the best science websites for kids because it focuses on learning games. You can have your child visit this site and learn about subjects ranging from protein folding to light refraction. These games are so much fun that your kids might not even realize they are learning.
7. Jet Propulsion Laboratory
Tired of the videos your kids are watching? Direct them to something more interesting and educational. NASA’s JPL website features plenty of cool videos that explain space concepts and gives a behind-the-scenes look at the space program.
8. National Geographic Kids
My son loves National Geographic magazine. He’s too old for the kids version right now, but when he was younger, he loved visiting the National Geographic Kids website. A number of cool science items can be found on this site, including interactive activities and neat videos and photo galleries.
9. My Garbology
This site is about learning about natural resources and recycling. It’s a fun way to learn more about the environment, and the science of conservation.
10. Energy Quest
Learn about energy and conservation with Energy Quest. It’s a fun way to help kids see how their decisions impact the world around them.
What are your favorite science websites for kids?
Subscribe Now