Boldly go where no science teacher has gone before! Your continuing mission: to discover useful new science sites, to integrate them into your lesson plans and to giggle at this corny Star Trek reference.
Silliness aside, my love for science grew from watching the crew of the starship Enterprise warp around the galaxy as they encountered previously unknown phenomena, worlds and civilizations.
I thought the notion of discovery was really fitting for this post—so, with that said, I hope you come across something that excites your students about science.
Now, set a course for the end of this list—warp factor nine. Engage!
General Science (Covers Multiple Areas)
1. Exploratorium
The official website of the Exploratorium, the museum of science, art and human perception in San Francisco. It includes materials and activities for a variety of things from astronomy and space to the human body.
2. How Stuff Works
How Stuff Works explains how things … work. (Imagine that!) Learn about everything from black holes to the Dyson Bladeless Fan.
3. Extreme Science
What is the largest ocean carnivore? How big is the world’s largest tarantula? Just how cold does the Antarctic actually get? Learn all about the extreme animals and places around the world.
4. Federal Resources for Educational Excellence
Free science resources from the U.S. Department of Education. Find materials for the Applied Sciences, Earth Sciences, Life Sciences, Physical Sciences, Space Sciences and more.
5. Nova
Watch informational preview videos from the highest rated science series on television categorized by the following topics: Ancient Worlds, Body and Brain, Evolution, Military and Espionage, Nature, Physics and Math, Planet Earth, Space and Flight, Tech and Engineering.
6. BBC Science
View preview videos for some of BBC Science’s top documentaries.
7. MadSciNet
Use the search engine or archives to find answers to over 36,000 science-related questions.
8. Science Learning Network
The Science Learning Network is a website for a consortium of museums that provides teaching materials on structures, oceans, weather, pH, atoms and more.
9. Khan Academy
Watch free science lessons on biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, healthcare and medicine, physics, cosmology and astronomy, computer science and more.
10. Great Thinkers and Visionaries
Find detailed biographies for scientists, inventors and theorists like Isaac Newton and Stephen Hawking.
11. Frank Potter’s Science Gems
There are over 14,000 online science resources listed on this website that are separated and categorized by topic and grade level.
12. Learner Interactives
Learner provides really neat interactive lessons and activities that cover amusement park physics, DNA, garbage, the periodic table, the rock cycle and more.
13. Why Files Classroom Activities
Why Files has tons of neat classroom activities that correlate to relevant real-world topics and big issues in the news.
14. Science Dictionary
Science Dictionary is the leading source for definitions of science terms. Each term is separate by field.
15. The Internet Encyclopedia of Science
David Darling’s online encyclopedia of science is a lot like Wikipedia. There are thousands of detailed entries for different science-related words.
16. Scanning Electron Microscope
The Museum of Science in Boston’s Scanning Electron Microscope website is neat because it provides you with close-up images of diatoms, toilet paper, deer ticks and more, without needing access to an electron microscope.
17. 125 Great Science Videos
A gaggle of great videos for science teachers ranging from astronomy and space travel to biology and chemistry.
18. National Science Teachers Association
The official website for the National Science Teachers Association is full of resources for elementary, middle, high school and college science.
19. Science Clips
Check out dozens of interactive science games and activities for ages 5-11 on the BBC’s Science Clips website.
20. Scientists @ the Smithsonian
Do your students want to be scientists? Visit Scientists @ the Smithsonian to show them interviews with actual scientists who discuss their own personal experiences and what they do.
21. MythBusters: Myth or Fact?
Spark your students’ curiosity at the beginning of each class period by taking a MythBusters: Myth or Fact? quiz. It’s a great warm up activity to get their wheels turning!
22. SciScho YouTube Channel
Hank, an eccentric science teacher, posts educational and explanatory videos to YouTube. They’re not your average YouTube videos, though. They’re very well done and relatively humorous. Some of the topics (and content) may not be suitable for younger children, so make sure you view each video before you show it to your class.
