General Science Websites

General Science Websites for Grades K-12

  1. ABC Teach – https://www.abcteach.com/directory/subjects-science-3671-2-1 – Engage your students with these Science Worksheets. Members receive unlimited access to 49,000+ cross-curricular educational resources, including interactive activities, clipart, and abctools custom worksheet generators. There are free resources as well (any resource not accompanied by a star is free).
  2. American Museum of Natural History – https://www.amnh.org/learn-teach/resources-for-learning – Find activities, articles, games, videos, Museum hall guides, and more! These resources are for anyone interested in teaching or learning about science and can be used for free; although, not everything on the website is free.
  3. BetterLesson – https://teaching.betterlesson.com – Founded by teachers for teachers, BetterLesson began in 2008 with a single mission—to provide a simple way for educators to connect and share high-quality lesson plans. Today, it offers over a million lessons from the educational community and Master Teachers (a highly selective group of the nation’s best educators).
  4. Bill Nye The Science Guy – https://www.billnye.com/ – This website has lots of wonderful information (sorry, just clips of the original programming available… but not the entire episodes) and some great demonstrations of at-home experiements that students can do (or that can be used in a classroom).
  5. BioEd Online – https://www.bioedonline.org/lessons-and-more/ – Utilizes state-of-the-art technology giving instant access to reliable, cutting-edge information and educational tools on various topics. Provides usefu and current information/materials that build upon or enhance the skills and knowledge of science educators.
  6. California Academy of Sciences – https://www.calacademy.org/educators – Teachers can design Life Science, Earth Science, Astronomy or Physical Science lessons around current research and experiments. Use one of the site’s free K-12 lesson plans or unit studies links with an even wider variety of subjects. Many of their resources may be difficult to locate through browsing but the site has great search options. 
  7. Canada Science & Technology Museum – https://ingeniumcanada.org/scitech – Visitors are invited to discover, play, and experience how people—through curiosity, observation, and creativity—have made Canada and continue to shape its future. When visitors walk through the museum’s 11 exhibitions, visit the demonstration stage, or tinker in Exploratek, they will become a part of Canada’s story of science, technology, and innovation. The links below are free education programs available on the website:
  8. Canadian Geographic – https://cangeoeducation.ca – This website provides an abundance of information in science, history and geography. It provides learning resources to help improve students’ understanding of the world they live in.  From giant floor maps to interactives, educators will want to bookmark this website.
  9. CK-12 (Science Flexbooks) – https://www.ck12.org/fbbrowse/list/?Language=English&Subject=Science&Grade=All%20Grades – One of the most exciting websites discovered! It offers free interactive, integrated, and insightful functionality allowing students to “learn it their way” and teachers to “teach it their way.” Interactives and Simulations enable students to experience concepts in a new and exciting way.
  10. Discovery Education – https://www.discoveryeducation.com/ – As an extension of the popular television channel, there is now a daily learning platform. Built around the amazing content they’re known for, find brand new tools and resources to engage students – virtual field trips, videos, text, podcasts, interactives, behind‑the-scenes at major organizations, career spotlights, and more.  Licensing is generally done by school and not by individual teacher. There are free resources, including:
    • Daily Learning Activities – Ready-to-use activities in monthly calendars for grades K-2, 3-5, and 6-8, providing time-saving resources that easily integrate into daily lesson plans.
  11. Education City – https://www.educationcity.com/core-subjects/science-learning/ – Science assessments are designed to test students on curriculum criteria and provide teachers with data they need to support them in the areas of the curriculum they need. The assessment and revision Journal tools are perfect for pinpointing and addressing learning gaps. Revision journals save time to see where intervention may be needed by analysing the data – all to improve students’ attainment.
  12. Exploratorium – https://www.exploratorium.edu/ – Whether in person or in virtual classrooms, they support teachers in bringing inquiry-based, interactive learning to students. Exploratorium educators have reached thousands of science and math teachers and provided free online classroom tools to a million-plus educators worldwide.
  13. ExploreLearning (Gizmos) – https://gizmos.explorelearning.com/ – Over 400 math and science Gizmos gives everyone something to graph, measure, and compare. Even predict and prove. That’s hundreds of opportunities where students don’t just act like scientists. They are. There are a limited amount of free gizmos for grades 3 and up, but subscriptions to the library are available.
