Educational Websites for Kids
The amount of educational material available on the web nowadays can be overwhelming. The quality and usefulness of educational websites and software can vary considerably so it’s worth looking around to find what’s suitable.
Of course, the advantage of the internet is that you are not restricted to the confines of a textbook which is aimed at a specific age and ability. On the net you are free to explore material aimed at all abilities which is particularly useful if your child is struggling to keep up with his or her peers. Another benefit is that your child can study at their own pace and in a manner that suits them.
USA and UK Based Sites
As you may be well aware the vast majority of educational websites tend to be based in and aimed at a US audience. While this does not necessarily need to be an obstacle you need to be aware of some of the differences between the US and UK educational systems. While we are all well aware of the obvious differences in spelling and terminology there are also some subtle and less obvious disparities in subjects such as maths and science. For example: they say Math and we say Maths, also, in the UK, we are familiar with the term Pythagoras Theorem but in the US the term Pythagorean Theorem is the norm. However, so long as you are aware of such idiosyncrasies then there is no reason not to make use of some of the splendid educational sites available in the States.
Online Encyclopedias
Online encyclopedias can be a useful source of research in many subjects and are often useful as a first port of call when starting to study a particular subject. For instance, MSN Encarta is a comprehensive information portal with articles on most subjects. Whether it’s for a homework assignment or just out of general interest you can often find brief but concise information to help you get a general idea of the subject matter with links to sources of further, more specific information.
Educational Software
There is certainly no shortage these days of software which claims to be educational. Some such software can be costly to buy while many alternatives are free. Judging the quality of educational software by price alone can be a mistake as some of the many free packages available are substantially better then their paid for counterparts. A trusted source of free software is ZDnet with links to a wide range of applications and eBooks on subjects from Genealogy to Sport as well as software for parents and teachers to use as teaching tools. Some of the software is completely free while some can be downloaded on a trial basis, often for 30 days or more. Sometimes the software can be used indefinitely in a limited form with an option to buy a full licence which gives you access to more advanced features.
» ZDnet
» Tuxpaint
Interactive Learning
There is a wealth of useful interactive sites which are both educational and fun. Here’s a selection of sites we recommend:
Active Science
The Active Science web site from GlaxoSmithKline has a variety of science based activities and sources of information for children of all ages from 5 upwards.
Each module is based upon sound educational principles and begins with simple fun games and text for younger children, advancing up to more demanding material for older students with a range of downloadable files as well as worksheets for parents and teachers.
BBC
Worthy of a section of it’s very own the BBC website has several excellent educational and fun areas just for children.
CBeebies is the section aimed specifically at children of pre-school age which encourages learning through play.
» www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/
CBBC features a huge range of fun and interactive games, puzzles and activities for young children
» www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/
BBC Schools features a range resources for students, parents and teachers including activities, games and study resources especially for children in primary and secondary education.
British Geological Survey
The British Geological Survey is the UK's foremost information centre for earth science, providing expert services and impartial advice in all areas of geoscience. The educational resource section of the web site has a wealth of information and resources about the subject of geology with a comprehensive catalogue of downloadable resources and links to sources of further information.
The British Red Cross
A volunteer led humanitarian organization, The British Red Cross is committed to helping people in crisis throughout the world regardless of any political or national limitations.
The educational section of the web site features a range of teaching resources, lesson plans and assembly kits on various topics from bereavement to road safety, as well as a selection of news discussions and activities related to the work of the British Red Cross throughout the world.
» www.redcross.org.uk/education
The Bug Investigators
A fun, educational web site aimed at young children and covering the nasty subject of bugs, germs and micro-organisms. The site features interactive games, links to further information and a library of downloadable project and information sheets.
Edupics
A useful site featuring a selection of printable pictures and photos you can download for colouring projects or just to use for illustration purposes. There are thousands of pictures to use in categories from agriculture to vehicles. The site is US based so a lot of the pictures have an American theme although there are still many which will have universal appeal.
Engineering Interact
Produced by the University of Cambridge Department of Engineering, Engineering Interact is a fun and colourful resource aimed specifically at children aged 9 to 11 with information about sound, electricity, forces and motion and all engineering related subjects. The site is separated in sections with games, links and resources for parents, teachers and children.
English Heritage
The ole of English Heritage is to protect and promote some of England’s historic environment. Their website has a dedicated learning section with an extensive photo collection and a dedicated education resource with information about site visits, downloadable resources and the Kids Zone with a range of interactive games and printable activities.
Fizzy Funny Fuzzy
Fizzy Funny Fuzzy is a great website dedicated to the art of prose and poetry just for children. The site features over 80 poems separated into themes including animals, monsters, peculiar people, Christmas and Halloween.
The Grain Chain
The Grain Chain is a great website dedicated to a subject that we often take for granted – food. Suitable for kids aged from 5 to 16 the site is packed with useful information and resources explaining where food comes from, why we need food and it’s nutritional properties and where food comes from. The site incorporates useful videos, quizzes, activities and recipes as well as a dedicated section of teaching materials and resources.
Making the Modern World
Making the Modern World from the Science Museum aims to educate about science and invention in the modern world through powerful stories, animated scenes and virtual tours. Aimed mainly at older children in secondary or tertiary education the site is a useful and interesting resource nonetheless.
Making Science Makes Sense
The Making Science Makes Sense website features a range of challenging, and enjoyable science-based activities and media materials suitable for children of all ages. Some of the fun activities include a virtual home tour followed by a challenging quiz, a wacky science section, themed challenges based on the human body, motor cars, farming and a dedicated teacher’s area with further activities and resources.
» www.making-science-make-sense.co.uk
Map Zone from Ordnance Survey is for children aged 7 to 16 and aims to teach Geography and map reading skills in a fun and interactive way. The site has several sections including a homework help zone, games, competitions and quizzes to make learning a fun and enjoyable experience for both children and parents.
» mapzone.ordnancesurvey.co.uk
National Geographic Kids
A dedicated site just for kids, the National Geographic Kids Website is feature packed with games, videos, activities, resources and photos all about the world we live in.
Oxfam Education
A website for children of all ages, the site is full of ideas, support and resources to teach children about life around the globe. Oxfam Education places particular emphasis on the developing world, the climate and energy resources.
Physics.org
Physics.org is produced by the Institute of Physics and has a wealth of physics based resources and information. There is an extensive database of over 7,000 physics websites, interactive games, commonly asked questions and news as well as just about anything else you could wish to know about the world of physics.
Planet Science
Planet Science is a comprehensive website, split into 8 main sections. There is a dedicated area for under 11’s which introduces youngsters to the world of science in a fun and colourful way. As your child’s understanding of the subject develops he or she can explore other areas of the site which explain in detail how science affects their everyday world.
Primary Resources
Although aimed specifically at teachers, Primary Resources features a huge selection of teaching materials and resources that can be used by parents to find a range of activities, worksheets and materials on every educational subject from English and Maths to Art and Music.
Rohald Dahl
The site of the famous children’s author is a great fun and informative site with animated games, teaching resources and general information about some of the best children’s books around.