23. Museum of Science
This online vault of digital exhibits, videos and audio presentations covers quite a few different topics ranging from carbon nano-materials, to renewable energy sources, to ancient Egypt.
24. Teachers Pay Teachers
You can find thousands of grade-specific science resources on Teachers Pay Teachers. Just browse the Science category or type in a search term for the lesson you’re teaching. Click here to check out my Teachers Pay Teachers store.
Science News
27. Nature
28. PopSci
29. NY Times Science
30. CNN Science and Technology
Physics
31. The Atoms Family
This fun website teaches about energy, light, atoms and conservation by using mummies, vampires and other monsters.
32. PhysLink Reference
Check out PhysLink’s Reference section for easy-to-use information on astrophysical constants, coefficients of friction, nuclear and particle data, unit conversion and more.
33. Atomic Orbitals Interactive
This Atomic Orbitals Interactive gives your students a visual representation of the first four energy levels of an atom.
34. States of Matter
This interactive demonstration shows your students the difference in movement between particles in different states of matter.
35. Rube Goldberg
The official website of Rube Goldberg is a great place to get ideas for this year’s Rube Goldberg project. You can even have students participate in the national machine contest by submitting their work!
Chemistry
36. Amino Acids Guide
A detailed resource for information about amino acids such as Glycine, Lysine, Tryptophan and more.
37. ChemGame
Rescue the top 12 scientists in chemistry by playing fun interactive games about matter and energy, atomic theory, naming, reactions, thermodynamics and equilibrium, acids and bases, electrochemistry and organic chemistry.
38. Royal Society of Chemistry
Visit the Royal Society of Chemistry website for a virtual periodic table and other resources for teaching chemistry.
39. The Comic Book Periodic Table of Elements
View pages from comic books that mention each element. Some of the elements are mentioned in the context of how they are used, which is great for teaching about the properties of different elements.
40. Chemical Week
Give your students an idea about how chemistry can affect their everyday life with articles from Chemical Week.
41. WebElements
WebElements provides teachers with a really neat online periodic table of elements.
42. Sheffield ChemPuter
Use the advanced online calculators for isotope patterns, element percentages, reaction yields and more.
43. The Periodic Table of Videos
The Periodic Table of Videos provides the symbol, atomic number and a short clip for each element that demonstrates what it’s used for.
44. ChemiCool – Interactive Periodic Table
ChemiCool is a really awesome interactive periodic table!
45. LennTech Periodic Table of Elements
Each element on the LennTech Periodic Table has a link to its chemical properties, health effects, environmental impact and information about the individual(s) who discovered/created it.
46. Chemical Elements
While a little less aesthetically pleasing than the other periodic tables mentioned, the Chemical Elements periodic table is very information-based.
47. Ptable
Another neat online periodic table that includes information on each element’s properties, orbitals, isotopes and more.
Earth Science
48. Exploring Earth
Thirty digital chapters and eight units explore the world of Earth science, including the water cycle, plate tectonics, atmosphere, oceans and more.
49. National Ocean Services
The National Ocean Services website provides lesson plans and classroom ideas that emphasize hands-on activities and problem-based learning.
50. Oceans Alive!
This website provides a detailed look at our world’s oceans and its most abundant resource, water. You can also find additional materials for teaching about the water cycle, the web of life, water currents and more on the “resources” page.
51. Earthquakes for Kids
The U.S. Geological Survey website provides students with information about earthquakes. They can learn about the latest quakes, watch animations, get ideas for science fairs or play earthquake-related puzzles and games.
52. Water Cycle Diagram – Earthguide
The interactive Earthguide Water Cycle Diagram provides a visual representation of the different parts of the water cycle including precipitation, runoff, infiltration, evaporation, evapotranspiration, freezing and more.
53. Plate Tectonics Animations
The University of California Berkeley’s plate tectonics animations demonstrate how the continents have shifted over the course of time.
