Best Free Science Websites for Kids & Teens

Virginia
April 07, 2021

One of the best ways to channel kids’ innate curiosity is through the wide world of science. Why is the sky blue? What makes WiFi work? I could go on, but I don’t need to because there are so many awesome science websites for kids out there just waiting to be explored!

We can all agree that it’s important to encourage kids to find answers, even to big questions, and you never know: they could stumble upon something that inspires them to learn even more.

Of course, these days many parents are looking to have less screen time, and with so many tools to juggle for virtual learning, we don’t want to pile on more tech to track.

But that’s the beauty of these fun science websites—they are free (or mostly free) to use, and their interactive resources are designed to get kids and teens excited about the world around them. Not only is the screen time educational, it’s designed to get kids thinking about the natural world and innovations beyond just flipping through social media or Netflix.

Best Science Websites

Not sure where to start?

Enrichment activities like taking a virtual science field trip or watching a powerful documentary with your student might help identify what branch of science they’re most interested in. Plus, an amazing virtual expedition or awe-inspiring documentary can be motivating and make the science real for kids.

Best Science Websites for Elementary and Middle School Students

From learning why dogs wag their tails to online tours of paleontological digs and spaceships, these websites are sure to intrigue elementary and middle school students.

They also present plenty of academic content in a fun way, so why not try a game or interactive investigation to supplement what they’re learning in school?

NASA Kids’ Club

Blast off with NASA in this fun website designed for young minds. Kids can find interactive “missions”, simulations, games, podcasts, and more—all designed to get kids excited about space exploration.

Visit website: www.nasa.gov/kidsclub/index.html

Kids National Geographic

A true classic, you really can’t go wrong with National Geographic Kids. Their “brain boosters” and videos make for quick, intriguing viewing and offer plenty of extension opportunities.

Visit website: kids.nationalgeographic.com/

screenshot of national geographic for kids website

Project Noah

Budding conservationists will love Project Noah; it’s a wonderful platform for learning about wildlife and connecting with like minds. Project Noah offers a nature school series and volunteer opportunities through their Rangers program.

Visit website: www.projectnoah.org/

Bill Nye

Learning with Bill Nye the Science Guy has come a long way since VHS tapes were wheeled into science classrooms, and his new programs show that science still rules! From his new Netflix series to an extensive repository of at-home and fun science experiment ideas, there’s something for every time frame and scientific topic.

Visit website: billnye.com/

Mystery Science

If your child is bombarding you with questions, Mystery Science probably has the answers, plus opportunities to learn even more. This website offers everything from quick answer videos to full mini-lessons appropriate for grades K-5.

Visit website: mysteryscience.com/distance-learning

Nova

Nova has something for all ages, but its colorful Exoplanet Lab and real-world science experiments and games are particularly suited to young learners. Nova is a favorite among science educators and can always be relied upon for high quality information and resources.

Visit website: www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/labs/

SciShow

See what hundreds of thousands of subscribers and views are raving about! SciShow is one of the most popular educational YouTube channels, tackling relevant, real-world science like how COVID-19 vaccines work and how to combat climate change.

Visit website: www.youtube.com/channel/UCZYTClx2T1of7BRZ86-8fow

screen shot of sci show youtube channel

Best Science Websites for Upper Middle and High School Students

Advanced science can be tricky, but it’s also some of the most fascinating subject matter out there! And let’s be honest, just staring at the periodic table isn’t enough to make science come alive.

Spark your teen’s interest with cool videos and interactive tools that explain the inner workings of topics like chemistry and physics.

Now is a great time to encourage your child to advocate for causes they care about, and if your child loves the outdoors or perhaps educating others about the wonders of STEM, these websites can help inform their next passion project or advocacy campaign.

How Stuff Works

As you might imagine, this is the place to go to find out How Stuff Works. If your teen is asking, “why am I learning this?” or “when will I need to know this in real life?” this website is a great place to see topics like chemistry and earth science in action.

Visit website: science.howstuffworks.com/

NOAA Resource Collections

If your child is a science enthusiast, NOAA is an excellent resource for designing their own science experiment or investigation. NOAA helps students explore coral reefs, satellites, and other fascinating places. Plus, science enthusiasts might enjoy the STEM competitions offered as a way to connect with like minds.

Visit website: www.noaa.gov/education/resource-collections

Population Education

Activists, unite! Population Education educates kids about sustainability and encourages them to take action. The site’s filter feature makes it easy to find the right activity for your child and find multidisciplinary connections to learning about environmental science.

