The following is a post from contributing writer Dianna Kennedy and contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support of this author.
Teaching science to kids doesn’t have to be scary! There are so many amazing free science resources for children to help you tackle teaching everything from astronomy to zoology, geology to paleontology.
Be sure and bookmark these science ideas — you’ll find ideas for teaching preschoolers all the way up to high school.
Maintained by the University of Michigan, this extensive resource is an online encyclopedia, a virtual museum and a science learning tool all in one. The photos and information here would be great for creating lapbooks for zoology – simply choose an animal and use the Animal Diversity Web to research more.
2. USGS
Want to study more about volcanoes, earthquakes, glaciers or rocks? USGS is the first place you’ll stop for information. They even have an ‘Ask a Geologist’ section to submit student questions!
3. The Atoms Family
The Miami Museum of Science makes me giggle with their unique twist on a science resource site.
The Atoms Family organizes information about energy conservation, electricity and magnetism, along with atoms and matter into sections headed up by fun characters like Dracula and the Wolf Man!
You’ll have to stop by Raising Lifelong Learners for her 10 day Series on Electricity and Magnetism, too!
The Exploratorium is a museum of science, art and human perception in San Francisco. Their website is a treasure trove of science videos, lesson ideas and plans, as well as fun science experiments for kids. Want to dissect a cow’s eye? You can watch a video of the step by step process, then try it out yourself at home.
Looking for a cleaner experiment? Did you know wintergreen lifesavers can make lightening in your mouth?
Science CAN be a mystery – here’s how to make it fun! Geo Mysteries is hosted by the Children’s Museum of Indianapolis. (It’s well worth the visit if you’re in the area.)
Together with Rex the Dino Detective, your children can solve mysteries about rocks,fossils and minerals, learning all the way.
6. SchoolHouse Rock – Science
I’ve been a big fan of Schoolhouse Rock since I was a young girl. I was THRILLED to find the videos I enjoyed during my childhood over on YouTube. I created a SchoolHouse Rock science playlist for my children to enjoy.
Over at Bill Nye’s site, you’ll find dozens of at home experiments, perfect for homeschool students. Episode guides are also arranged in sections like life science, physical science and planetary science — great for moms like me who want everything organized!
If I want to have a few minutes to get dinner started, I put on Steve Spangler science videos for my kids.
With titles like Sick Science and Monster Foam, who wouldn’t be glued to the screen?
With a simple science kit, household products and ideas from Steve, you’ll turn your kitchen into a science lab in no time.
This site also has video demonstrations of science experiments, as well as ideas for starting a science club, and even fun science jokes! Who says you can’t learn while laughing?
Want to delve deeper into dinosaurs? Your kids can play dinosaur games and read all about their favorite dinosaurs here.
Looking for more dinosaur fun? Don’t miss this post that contains loads of dinosaur books, crafts and printables.
Have a future botanist on your hands? Get outside, get dirty and learn about plant life with these fun gardening projects.
We’ve been watching Magic School Bus since my oldest daughter was small. Scholastic has an awesome list of classroom activities for Magic School Bus episodes — add some Frizzle Sizzle to your homeschool!
It’s recently been added to Netflix streaming, or you can purchase the DVDs on Amazon.
Don’t forget that astronomy falls under the huge umbrella of science. If you’ve got a children who loves to learn about outer space, you’ve got to bookmark the NASA Kids Club.
14. Studying Nature with Small Children
If your kids are anything like mine, they adore getting up close and personal with tiny creatures. Don’t miss these tips for nature studies with little ones. Get on your walking shoes!
Need more ideas? Be sure and stop by my Science Resources board on Pinterest. You’ll also want to add Free Resources for Elementary Teachers to your library.
Have a favorite free science resource that I missed? Be sure and leave it in the comment box!
When she’s not doing science experiments with her five children, Dianna heads up The Kennedy Adventures! She writes about her Catholic faith, misadventures in homeschooling and her love for fitness. Connect with her on Google+, Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.
This post contains affiliate links – thanks for your support of this author!
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