  14. Exploring by the Seat of Your Pants – https://www.exploringbytheseat.com/ – Bringing science, exploration, adventure and conservation live into classrooms through virtual guest speakers and field trips with leading experts around the world. Since September 2015, they’ve run over 3,000 live events which connected half a million students to scientists and explorers in over 95 countries. Best of all, it is always free for classrooms everywhere!
  15. EZSchool – https://www.ezschool.com/Science/ – Many information and activities that provide K – 12 students decent practice from all the science strands. Note: There are lots of ads on each page.
  16. Flocabulary (Science) – https://www.flocabulary.com/topics/scientific-practices/ or https://www.flocabulary.com/subjects/science/ – Each lesson starts with a hip hop video on a K-12 topic to engage learners. It may be followed by vocab cards, a quiz, a game and any of the other features that are appropriate for that lesson.
  17. Galileo Educational Network – https://galileo.org/classroom-examples/ – When designing and developing these studies, teachers work collaboratively through the design process. As teachers design tasks for and with their students, teachers are asked to consider how what they are creating is: situated in a larger context of a discipline and body of knowledge, allowing the students to see themselves as designers and allowing the students to engage in work that is personally important and meaningful.
  18. Help Teaching – https://www.helpteaching.com/free-science-worksheets.htm – Custom and pre-made worksheets online for K – 12 classrooms. Limited free resources but the “pro” plan is actually economical for access to all the materials.
  19. Homeschool Hub – https://learning-center.homesciencetools.com/ – Teaching science can be daunting but they’ve provided hundreds of free resources and activities including lesson plans, dissection guides, experiments and science fair ideas.
  20. Homeschool Planet (MasterBooks Science) – https://homeschoolplanet.com/lesson-plan-family/master-books-science/ – Units full of science lessons to meet the basic requirements for a science curriculum at most grade levels. There are no free resources here; everything must be purchased.
  21. How Stuff Works – https://science.howstuffworks.com/ – An award-winning source of unbiased, reliable, easy-to-understand answers and explanations of how the world actually works. Today, the writers, editors, podcasters and video hosts share all the things they’re most excited to learn about and they create great content that can live on just about any platform (including the Podcasts listed below).
    • Stuff You Should Know – If you’ve ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. (Suitable for older grades)
    • Stuff To Blow Your Mind – Deep in the back of your mind, you’ve always had the feeling that there’s something strange about reality. There is. (Suitable for older grades)
    • Part-Time Genius – Will we ever live without sleep? How do rats keep outsmarting humans? Where are the sunniest tax havens to hide your money? Join these Part-Time Geniuses as they dive into ridiculous topics… and discover some pretty smart stuff along the way.
    • Fw: Thinking – It’s about technology. It’s about humanity. It’s about our future. It’s Fw:Thinking.
  22. How to Smile – https://www.howtosmile.org/ – A collection of the best educational materials on the web, in addition to learning tools and services – all designed especially for those who teach school-aged kids in non-classroom settings.
  23. Ingenium Channel – https://ingeniumcanada.org/channel – Ingenium Channel is a digital hub featuring curated content related to science, technology and innovation. Browse by 3D, article, blog, game, app, infographic or podcast.
  24. Interactive Websites for Education – http://interactivesites.weebly.com/science.html – Provides a variety of games and activities for K-12 students in all three science strands. Some links may be broken or missing as the website updates activities/games that were previously Flash-based.
  25. JLab Science Education – https://education.jlab.org/ – As a world-class research facility, Jefferson Lab is a valued partner to the local, regional and national education community. Jefferson Lab’s long-term commitment to science education continues to focus on increasing the number of teachers with a substantial background in math and science, strengthening the motivation and preparation of all students and addressing the serious under representation of minorities and females in STEM careers.
  26. Library of Congress – https://www.loc.gov/everyday-mysteries/ – Everyday Mysteries will help you get the answers to many of life’s most interesting questions through scientific inquiry. In addition, take a gander at the rich collections in science and technology.
  27. McGraw Hill (Inspire Science) – https://www.mheducation.com/prek-12/program/microsites/MKTSP-AIB05M0.html – Organized around the 5E Instructional Framework; Empowering educators to provide equitable science experiences for all learners through flexible approaches and research-based best practices. Students investigate, problem-solve, argue, and discuss scientific phenomena to make sense of the world from their perspective.
