KidSpace @ The Internet Public Library

This site could put me out of business, but its so wonderful I have to share. The Internet Public Library truly has something wonderful for visitors of all ages. I especially enjoy the enticing, colorful KidSpace section. In addition to KidSpace, the website features a TeenSpace section. The site is full of resources, such as, special collections, reference materiels, reading rooms and more. The Internet Public Library is a public service organization and a learning/teaching environment at the University of Michigan School of Information.

Ask Dr. Universe

This site boasts that you can ask Dr. Universe almost anything--and visitors to the site really make them meet that challenge. Dr. Universe is willing to go Washington State University's great team of researchers for her information. She'll follow them out to the field, or into the laboratory or library, to find your answers. If you'd like to contact any of the faculty members who have answered questions for Dr. Universe about their research, scholarship or creative work, just e-mail the Dr. and she'll put you in touch with the person behind the answer! Ask Dr. Universe also links to a great selection of favorite links; it is unusual for a site to actually link to sites that might provide real competition. That says a little something about the quality of the website--they're not worried. Ask Dr. Universe is brought to you by University Relations at Washington State University and is made possible through generous support from Microsoft Corporation.

The New York Times Learning Network

Want to keep your young person informed? The New York Times Learning Network offers a news and information service for students in grades 3 thru 12, educators, and parents. The site features several activities for young minds, such as, News Summaries, Who's Who and What's What, On This Day, Word of the Day, Science Q & A and more. Rival newspaper, The Washington Post, also has a wonderful section for young people--KidsPost.
Grades 3 thru 12

Exploratorium

Online since 1993, the Exploratorium was one of the first science museums to build a site on the World Wide Web. The site now contains over 18,000 award-winning Web pages exploring hundreds of different topics. Exploratorium is a collage of hundreds of science, art, and human perception exhibits. Our favorite area of the site is full of Snacks...but they're not the kind you eat. They're the kind you can learn from and have fun with. Exploratorium Science Snacks are miniature versions of some of the most popular exhibits at the Exploratorium--San Francisco's Museum of Science, Art and Human Perception. And for goodness sake, don't miss the 10 Cool Sites section. It's some kinda treat.

Online Games

It is the holiday season and with all the fervor surrounding the PS3 I thought that rather than featuring a site today, it might be better to feature a genre--online games. The year before last I was bombarded with requests for the likes of PlayStation 2, XBox, and Game Cube. I bought a Toshiba M35X-51142 laptop and pointed my child to the worldwide web. So whether the need is to write or research a paper, email friends, download music, or play games, its covered. As a heads up, Bonus.com, the Zone, and Gameboredom are frequented game sites, and there are hundreds more. Well, let me go see if I can find a PlayStation 3. Just joking.

Decades of Discovery

I'm a nut for the details. I hate to read an article and really not understand what it means. What was the significance of decoding the human genome--what did it mean for me and my child? For the past two-and-a-half decades, the Office of Science at the U.S. Department of Energy has been at the forefront of scientific discovery. Staff and colleagues have identified 100 or so of the most important discoveries supported by the Office of Science. In addition, they have provided links to resources that help us to understand what those discoveries mean to the everyday person. Decades of Discoveries is a goldmine for those who of us that need just a little more detail.

BasketMath Interactive

The newly upgraded Science Academy Software BasketMath InterActive is one of the first interactive math applications on the web. Math is one of those disciplines where mastering the basics is key to tackling the higher levels . The BasketMath InterActive tools provide the necessary practice for building a solid math foundation. And, it adds new twists and a bit of fun.
(Grades 4 thru 10)

SanDiegoZoo.org

I am a zoo lover. And, I would not dare try to convince anyone that an online experience is anywhere near as wonderful as a day at a real zoo. But if a visit to a really nice zoo is not a feasible option, then there is probably no other experience as close to the real thing as the virtual experience at the San Diego Zoo online. You can look a baboon dead in the eye, which may not be the wisest thing to do at a real zoo. You'll find well-written descriptions of dozens of animals. Web cams and dozens of videos also can be viewed by visitors. The site allows visitors to send free e-postcards with images of some of the zoo's more famous residents. In Kid Territory you can print zoo-themed recipes, play nine different online games, read about a zookeeper's daily work, and view Q&As. Love this site--love it, love it, love it!

