From my own experience, I know that science is all about the exciting journey of finding new things and learning new things. There are many great ways to bring science to life on the Internet, both inside and outside of school. I’ve discovered some amazing science resources that have made my learning so much better. These tools are meant to test how well students understand important scientific ideas so that teachers can give quick feedback.
We all know that the Internet is full of excellent web resources for science teachers and students. However, if you don’t live on the Internet, finding the best websites can become quite a challenge. This is not a list, but a list of websites that we either use regularly or just find interesting. From teaching resources for the nature of science to authentic field journals to crazy videos about numbers.
This selection is based on our own experience as a blogger and reviewer of several of these sites, as well as our own research using a variety of premium search of website analytics tools. This selection is still a work in progress. If you have other suggestions to add to this list, please feel free to share them with us via social media sites profile. Below we mentioned some of the best Science Teaching Resources.
Best Science Teaching Resources
HHMI Biointeractive
You may be familiar with HHMI’s free movies and posters; they also offer movies that can be streamed on the website. Other options include interactive 3-D movies, virtual labs, and printable activities.
Understanding Science
UC Berkeley’s Understanding Science apps is a must-read for all science teachers. It is a great resource for learning more about the process of science. The resource goes much deeper than the standard “PHEOC” model of the scientific method by highlighting peer reviews, testing ideas, a scientific flowchart, and a “what is science” checklist. Understanding Science also offers a variety of classroom resources, including science discovery case studies and lesson plans for each grade level.
24/7 Science
Science resources specifically for elementary students are harder to find, but these students also want engaging content. On this website, you’ll find collections of activities and games, as well as an in-depth section on professional development for teachers of younger students.
Biology Corner
Biology Corner was developed by a high school teacher and contains selected resources from the Internet paired with additional exercises and presentations, as well as ready-to-use investigations.
Field Research Journals
The Field Book Project of the National Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian Institution Archives seeks to create a “one-stop” archive for field research journals and other documentation. Here you will find numerous examples from actual field research journals for your classroom.
Inq-ITS
Inq-ITS is “a science learning platform with NGSS-compliant simulations for all science content areas. Students show what they know, and teachers get real-time, actionable data for whole-class instruction or individual support. Rex, the virtual coach, provides personalized assistance to students to help them with their investigations.”
Annenberg Learner
In addition to many great professional development resources, Annenberg Learner offers hundreds of interactive elements and videos on a variety of topics, from amusement park physics to whooping cranes.
Wow Science
Wow Science provides links to primary science learning materials online, helping children to enjoy science both inside and outside the classroom. Created by the Primary Science Teaching Trust in collaboration with Learning Science Ltd.
Virtual Urchin
Sounds strange, but this robust Stanford University website uses sea urchins as an engaging introduction to bioscience concepts, ranging from basic biology (introduction to microscopy and predator-prey relationships) to university-level curricula (gene functions in embryos).
Evolution
Berkeley’s Understanding Evolution website is the precursor to the Understanding Science effort. The Understanding Evolution website provides a wealth of resources, news, and lessons for teaching about evolution. The lessons provide appropriate “building blocks” to help students at any grade level develop a deeper understanding of evolution. The Evo 101 tutorial provides a good overview of the scientific basis of evolution and the large body of evidence that supports this theory.
Gizmos
Gizmos “are interactive virtual math and science labs and simulations for grades 3-12. Over 400 Gizmos, aligned with the latest standards, help educators bring powerful new STEM learning experiences into the classroom.”
BJ’s Resources
Although visually simple, this site offers a wealth of resources. There are class activities, review sheets, presentations, and quizzes, all geared toward middle school science teachers.
Science Resources from Scoilnet
Explore Scoilnet’s primary science resources. These include resources on chemistry in the kitchen and space, as well as many more.
NOVA Labs
The Evolution Lab on this website makes phylogeny and evolutionary history accessible to all students while promoting an understanding of the fossil record, the role of DNA in evolution, and an introduction to biogeography. Children can also take on the role of a molecular engineer and solve puzzles about RNA folding.
PhET Simulations
PhET from the University of Colorado offers dozens of fantastic simulations for physics, chemistry, and biology. The website also includes a collection of activities, lab experiences, homework assignments, and conceptual questions that can be used with the simulations.
Young Scientist lab
“The mission of the Young Scientist Lab is to cultivate a new generation of scientists who are inspired to make the world a better place with science. For teachers, students and parents looking for a place to explore the world of scientific innovation and opportunity, Discovery Education and 3M have developed this interactive portal filled with engaging activities and standards-aligned teaching tools, centered around the award-winning annual Young Scientist Challenge.”
Bozeman Science
Paul Andersen has created hundreds of videos for this website, focusing primarily on AP science courses. These are great resources to help your students prepare for the exams.
Virtual Urchin
Sounds strange, but this robust Stanford University website uses sea urchins as an engaging introduction to bioscience concepts, ranging from basic biology (introduction to microscopy and predator-prey relationships) to university-level curricula (gene functions in embryos).
Final Words
Science is exciting. Unfortunately, students can find the lessons a bit dry. Whether you teach in the classroom or online, with the right resources, you can bring these complex concepts to life! To help you get started, here’s a list of the best science teaching resources for middle and high school.
Fortunately, fostering such understanding does not require redesigning the entire curriculum. Simple changes in the way content and activities are approached can make a big difference in overcoming student misconceptions and developing a more accurate view of the scientific process.
