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10 Best Science Tools for Elementary

Inspiring an interest in science at a young age encourages kids to question the world around them and make decisions based on logic and reasoning. As their skills develop and they get nearer to middle school, students will begin to craft more complex ideas and consider solutions that address common scientific phenomena. The apps and websites compiled here help elementary teachers build quality inquiry experiences for their students, laying the foundation for lifelong curiosity about how the world works and why.

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NOVA

Compelling science videos have high-quality classroom applications

Bottom line: Stellar simulations, teacher guides, and other activities can stand on their own, and they're enhanced with high-quality video content.

Grades: Pre-K–12 Price: Free

BrainPOP Jr.

Top-notch educational videos a boon for elementary school teachers

Bottom line: BrainPOP Jr. sets the bar for top-quality online learning supplements.

Grades: K–3 Price: Paid Classroom access is $175 per year for up to 3 devices. School access is $1,450 per year and District access varies based on the number of schools.

Lawrence Hall of Science: 24/7 Science

Outdated site still useful for science games and investigations

Bottom line: These interesting and highly educational activities, though a bit disorganized, still challenge and engage kids in important ways.

Grades: K–5 Price: Free

Mystery Science

Big questions, kids' curiosity drive impressive science curriculum

Bottom line: These powerful science units capitalize on elementary school students' natural curiosity.

Grades: K–5 Price: Paid First-time users may be eligible for a free membership. Classroom memberships are $99 per year; school and district memberships are $499 for the first year and then $999 for subsequent years (if purchased before a certain date). Otherwise, regular school and district memberships are $1,499 per year.

National Geographic Kids

Stunning photos and in-depth stories of Earth's peoples and wildlife

Bottom line: This amazing collection of multimedia resources teaches kids about animals, habitats, countries, and cultures.

Grades: 1–6 Price: Free, Paid Online content is free; magazine subscriptions are $15 per year for print and iPad versions (digital-only subscriptions are $12 per year).