  28. Mozaik Eduation – https://www.mozaweb.com/index.php – Efficient classroom presentation software with digital textbooks, animated presentations and online homework function, as well as thousands of eye-catching interactive items (3D scenes, educational applications, videos, exercises).
  29. National Centre for Science Education – https://ncse.ngo/ – NCSE works with teachers, parents, scientists, and concerned citizens at the local, state and national levels to ensure that topics (including evolution and climate change) are taught accurately, honestly, and confidently.
  30. National Geographic – https://www.nationalgeographic.com/ – The popular magazine for over 100 years now has a digital version as well. A great resource for educators, it is still useful in the classroom but does require a subscription for access.  It also has other versions that are kid-friendly for younger minds and free resources, including:
    • Nat Geo Kids – Articles, quizzes and games aimed at students in the intermediate grades.
    • Nat Geo Kids: Science Lab
    • Nat Geo Kids: Weird But True!
    • Education Resources – Transforming the learning experience for young people and the educators who reach them with the tools, resources, and support they need to feed their curiosity and become the explorers of tomorrow. Through immersive experiences, interactive lesson plans, maps, and other free resources – there are endless ways to learn with National Geographic.
    • Overheard (podcast) – Watching hippos bathe in the Serengeti with wildlife protectors. American Indians’ fight to protect mounds made by their ancestors. Advancing Jacques Cousteau’s legacy of deep-sea exploration. Join the podcast for curiously delightful conversations, overheard at National Geographic headquarters. Hosted by Peter Gwin and Amy Briggs.
  31. National Science Digital Library – https://nsdl.oercommons.org/ – Provides high quality online educational resources for teaching and learning, with current emphasis on the STEM disciplines—both formal and informal, institutional and individual, in local, state, national, and international educational settings. The NSDL collection contains structured descriptive information (metadata) about web-based educational resources held on other sites by their providers.
  32. National Science Foundation – https://www.nsf.gov/news/classroom/ – An independent federal agency created by Congress in 1950 “to promote the progress of science; to advance the national health, prosperity, and welfare; to secure the national defense…” A vital institution that supports basic research and people to create knowledge that transforms the future. 
  33. National Science Teaching Association – https://www.nsta.org/ – A vibrant community of science educators and professionals committed to best practices in teaching science and its impact on student learning. It offers high quality science resources and continuous learning so that science educators grow professionally and excel in their career. For new and experienced teachers alike, it offers the opportunity to network with like-minded peers at the national level, connect with mentors and leading researchers, and learn from the best in the field.
  34. Newsela (Science) – https://newsela.com/about/products/science/ – Get students learning about science while they’re building literacy, with engaging and accessible texts that inspire each student to see the science in their world. It is updated daily and there are five reading levels.
  35. New York Science Teacher – https://newyorkscienceteacher.com/sci/ – The majority of the material found within this site was graciously uploaded and shared by hard working teachers who wanted to show the world some of their best work. There are many resources here, for multiple topics in many different formats. There are science labs, demonstrations, lesson plans, activities, worksheets, notes, regents review material, educational related information and much more.
  36. Ology – https://www.amnh.org/explore/ology –  Although the lesson plans are targeted toward K-5 students, the website will be of interest to at all grade levels. There are games, videos, stories and hands-on activities for all three branches of science. (By the way, try clicking on the red asterisks throughout the website to learn something special.)
  37. Omni Calculator – https://www.omnicalculator.com/ – A very interesting database of calculators for all activities – including calculators used for biology, chemistry, ecology, conversion, physics and more.
  38. PBS LearningMedia – https://www.pbslearningmedia.org/ –  Free resources provided by various PBS stations are available on this K-12 education website. Below, find specific links to resources dealing with science. 
    • Science – Explore natural phenomena and scientific practices with videos, lesson plans, and interactive tools.
    • Earth and Space Science – Examines the history and formation of the universe, the prediction of hurricanes and other types of weather, and the categorization of rocks and minerals.
    • Life Science – Gives you a wide range of topics, including the cell cycle, genetic disorders, and bioethics.
    • Physical Science – Engineering design, potential and kinetic energy are investigated and experimenting with sound waves. Additional topics include the periodic table, thunder and lightning, and the electromagnetic spectrum.
    • Practices and Nature of Science – Take a deep look at scientific methods, systems, and thinking. Additional topics include lab safety, the limitations of science, and building hypotheses.