Prongo.com

Our slogan at YouthPlay.com is "How I Choose to Play is Serious Business." Prongo.com is in keeping with our belief that play can be just as beneficial as reading, writing and arithmetic. Prongo.com is an educational website for kids offering lots of free, fun, interactive, and educational games. For teachers, Prong.com also offers Quizstation, an tool for creating online quizzes (The Bronze Level is free to use). The site also offers kids clip art, e-cards, wall paper, jokes, screensavers and more. Its a wonderful place to find a little downtime. Prong.com provides hours hours of learning and fun for kids and resources for teachers and parents as well. This site also annotates the appropriate age levels for various activities.
Grades Pre-K thru 12

Cool Cosmos

This California Institute of Technology/NASA site is oh so cool. The site explores the world of infrared astronomy as its main topic and explains the multi-wavelength universe. This Cool Cosmos portal is the main gateway of the Cool Cosmos Education and Public Outreach group at the Infrared Processing and Analysis Center and the SIRTF Science Center. Interest piqued? Visit the site to decipher what all of this means.
Grades K thru 12+

The Mint

The Mint is designed to help you teach 6-12 graders to manage money. There are games, tests of skill, illustrations, lots of information, and practical suggestions. All are concrete, and all are meant to treat a serious subject in a light and easy-to-understand way. This site has been designed primarily for families to help them work together and approach the topic of handling money wisely. However, there are also sections aimed exclusively at adults: teachers and parents. Ideas for Teachers contains supplemental activities to illustrate sound money management concepts. Tips for Parents provides tips for mentoring and nurturing in children financial responsibility. It is never too early to start if your child is interested in how money works. Ideas for Young Kids offers tips to explain the basics of handling money to children just starting school.

Grades 6-12

SuperThinkers

Thinking is a process where we have to create new connections, look for meaning behind the facts and analyze in order to understand. These are the goals of SuperThinkers! This flash-driven website features a set of original games and interactive mysteries designed to foster literacy and problem-solving. It's a friendly, fun place to use logic and reasoning to solve problems. It is often helpful to have a team of thinkers collaborating. The creators encourage students to work together and talk aloud about their hypotheses, ideas and questions. Created by children's book author Peter H. Reynolds and his creative team at Emmy Award-winning FableVision. The site primarily targets learners in grades 5 through 8, but provides fun for learners at all levels.
Grades 5 thru 8

College is Possible

Yes indeed, college is possible! This is one no frills website--no animation, no flash, no awsome colors or riveting audio. But, the information is excellent! A resource guide for parents, students, and education professionals, it simply cuts to the chase with information on preparing for college, choosing the right college and paying for college. If you're thinking college, this is a great place to get the basics on getting there. The College Is Possible website is sponsored by the American Council on Education.

ClassBrain.com

ClassBrain.com demostrates education can be interesting and fun for all ages. The PreK and Kindergarten section is designed for students who are new to the computer. The main sections are Play Time, How To, and School Time. The 1st to 3rd Grade Section is for more beginning elementary students; the main sections are also Play Time, How To, and School Time. The Teens Section is one of the largest sections on ClassBrain. The name is a bit misleading, because the materials address subjects all the way through college level and graduate courses. The site also has areas for teachers and families. The site features several informational areas such as Biographies, State Reports, Defining Documents and more. These can be very helpful to students working on special projects. ClassBrain brings you the best of the web in education.
Grades Pre-K thru 12+

Making It Count!

Making It Count! has great articles written for students, by students as well as articles written by career professionals. There are a couple of really informative blogs--one detailing the experience of a first-year college student. Making It Count! is a valuable tool for students transitioning into high school, into college and into their career. There are designated areas for students, parents and educators. As a parent, I have found the articles written by students, for students to be especially enlightening. The goal of Making It Count! is twofold: to teach students how to succeed in college and best prepare themselves to maximize their opportunities upon graduation, and to help parents make smart, proactive decisions on behalf of their students. The site also includes interactive games, tools, and e-newsletters.This site includes a little more advertising that I prefer for an education site, but the resources are so rich I had to put it on the list. The site also requires a simple registration in order to get to the really good items, but its worth it.
Grades 8-12+

KidSpace @ The Internet Public Library

The Internet Public Library is just what it the moniker implies--a digital library. If you enjoy exploring new things or can't keep up with your young persons thirst for knowledge, you will love this resource. Resources, resources, so many resources at your fingertips. In addition to KidSpace, the website features a TeenSpace section. The Internet Public Library (IPL) is a public service organization and a learning/teaching environment at the University of Michigan School of Information.
Pre-K thru 12

National Geographic

We all remember the stacks of National Geographic magazines from our youth. They are as much a part of our childhood memories as Weekly Reader, Show 'n' Tell and Taco Day in the school cafeteria. This website features special sections for kids, educators and parents. Explore the animal kingdom, people and places, history, the arts; explore the world.
Grades K-12+

YouthPlay.org

YouthPlay.org is a wonderful collection of annotated resources for young people and adults who are involved in the development of youth of all ages. YouthPlay links to hundreds of Internet resources (almost all free) targeting the development of young people. These resources include: math, science, reading, writing, language arts and social studies; skill development; homework assistance; career exploration; training and education; college resources; financial aid; learning exercises; good, safe, fun stuff; free email; guidance for adults; and more. The authors have done an excellent job of providing the target grade levels for many of the websites. Just a great all-around resource for everyone involved in the educational process.