My local public library
I use the card catalog and just type word combinations until I find something with a call number. But, a librarian friend taught my class a Classification lesson that introduced them to MDS descriptions on Library Thing. I deeply love this tool. I love going down the hierarchical categories and finding more specific or differently related topics. I also wander from the Juvenile section to YA to the adult books at the same call number to help me tier the lessons around learners who are multisensory vs. creative, verbal, analytical.
Maddie Moate
For tinies. I used this Maddie Moate song to teach sink/float to 3-year-olds. It was excellent, quick, had plenty of rigorous content to stretch the more verbal/analytical ones, plenty of repetition/melody/motions/images for the more multisensory. Subsequently, I went to look for another similar song and found myself diving deep into Maddie Moate content. As a scientist and a former teacher of high-scoring students on IB Biology exams, her rigor is totally present, but she’s also engaging and provides entry-points for all types of learners. (I’ve copied this paragraph to put on her youtube page.)
Science Journal for Kids
This resource absolutely models practicing science together. It’s a million percent [chef’s kiss] perfect. The team of scientists re-writes actual peer-reviewed scientific journal articles into reading levels for kids. Sometimes more than one. Often with an accompanying read-aloud video. Generally with excellent scientist-approve lesson plans and links to great robust resources. I can’t say enough good things. They give me imposter syndrome, but I remind myself they have a paid team and I’m an individual human. Seriously. I cannot recommend a thing more highly.
https://www.sciencejournalforkids.org/
Wow in the World
It’s an hilarious podcast. Also, it’s based on actual peer-reviewed scientific journal articles. What’s beautiful about it is the way they walk through the researchers’ findings, describing “the researchers” as actual human beings making hypotheses and collecting data. I had 5th graders be annoyed that it took so long to get to the point, but I honestly believe it’s because I made them do it for a grade. (Nothing kills enthusiasm like a grade.) Anywho, my children and I have listened to every episode. I prefer the earliest ones because they get a little more and more theatrical and a little less and less scientific as the seasons go on. So, start with episode 1. Follow the link to the original publication. Nose around and find out who the scientists are who did the work. It’s not a bad source for a Scientist You Should Know. They also give you Next Generation Science Standards, provide booklists and activity guides, and do a whole WeWow camp week situation that’s pretty great nowadays.
https://tinkercast.com/podcasts/witw-the-search-planet-9-sushi-powered-brains/
KiwiCo
We did this subscription for a while, and I was honestly impressed with how well the manufacturers upheld authentic scientific practice. The water box, for example, is absolute perfection (I can’t find it anymore. This oil and water situation is similar.). Also, I just got a Facebook ad from them with a kid BUILDING A PAIR OF HEADPHONES. Are you serious? I also really personally enjoyed the little sweeper one. Love.
“Introducing the topic” videos
I am not trying to reinvent the wheel, and I wouldn’t say that my best skillset is explaining complex topics. Also, to make the introductions accessible, there are just lots of different possibilities and that’s more work than there is time in the universe. So, here’s a list of some really well-done resources (listed roughly from most analytical to most verbal).
Khan Academy
Sal Khan has a whole philosophy about accessible education. I’m into it. I totally agree. (My big contribution is to say that people aren’t all verbal/analytical in our learning.) Tons and tons and tons of information is available via Khan Academy and Khan Academy Kids. They are sorted into curricula that match stat and national curricula, as well as serving the AP and IB curricula. That can be helpful for learners that want to support school learning or want to move “forward” on their own. As I recall, Khan Academy gave Crash Course its start.
Crash Course
The Crash Course videos are more dynamic than Khan Academy, in my opinion, but they also have a lot more chatting. They’re more verbal. Each series has a host that stays the same. When I was teaching, Khan Academy had Hank Green doing Crash Course Biology inside their platform. Now there are lots of hosts and lots of topics, including my favorite favorite botanist! They also provide Crash Course kids (which includes the Next Generation Science Standard for each video). Since I love to have topics tiered, it’s an easy way to make connections when a more verbal resource has a more multisensory/creative counterpart. Sci Show does that too. And I think that’s where Hank Green lives now.
Sci Show
As I said above, this is where I find Hank Green narrating content these days. On Sci Show, the videos are often based on compelling questions rather than standards or state curricula. There are some weird ones and I enjoy framing units in some sort of FAQ for humans. Like Khan Academy and Crash Course, Sci Show has a kids’ version that’s more multisensory and creative. In the case of Sci Show Kids, there’s a little mouse named Squeak. Are we into that? I’m conflicted.
TED-Ed
Another channel that starts with a compelling question is TED-Ed. As in TED Talk. These things are meandering and multidisciplinary, so they’re great for the more verbal learner. They might be frustrating for the analytical ones who like instructors to “get to the point.”
NASA eClips
Lucky us, that we have access to so much expertise. The NASA eClips page has interviews with NASA scientists and other insights into what’s going on in space science.