Top-Notch learning resources for scholars: Websites and Other Tools of Knowledge
In the digital age, access to high-quality news and educational resources is essential for students. Fortunately, there are numerous websites that cater to this need, offering a wealth of information on various topics suitable for students from grade 11 through post-secondary school.
One such platform is The Electric Typewriter, a website that compiles and links to the best articles on a wide range of topics, making it an invaluable resource for students and teachers alike. For those focusing on science, Science Journal for Kids and Teens offers free downloadable scientific articles aimed at K-12 students, each accompanied by a teacher's guide, lesson plan ideas, and related articles.
For those interested in climate science, solutions, and policies related to global warming, Youngzine is an excellent choice. This platform offers opportunities for students to submit poetry or essays and is compatible with Google Classroom.
National Geographic Kids offers articles about animals, history, science, space, and geography, with "Weird But True" short videos featuring fun animations about oddball topics. The New York Times Daily Lessons builds a classroom lesson around a new article each day, offering thoughtful questions for writing and discussion, as well as related ideas for further study.
News in Levels provides English news articles written at three different language proficiency levels, perfect for students improving English. NewsForKids.net features real, current news articles written specifically for kids, with photos and background information to aid understanding. PBS KIDS offers age-appropriate games, videos, and shows with educational themes for children aged 2-8.
For U.S. and world news presented in a simplified manner, News for Kids is an excellent choice. It offers tooltips for definitions and further explanations, making complex topics more accessible. The Canada Media Fund operates CBS Kids News, a free service that provides daily news stories of interest to kids in Canada and the United States. CBS Kids News articles are written by students, grades 7-12, and cover diverse topics such as sports, gaming, animals, politics, and interactive quizzes.
AllSides for Schools presents unbiased news and information for kids through downloadable lesson plans covering polarization and bias, using AI for civil discourse, and comparing bias across news outlets. Premium accounts offer additional features. ReadWorks offers thousands of nonfiction and fiction passages searchable by topic, activity type, grade, and Lexile level, with educator guides for differentiation, hybrid and remote learning, and free professional development.
The 74 is a nonprofit news source focused on U.S. education coverage from early childhood through college, offering detailed news and analysis relevant to students and educators. K-12 Dive provides up-to-date news and analysis on K-12 education policy, technology, and school systems, useful for older students interested in education issues.
ABCmouse (Freemium) offers a comprehensive early learning curriculum with over 9,000 activities across subjects such as reading, math, and science, free trial available for 30 days. LightSail offers resources for teaching literacy, poetry lessons and activities, and teaching students to use AI more effectively. Science News for Students publishes original science, technology, and health features for readers ages 9-14, with citations, recommended readings, glossaries, readability scores, and classroom extras.
Teaching Kids News provides readable and teachable articles on news, art, science, politics, and more for students grades 2-8, with a bonus Fake News resource section. The Learning Network offers top-notch teaching and professional development resources for educators. PBS NewsHour Daily News Lessons offer daily articles covering current events in video format, with each lesson including a full transcript, fact list, summary, and focus questions.
Lastly, Tech & Learning Newsletter is a tool that provides ideas to transform education. These sites collectively cover general education, current events, language learning, science, and civics with a range of free content and optional paid features to deepen learning. They are trustworthy, regularly updated, and designed with student users in mind, facilitating both independent study and classroom use.
- The Electric Typewriter is an interactive platform that aids students and teachers with a wide range of topics for grade 11 through post-secondary school.
- Science Journal for Kids and Teens provides free, downloadable scientific articles for K-12 students, offering teacher's guides, lesson plan ideas, and related articles.
- Youngzine offers opportunities for students to submit poetry or essays, access climate science articles, and use Google Classroom.
- National Geographic Kids offers articles about animals, history, science, space, and geography, with "Weird But True" videos and a focus on fun animations.
- News in Levels provides English news articles written at three different language proficiency levels, perfect for students improving English.
- CBS Kids News articles are written by students, grades 7-12, covering diverse topics such as sports, gaming, animals, politics, and interactive quizzes.
- AllSides for Schools presents unbiased news and information for students through downloadable lesson plans, focusing on topics such as polarization and bias, AI for civil discourse, and comparing bias across news outlets.
