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Top Tools for Science Fair Inspiration and Support
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Science Fair Central
Jam-packed resource site supports budding scientists' investigations
Bottom line: Science Fair Central simplifies science fairs for students and teachers.
Grades: K–12
Price: Free
Wizard School
Curated videos and creative challenges ignite active learning
Bottom line: There's plenty of material to inspire kids to embark on learning adventures that get them to explore, create, and share safely on the screen and off.
Science Buddies
A magic wand for those seeking science project support and success
Bottom line: Take the jitters out of science or engineering projects and fairs; this remarkable site coaches and supports students, parents, and teachers.
Grades: 4–12
Price: Free
Google Science Fair
Kids pursue passions, solve global challenges with empowering contest
Bottom line: Google Science Fair has tools to help budding researchers across the globe, whether they choose to compete or not.
Grades: 8–12
Price: Free
Latest Science News
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
California Academy of Sciences
Expert research and diverse, rich lessons inspire future scientists
Bottom line: A perfect companion to (or substitute for) the Academy, this site delivers highly interactive resources and research with a lot of depth.
Grades: K–12
Price: Free, Paid Some of the educational kits and virtual programs have a cost for classrooms.
Science News for Students
Cool STEM articles make for fun, informative reading
Bottom line: Science News for Students articles are free, fascinating, and easy to read.
Grades: 3–8
Price: Free
Science Friday
A weekly dose of curiosity for teachers and students alike
Bottom line: For a weekly rejuvenation of scientific learning, Science Friday is a source of inspiration for both teachers and students.
Grades: 3–12
Price: Free
TED-Ed
Support kids' sense of wonder with outstanding short videos
Bottom line: Excellent, engaging videos and support for flipped-class lessons with an incredible community of thinkers and doers.
Grades: 4–12
Price: Free
Exploratorium
Science experiments and activities abound in this comprehensive resource
Bottom line: A host of mostly at-home activities are available if kids stick to the Explore tab of online resources.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free
KQED Education
Great news and classroom resources support both teachers and students
Bottom line: With some organizational adjustments, the site could be an exceptional place for both kids and teachers to find educational inspiration.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free
Making and Design
Curiosity Machine
Kids build, share, receive pro feedback with awesome engineering site
Bottom line: Though it may not be an instant fit for your classroom, the exceptional quality of the site’s projects and processes makes it worth any problem solving.
Grades: 2–12
Price: Free
Design Squad Global
Fun engineering problems encourage classroom competition, innovation
Bottom line: Design Squad Global makes learning STEAM concepts fun through hands-on activities and easy-to-understand scientific explanations.
Grades: 3–8
Price: Free
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
KidsThinkDesign
Projects inspire creativity; a place for kids' sharing would boost fun
Bottom line: A go-to site for teachers looking for well-presented project ideas; kids will need opportunities to share work locally.
Grades: 4–12
Price: Free
Instructables
Endless collection of DIY projects; good for sharing and inspiration
Bottom line: User-generated projects inspire sharing and learning, though more refined navigation would make it easier to sift through all the great ideas.
Grades: 6–12
Price: Free
Make: Online
Fuel creative makers with project ideas, reviews, and community
Bottom line: Excellent DIY resource that empowers kids to learn by making and experimenting.
Grades: 8–12
Price: Free
HowStuffWorks
Explore the world's nuts and bolts in this fab interactive info hub
Bottom line: Interesting, well-researched articles make this free resource a gem.
Grades: 9–12
Price: Free