Visit website: populationeducation.org/

NASA STEM for Students

NASA has additional resources specifically designed for high school students. From writing and STEM contests to up-to-date developments about the latest space missions, there are so many enriching ways to engage with NASA.

Visit website: www.nasa.gov/stem/forstudents/9-12/index.html

screen shot of nasa stem engagement website

PhET Interactive Simulations

As a science student, sometimes visuals are essential to understanding complex concepts. These simulations are enormously helpful in making math fun and bringing science to life for visual learners.

Visit website: phet.colorado.edu/

The Physics Classroom

Ideal for advanced learners, the Physics Classroom provides tutorials and deep dives into everything kids will need to learn to ace a physics test or take their knowledge to the next level.

Visit website: www.physicsclassroom.com/

Help kids think outside the box

The best learning environments thrive on connections to the real world, and helping your child make those connections can breathe fresh life into their school routine (and after-school routine).

For even more hands-on learning with STEM, iD Tech specializes in outside-the-box learning experiences. Check out our coding classes for kids and courses in other cutting-edge topics designed to build a love of learning alongside valuable tech skills!

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Virginia

Virginia started with iD Tech at the University of Denver in 2015 and has loved every minute since then! A former teacher by trade, she has a master's in education and loves working to embolden the next generation through STEM. Outside the office, you can usually find her reading a good book, struggling on a yoga mat, or exploring the Rocky Mountains.

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iD Tech
General Terms & Conditions
Publish Date: October 27, 2024

These Terms and Conditions apply to all pages found at www.idtech.com and all Programs operated by internalDrive, Inc. (referred to as "iD Tech") including but not limited to iD Tech In-Person programs and iD Tech Online Programs. These terms apply to all lessons, classes, courses, and options offered by iD Tech (hereinafter referred to individually as “Program” or collectively “Programs”).

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Students and parents/guardians may NEVER:

Disrupt, bully, intimidate, or harass others;
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Students also may NEVER:

Engage in Internet hacking;
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Follow directions/instructions of iD Tech personnel;
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Dress appropriately during the Program;
Adhere to the terms of use of any sites used, including following the specified age policies; and
Only share material that is related to lessons and appropriate.

II. Age Policy

iD Tech offers Programs for students ages 7-19. Therefore, students may interact and/or room with a student that is within this age range including 18 or 19 years old. Please note the age range of the Program being registered for.

If a student is 18 or 19 years old and participating in an On-Campus Program, they must successfully pass a criminal and sexual offender background check prior to being allowed to attend. Clients are responsible for all costs and fees associated with any background checks required for a student to attend.

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To provide students with the best experience, iD Tech reserves the right to move students to an alternate program/course. If iD Tech, at its sole discretion, determines that an alternate program is more suitable for your student, you agree that iD Tech can move your student to the alternate program/course, without charge and without compensation to you. Refunds will not be given if a student is moved to an alternate program.

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If iD Tech cancels an entire Program for any reason, the fees paid for the Program will be refunded, less the non-refundable fees, as set out above. Non-refundable fees (other than the Payment Plan Fee, if any) will remain in your account as a fully transferable credit that is valid for three (3) years.
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I agree that if I register more than 5 participants, or am registering students on behalf of a company, agency, school, or other organization during any one camp season, I am considered a Group, and at iD Tech’s sole discretion, may be required to register as an Agent and be bound by an Agent Agreement. If I fail to respond to a request to register as an Agent, I understand and agree that the reservations I made may be canceled and will be subject to the Group cancellation policies as set out by iD Tech. I understand that I can call 1-888-709-8324 or +1-408-871-3700 if I have any questions or would like a copy of the Agent Agreement.

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Promotional discounts are limited to one discount per student. There may be other limitations as to how they apply, and codes must be submitted at the time of registration. iD Tech will not honor retroactive adjustments, and the total discounts received cannot exceed the total cost of the products purchased.

