TOP PICKS | 10 TOOLS

10 Great Free Websites for Middle School

Middle school is an opportune time to expand students' horizons, and to plant the seeds for critical thinking skills and content knowledge that'll propel them to success through high school and beyond. On this list, we've narrowed down the huge market of edtech out there for grades 6-8 to 10 great choices free across just about every subject area. You'll find tools for literacy, math, science, social studies, arts, and creation. Each pick in this list is both highly rated and deep, offering resources and experiences that can go the distance in your classroom.

Looking for more resources for the middle school classroom? Be sure to check out 10 Great Games for Middle School.

Top Picks

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OK Go Sandbox

Creative music video-inspired STEAM design challenges

Bottom line: After watching OK Go music videos, kids will be excited to make new creations by integrating art, science, and math.

Grades: 1–12 Price: Free

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DIY

Design, build, and share new things offline and online

Bottom line: DIY motivates kids to tackle a wide range of problems with independent and scientific thinking.

Grades: 3–8 Price: Free to try 14-day free trial then $15-20 per month depending on family size.

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Edpuzzle

Crop, customize, and remix online video content with interactive tool

Bottom line: As a flipped classroom or student creation tool, there are lots of opportunities for use, but teachers will need to be creative if they want students to engage.

Grades: 3–12 Price: Free, Paid The basic version is free. The Pro Teacher plan is in development but is slated to cost $6.50 per month. The Pro School plan starts at $55 per month (call for quote).

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PenPal Schools

Give students global perspective with pen pal projects in any subject

Bottom line: A thoughtful, ready-to-go platform that facilitates authentic, cross-cultural collaboration.

Grades: 3–12 Price: Free Free for teachers; however, school- and district-wide plans are available and add integration with learning management systems and student information systems, advanced reporting, and access to premium projects.

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Google CS First

Middle school CS platform offers stellar resources, organizing tools

Bottom line: If your middle school doesn't have a CS program or club, now you do!

Grades: 4–8 Price: Free

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NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program

Wildly engaging contest turns students into novelists in 30 days

Bottom line: A thoughtful adaptation of the famous and fun grown-up novel writing contest, NaNoWriMo Young Writers Program is brimming with advice and encouragement as well as classroom support.

Grades: 4–12 Price: Free

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