Environmental
54. EPA Teaching Center
Learn about environmental issues like air quality, climate change, pesticides, chemicals, toxins, waste and more. The EPA Teaching Center also includes games and quizzes that are labeled by grade level, lesson plans, teacher guides and other online resources.
55. Household Carbon Footprint Calculator
Learn how much of an impact your household has on the environment with the Household Carbon Footprint Calculator tool.
56. Free Carbon Footprint Calculator
Calculate your carbon footprint.
Animals and Wildlife
57. ARKive
The ultimate resource for breathtaking photos and videos of the world’s endangered species. Each entry also includes a description of the species and information about its range, habitat, biology, threats, conservation and more.
58. Animal Planet
Watch preview videos for some of Animal Planet’s renowned programming on the Earth’s naturals resources, wildlife and more.
59. National Aquarium
Take a 360 degree tour of the National Aquarium, located in Baltimore. The official website has tons of resources on the marine animals that are showcased in their habitats.
60. eNature
Use eNature’s Endangered and Threatened species engine to enter your zip code and learn about highly-threatened animals near you. There are also animal-related games, quizzes and other freebies available.
61. Bagheera
Learn about endangered and already-extinct species from around the world at Bagheera. Classroom activities and resources are also available for additional learning opportunities.
62. Life of Birds
The Life of Birds website is a great resource for learning about Earth’s most adaptable creatures.
63. Animal Diversity Web
The University of Michigan’s Animal Diversity Web is an online database of animal natural history, distribution, classification and conservation.
64. Invasive Species
Use this website to learn all about invasive species and their impact in ecosystems around the world.
Human Anatomy and Physiology
65. Inner Body
An interactive guide to 12 different systems in the human body including the digestive system, immune system, muscular system, respiratory system, skeletal system and more.
66. Atlas of the Human Body
Use the American Medical Association’s free Atlas of the Human Body to help your students learn about the various regions of the human body.
67. Neuroscience for Kids
Use Neuroscience for Kids to explore how the brain works. It discusses everything from the higher brain functions, to the spinal cord, to neurological effects and mental disorders.
68. eSkeletons
Use the University of Texas at Austin’s interactive eSkeletons website to learn about human bones and compare them to the bones of non-human primates.
69. Gray’s Anatomy of the Human Body – Bartleby
Bartleby’s online edition of Gray’s Anatomy of the Human Body features 13,000 entries ranging from the Antrum of Highmore to the Zonule of Zinn.
DNA, Genetics and Evolution
70. Human Genome Project
Find resources for both teachers and students about the Human Genome Project that was completed in 2003.
71. Learn.Genetics
The University of Utah’s Learn.Genetics website is full of great material for teaching DNA, protein synthesis, heredity, variation and more. There’s also a really nifty “Build a DNA Molecule” activity that you should check out!
72. DNA From the Beginning
DNA From the Beginning provides great resources and animations for 75 different experiments that made modern genetics.
73. DNA Zoom
Help your students discover the building blocks of our DNA by zooming in to microscopic levels! This cool interactive activity is available in 2D and 3D formats.
74. Issues in Genetics
Use this site to stimulate class discussion about controversial issues in genetics like gene patenting, gene testing and gene discrimination.
75. Understanding Evolution
A one-stop shop for teaching materials and resources on evolution.
76. Darwin: Who Wants to Live a Million Years? Game
As I’m sure you can guess from the title, this game is about natural selection. Play it as a class and see if your students can create a species that survives for a million years. This game is a hoot!
77. Evolution vs. Creationism Debate with Bill Nye [VIDEO]
Leading creationist and best-selling Christian author Ken Ham debates Emmy Award-winning science educator Bill Nye in this video from Feb. 4th, 2014.
Biology
78. Online Biology Book
Fifty-nine “chapters” on specific biology topics including cell division, protein synthesis, plants and their structure, the digestive system (and other body systems), population ecology and more.
79. Strange Science
Strange Science is one of my personal favorites on this list. It highlights science’s rocky road to modern biology and paleontology. You’ll never believe some of the things that were published as “fact!”