    • Instrumentation, Measurement and Units – Discover how hurricane hunters, astronauts, and farmers all use science to examine the world that surrounds us. Additional topics include the mapping of the brain, quantum mechanics, and the different units of measurement.
    • Wild Alaska – Explore Alaska’s incedibly diverse ecosystems, unique geology, local cultures, and the recent effects of global climate change with these K-12 videos and resources. 
  39. PhET Interactive Simulations – https://phet.colorado.edu/ – Founded in 2002 by Nobel Laureate Carl Wieman, this project provides free interactive science simulations. They are based on extensive education research and engage K – 12 students through an intuitive, game-like environment where students learn through exploration and discovery.
  40. Primary Resources – http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/science/science.htm – Free resources provided by educators. A very simplified website with lots of advertising.
  41. Reeko’s Mad Scientist Lab – https://reekoscience.com/ – A very informative website that contains science news, experiment and resources for free. Although there is an abundance of information, it is not organized by category, branch of science or even topic. It would be a good website for self-discovery with some free time for students or to use it as part of a website package teaching students about how to do proper research.
  42. Science Bob – https://sciencebob.com – Most of the information is free but there are also products to purchase. There are a lot of fun experiments to do, videos to watch and science fair ideas. Only one drawback: there isn’t any grade level designation so looking for something specific may be time-consuming.
  43. Science Friday – https://www.sciencefriday.com/ – A website and weekly radio show highlighting the latest in science and technology. It is organized into four different tabs: Listen, Explore, Educate, and Events. “Listen” taps into the actual NPR program where the hosts talk about everyday scientific phenomena. “Explore” lets teachers dig deeper into various topics featured on Science Friday; educators can search by topic and type for articles, audio, and video. “Educate” asks engaging questions and provides lesson plans/investigations that look more closely at the world around us.
  44. Science Kids – https://www.sciencekids.co.nz/ – Science Kids is the online home of science & technology for children around the world. Learn more with fun science experiments, cool facts, free games, activities, lesson plans, quizzes, videos, photos and science fair project ideas.
  45. Science Journal for Kids – https://sciencejournalforkids.org/ – Most scientific research is conducted and reported in specialized journals with a language accessible only to adults. Kids have the right to understand the world they are inheriting. This is a free, online science magazine for students with peer-reviewed research papers that have been rewritten in age-appropriate language.  Along with the article, teachers can find assessment questions, video and other educator resources.
  46. Science News for Students – https://www.sciencenewsforstudents.org/ – A free, award-winning online publication dedicated to providing age-appropriate science news to learners, parents and educators. Each article is associated with free additional content that can aid in learning and boost impact in classrooms. Some of the learning-specific resources are available to all website readers; others are available for free with registration. Find out more about these resources as they’re updated by signing up for The Cheat Sheet, our weekly newsletter for educators and parents.
  47. Science With Me – http://www.sciencewithme.com/ – A fun, easy and visual way to help kids learn science. Products include cartoons, animations, science coloring books, e-coloring books, science projects, activities, stories and printable worksheets.
  48. Skype A Scientist – https://www.skypeascientist.com/ – A database of thousands of scientists to connect with classrooms and more all over the globe! Students are given the opportunity to get to know a real scientist and get the answers to their questions straight from the source.
  49. Smithsonian Learning Lab – https://learninglab.si.edu/ – The Lab is a free, interactive platform for discovering millions of authentic digital resources, creating content with online tools and infusing real-world experiences into learning to build lasting knowledge and critical skills that take learners from simply finding resources to thoughtful selection, organization and creation of new resources.
  50. Smithsonian Science Education Center – https://ssec.si.edu/ – Most science teachers will find the Good Thinking video series meaningful. Through Curriculum & Resources, find the program’s own science workbooks and kits (for purchase) and short videos coordinating with the curriculum’s teacher guides. Free Resources also available in addition to leadership and professional development.
  51. Soft Schools (Science) – https://www.softschools.com/science/ – Free worksheets in all the science strands, science text for reading comprehension and games available. Note: there are ads on each page.
  52. Spark Science – https://sparkscience.ca/spark-science-from-home – At-Home (or At-School) science experiments and suggestions provided by the Telus Spack Science Centre using the link. Teachers can use the Self-Guided Lesson Plans link for ready-to-go lessons at a cost. (https://www.sparkscience.ca/schools/self-guided-lesson-plans)
  53. Steven Spangler Science – https://www.stevespanglerscience.com/ – This scientist has routinely been seen on the Ellen show to help inspire and delight audiences with simple science experiments. This website not only plays up the television appearances, but it is mostly advertising for his own science show, school visits and what-not. However, there is an interesting section for at-home experiments that could generate lesson plans/ideas for science experiments to conduct at school.
