The Survey Says:
According to the National Science Teaching Association,, “high-quality elementary science education is essential for establishing a sound foundation of learning in later grades, instilling a wonder of and enthusiasm for science that lasts a lifetime, and in addressing the critical need for a well-informed citizenry and society.”
ESGI and ThinkFives polled hundreds of elementary teachers to find out their Top 5 Science and Social Studies websites.
Mystery Science
Mystery Science offers open-and-go-to lessons that inspire kids to love science. The hook, visuals, and activity have all been prepared for teachers’ easy use.
Their science curriculum for K-5th grades is hands-on, encouraging students to experience science and engineering. It is also NGSS-aligned and Common Core, making the transition to the Next Generation Science Standards and supporting Common Core.
With Mystery Science, teachers can do less prep and spend more time teaching. And the lessons will captivate students with short videos and discussion questions.
BrainPOP
BrainPOP was founded in 1999 by Dr. Avraham Kadar as a creative way to explain difficult concepts to his young patients. BrainPOP provides learning resources that support core and supplemental subjects, reaching millions of learners worldwide.
Teachers appreciate the huge range of topics spanning everything from global warming to the art of Frida Kahlo. BrainPOP’s animated movies pack a ton of information into just a few minutes, using a conversational style that’s easy to understand. And because each movie is followed by a quiz that records grades, teachers can ensure students really understand the material.
National Geographic
One of the most iconic brands in science, teachers can bring National Geographic to their classroom through lesson plans, maps, and reference resources. The National Geographic Learning Framework was developed as the foundation upon which their education mission is built and supports learning in and out of the classroom.
National Geographic also offers free digital access to Explorer Magazine. The content inspires young readers through authentic and engaging nonfiction content that supports national reading and science standards.
National Geographic offers a wide range of topics including Biology, Ecology, Earth Science, Geography, Physical Geography, and Social Studies.
https://www.nationalgeographic.org/education/classroom-resources/
Discovery Education
Discovery Education provides educators innovative ways to design and deliver engaging learning experiences every day. From science to the performing arts, teachers can find attention-grabbing content for tomorrow’s lesson including virtual field trips, videos, text, podcasts, interactives, behind-the-scenes at major organizations, career spotlights, and more.
Teachers can also design engaging learning experiences and track student progress in real-time. Discovery Studio can be used to build creative lessons and activities that incorporate timely, relevant content. Interactive quizzes check for understanding at strategic steps in the lessons – lessons that the teacher can design.
Scholastic
Scholastic has always been known as a literacy company but it is no surprise that it made this list. Their social studies and science books and resources inspire lifelong readers and learners. Scholastic News is written for elementary students and brings kid-friendly current events into your classroom. Every issue features on-level informational texts, lesson plans that meet today’s standards, and online resources like digital issues, Text-to-Speech audio, videos, and Spanish translations.
Scholastic even has series for younger learners – as young as preK. Let’s Find Out ignites early learners’ curiosity and supports beginner readers with engaging science and social studies texts. With magazines for every child, teachers can put the world into students’ hands and bring social studies and science themes to life.
What is your favorite Science or Social Studies website?
Love it!
I ❤️❤️❤️ BrainPop! Not only are there videos on just about any topic you can think of, but there are concept maps, movie making tools and coding! It’s amazing! (Sadly I moved districts and no longer have access 😭)
Brain Pop is my favorite science program to watch and learn.