80. BioIntereactive
Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s (HHMI) BioInteractive is a comprehensive website that contains videos, animations, lectures and interactive presentations on topics ranging from DNA, to infectious diseases, to biodiversity.
81. Cells Alive!
Cells Alive! has interactive animations of cells, viruses, bacteria and their interactions with each other. There are also animations of processes like mitosis, meiosis and the cell cycle.
82. Biology in Motion
Biology in Motion brings science to life with fun interactive activities, labs and mini-lectures that can be enlarged and paused.
83. Cow Eye Dissection
Watch the Exploratorium’s Cow Eye Dissection videos to give your students the experience without the mess (or formaldehyde)!
84. Cell Craft
Play this free interactive game and build a cell, fight off viruses, survive in harsh worlds and save the Platypus species! Students learn about cells as they play.
85. Label the Cells
Let your students try their hand at this self-checking interactive activity! They complete the plant and animal cell diagrams by moving the correct labels to the corresponding cell parts.
86. Cell Biology Animation
Virtual animations of cells and cell functions including cell anatomy, cell membranes, meiosis, mitosis, photosynthesis and more.
87. The Biology Corner
The Biology Corner is a great resource site that contains a variety of labs, quizzes, lessons and web quests on ecology, genetics, anatomy, cells, evolution and the scientific method.
88. Action Bioscience
The American Institute of Biological Sciences’ Action Bioscience website is a great place to learn about biodiversity, the environment, genomics, biotechnology, evolution and science policy. It provides great resources for teachers including lesson plans.
89. Tree of Life
The Tree of Life presents information about thousands of organisms and their evolutionary roots. It also includes compelling images and videos for many of the different types of organisms.
90. Virtual Cell Animation Collection
This website is an online collection of images and videos that walk students through complex cellular processes.
Astronomy
91. Astronomy Picture of the Day
A new picture of a celestial body and detailed description written by a professional astronomer are featured every day.
92. Space.com
Get the latest space and science-related news, NASA information and watch educational video clips.
93. NASA Television
With almost 55 million views on its 2,700 videos, NASA Television is one of the most watched channels on YouTube.
94. Windows to the Universe
Windows to the Universe includes information about Earth and space sciences including the atmosphere, magnetosphere, poles, space weather, formation of planets and more.
95. Astrobiology
This website features breaking news about discoveries that astronomers have made regarding the possibility of finding life in space.
96. NASA PlanetQuest
NASA PlanetQuest site has multimedia resources including links, videos, photos and more that are related to NASA’s search for new planets.
97. Planet Size Comparison
This super cool website lets you pick two planets in our solar system and visually compare them. It’s great for a unit on space!
Web 2.0 Tools
98. Calculator.com
Project one of the free online calculators on your interactive whiteboard. Choose from a scientific calculator, graphing calculator, unit converter and more.
99. Web 2.0 Calc
This fancy calculator can do all sorts of advanced scientific and mathematic equations.
100. Online Conversion
Online Conversion can convert 5,000 different units and perform 50,000 different conversions for area, acceleration, force, temperature and more.
101. SlideShare
SlideShare is one of the most popular ways to upload and share PowerPoint presentations and other documents. It’s a great tool for transferring documents between your home and school computer without having to carry around a flash drive. Perfect for those long presentations on cells!
Now that you’ve completed your journey to the end of this list, I hope you discovered something that will help you “energize” your lesson plans!
Before you go, you have one final assignment. Please take a moment to leave me some love and/or share any websites for science teachers that I left out!
After you have completed your assignment, you may return to the holodeck for some well-deserved R&R. Dismissed!
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Great List! Thank you for taking the time to put it together. You might also enjoy Amazing Space, and astronomy site. http://amazing-space.stsci.edu/eds/
http://biology4kids.com/
Copied from page: Chem4Kids, Geography4Kids, Cosmos4Kids, orPhysics4Kids. We even have a math site called NumberNut.com.