TEACHING has evolved massively in recent times, with the internet providing endless learning possibilities for people of all ages.
It is undoubtedly a valuable resource for school-age children, giving them access to a wealth of information across many different subjects.
Science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) websites are a perfect example of this in action, allowing kids to learn all about the world and how it works.
With research showing that using the internet greatly improves kids’ ability to learn, it makes total sense for educational establishments and parents to encourage youngsters to go online.
Learning via the internet helps to boost confidence and gives kids valuable technology skills they can use when they move into adulthood. Read on as we look at five of the top teaching sites for kids.
NOVA
With over five million viewers each week, NOVA is the most-watched primetime science-based television series in the United States.
The programme is supported by superb online resources, providing kids with science blogs, educational material and a wide range of video content.
The award-winning site features contributions from some of the most respected people in the science industry, making it a site that users can trust.
NOVA also provides educators with content they can incorporate into classroom sessions, all of which are in line with the latest teaching guidelines.
Topics included on the site include technology, space, flight and engineering, with each category supported by archive episodes from the television series.
NOVA also has a hugely active social media presence, where like-minded people can get together and discuss a variety of STEM topics.
Funology
Let boredom become a thing of the past by visiting Funology, a site which is packed with activities that will keep kids occupied for hours on end.
Funology’s stated aim is to come up with a response to the ‘I’m bored’ cry from kids, by providing suggestions for craft projects, science experiments or even recipes.
Although the resources are online, all of the activities are designed to completed away from the computer screen.
This practical approach is a great idea, encouraging kids to interact with their parents or friends by taking a hands-on approach to STEM subjects.
The science section is excellent fun, offering numerous suggestions to undertake practical experiments in physics, chemistry and more.
Funology is unquestionably one of the best STEM websites for kids and is well-worth bookmarking for the next time your young ones claim they are bored.
NASA Space Place
First launched in 1998, the NASA Space Place website aims to teach upper-elementary-aged kids all about space and the Earth.
The site is extremely easy to navigate, with bold icons directing users to categories about Earth, Sun, Solar System, Universe and Science & Tech.
Click through any of these sections to read interesting articles, play games and explore other associated activities.
There is also a separate section for educators, giving them access to a wide range of teaching materials they can use in the classroom.
NASA Space Place has plenty of short videos, providing kids with great visual material to enhance their learning about the earth and beyond.
The content is available in both English and Spanish, making this an excellent site for millions of kids across numerous countries.
EPA Students
This United States government run website provides kids with a huge range of learning resources about the environment.
There are plenty of ideas for community service or science fair projects, giving kids the opportunity to take part in practical environmental assignments.
The site supports homework projects, using videos, games, quizzes and more to bring environmental matters to the forefront of thinking for youngsters.
Pollution, climate change, migration, energy and health are amongst the topics covered on a site that is totally free to access.
It contains resources and project ideas for educators, including handy lesson plans and teacher guides for use in the classroom.
Educators can also access information about grants, professional development, publications and awards, making it a one-stop environmental information shop for people of all ages.
Code
Code is a non-profit website designed to give students and underrepresented minorities access to the different sciences.
The site is funded by generous donations from major organisations such as Google, Facebook, Microsoft and Amazon.
Code teaches kids how to build a website, shows them how to build a basic app and gives them a greater understanding of HTML.
In addition to resources for kids, there is also plenty of content aimed at educators and adults which will give them a greater understanding of coding.
Nearly a third of all students in the United States have an account on Code, highlighting the impact the site has made.
With children as young as four-years-old able to use the site for learning purposes, that figure seems sure to grow over the coming years.