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Each Referral Code can be used a maximum of 10 times. The code can only be used by students attending iD Tech for the first time (may be limited to certain Programs) and must be applied at the time of registration.
A tuition credit will be given for each new student that registers for an In-Person Program or Small Group Class using a referral code and attends the course for which they registered.
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Students may not refer each other to both qualify for the Refer-a-Friend Discount.
Tuition credit will be applied after the referred client registers, pays in full and attends the Program. If the referred friend cancels his/her Program, the credit will be removed, and you will be responsible for any account balance that is created as a result of the lost credit.
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Media Release: As a condition of participation, you authorize iD Tech and its partners to take photos, videos, images, audio, and testimonials of and/or from you and your student and agree that said content may be used by iD Tech in promotional materials, marketing collateral, and online media. These images, testimonials, photos, videos, and audio may be shared and used by corporate partners, the media, or other organizations that work with iD Tech. You also agree that all projects and work created by your student during an iD Tech Program may be used by iD Tech in promotional materials, online, and other print media, and may be shared and used by corporate partners, the media, or other organizations that work with iD Tech. You understand that iD Tech, its owners, agents, partners, facility providers, and employees will not be held liable for damages and injuries associated with use of any content released herein, including any and all claims based on negligence. You agree that all images, testimonials, photos, video, and audio taken at or in connection with an iD Tech Program are the sole and exclusive property of iD Tech, and that iD Tech has a royalty-free, perpetual license to use copies of all student work and projects created at an iD Tech Program.
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You agree that any dispute other than collection matters, arising out of or relating to this Agreement, you or your student's participation in a Program with internalDrive, Inc., or otherwise arising between the parties, including, without limitation, any statutorily created or protected rights, as permitted by applicable state/provincial or federal laws, shall be settled by arbitration to be held in Santa Clara County, California, in accordance with the Commercial Rules of the American Arbitration Association, and judgment upon the award rendered by the arbitrator(s) may be entered in any court of competent jurisdiction. The prevailing party in the arbitration shall be entitled to recover expenses including costs and reasonable attorneys’ fees associated therewith. Should any part of this contract be found invalid or not enforceable by a court of law, then the remaining portion shall continue to be valid and in force. You hereby acknowledge that you understand the terms of this ARBITRATION AGREEMENT, and you agree to comply with all of its terms and provisions.

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internalDrive, Inc. reserves the right to update or modify these Terms and Conditions at any time. iD Tech is not a university-sponsored program. iD Tech reserves the right to cancel or modify any and all classes, lessons, Programs or courses for any reason.

XII. Release of Liability

ON BEHALF OF MY SON/DAUGHTER/WARD, I, THE PARENT/GUARDIAN, IN EXCHANGE FOR THE RIGHT OF MY SON/DAUGHTER/WARD TO PARTICIPATE IN ID TECH PROGRAM(S), HEREBY RELEASE INTERNALDRIVE, INC., ITS OWNERS, AGENTS, PARTNERS, FACILITY PROVIDERS, AND EMPLOYEES FROM LIABILITY (INCLUDING CLAIMS BASED UPON NEGLIGENCE) FOR ANY AND ALL DAMAGES OR INJURIES TO MY SON/DAUGHTER/WARD OR DAMAGE OF ANY PERSONAL PROPERTY. I AGREE TO BE FULLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY AND ALL SUCH DAMAGES OR INJURIES WHICH MAY RESULT DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY FROM ANY NEGLIGENT ACTS OR ACTIVITIES ASSOCIATED WITH INTERNALDRIVE, INC. HOWEVER, I UNDERSTAND THAT I AM NOT RELEASING INTERNALDRIVE, INC., ITS OWNERS, AGENTS, PARTNERS, FACILITY PROVIDERS, AND EMPLOYEES FROM GROSS NEGLIGENCE OR INTENTIONALLY TORTIOUS CONDUCT. TO THE EXTENT THIS RELEASE CONFLICTS WITH STATE/PROVINCIAL LAW GOVERNING RELEASES, THIS RELEASE IS TO BE GIVEN THE FULLEST FORCE AND EFFECT PERMITTED UNDER STATE/PROVINCIAL LAW. SHOULD ANY PART OF THIS CONTRACT BE FOUND INVALID OR NOT ENFORCEABLE BY A COURT OF LAW, THEN THE REMAINING PORTION SHALL CONTINUE TO BE VALID AND IN FORCE.

XIV. Copyright

iD Tech partners with and uses the intellectual property of some amazing companies, organizations, and universities. You and your student agree to uphold the copyright and trademark rights of iD Tech, their partners, and any company whose products are used at an iD Tech Program.

Best Free Science Websites for Kids & Teens

Best Science Websites

Best Science Websites for Elementary and Middle School Students

NASA Kids’ Club

Kids National Geographic

Project Noah

Bill Nye

Mystery Science

Nova

SciShow

Best Science Websites for Upper Middle and High School Students

How Stuff Works

NOAA Resource Collections

Population Education

NASA STEM for Students

PhET Interactive Simulations

The Physics Classroom

Help kids think outside the box

Featured Posts

Meet iD Tech!

Meet iD Tech!

Related posts

Featured Posts

Meet iD Tech!

Meet iD Tech!