  54. Surfing Scientist – https://www.abc.net.au/science/surfingscientist/ – The Surfing Scientist is a part of the Austalian Broadcasting Corporation showcasing fun and interesting science for children of all ages. Find school resources (lesson plans), demonstrations, tricks, conundrums and videos.
  55. Ted Ed (Earth School) – https://ed.ted.com/earth-school – Although the original intent of this website is to teach about climate change, there are many general science facets to the material… and that is why you can find it here in addition to the climate change section. Each lesson has been selected to help build an understanding of how our planet works and exactly what it’s going to take to save it. Track and share progress with the tracker. Complete any 30 lessons to earn a certificate.
  56. The Franklin Institute – https://www.fi.edu/ – Founded in honor of America’s first scientist, Benjamin Franklin, The Franklin Institute is one of the oldest and premier centers of science education and development in the United States.  Today, the Institute continues its dedication to public education and creating a passion for science by offering new and exciting access to science and technology. Most of the programs and activities would be at the museum for a cost but the official website has provided some great free resources online, including:
    • Science Topics – At the present time, the topics provide are 3D Printing, Benjamin Franklin, Weather, Eclipses, Technology, Climate Change, Astronomy and The Brain (a definite must to check out with cool interactives provided).
    • History of Science and Technology – Some items from the Institute’s museum collection featured here help tell the story of the history of science and technology.
    • Franklin @ Home – Explore the world with DIY hands-on activities, engaging videos, and deeper dives—because science never stops.
  57. The Royal Institution – https://www.rigb.org/education/masterclasses/masterclass-resources – Aspiring mathematicians, engineers and computer scientists can also take part in extended hands-on Ri Masterclasses. The link provided leads directly to some of the free Masterclasses that can be done in the classroom. Explore the history of the Royal Institution in greater depth at the Faraday Museum. Catch up on events with the Ri YouTube channel. Young people can actively experiment in a research laboratory as well as meet leading scientists in demonstration-packed live events.
  58. Tuva Labs – https://tuvalabs.com/ – Interactive tools for learning, teaching and assessments. Real-World Datasets to Pose Authentic Problems and Tasks. Learn to Use Data as Evidence and to Support or Refute Arguments. Engage Students in Deeper Levels of Scientific and Engineering Investigations. The Free Basic Plan is limited but purchasing the Premium Plan will make the most of this website.
  59. Understanding Evolution – https://evolution.berkeley.edu/ – A non-commercial, education website, for teaching and learning about the science of evolutionary biology. Understand what evolution is, how it works, and how it factors into your life.
  60. Understanding Science – https://undsci.berkeley.edu/ – Provides a fun, accessible and free resource that accurately communicates what science is and how it really works.  It aims to improve teacher understanding of the nature of the scientific enterprise and provide resources/strategies that enable K-12 teachers to reinforce the nature of science.
  61. Utah Education Network – https://www.uen.org/k12educator/uenresources.php?cat=Science – A direct link to the search results for science webpages available to K-12 educators for use in the classroom from the UEN. Some great resources available for all three science strands (including Teacher Resource Books for grade 3-6 Science teachers).
  62. Western Australia Museum – https://museum.wa.gov.au/learning-resources – It is the home to over eight million collection items, some of which can be traced back almost to the beginning of the Earth. Working behind the scenes are passionate curators, researchers and educators who use those collections to help us understand our world. The learning resources page has a lot of information for all grades and a variety of free resources.
  63. Wonderopolis – https://wonderopolis.org/ – Created by the National Center for Families Learning (NCFL) in 2010, and it has become one of the most popular education sites today. Teachers can use the daily Wonder to jumpstart their students’ critical thinking or dip into the ever-growing collection of Wonders for content that relates to specific themes and student interests.
  64. Zooniverse – https://www.zooniverse.org/get-involved/education – As a volunteer on these websites, both you and your students can become citizen scientists and citizen researchers, participating in real science and other research. Looking for a little inspiration? Here are some ways educators have used Zooniverse projects and educational resources:


Lesson Ideas or Information to Get You Started…