Learning About the World Around Us
Even though we are stuck inside right now, we can still see the world! Of course it's important to do our schoolwork that the teacher assigns, but what about the excitement of exploring on our own? Have you ever thought about the science of laughter? Or wondered why lions roar? Would you like to watch dolphins swim or gorillas swing? What about how astronauts exercise in space? It's all right here at your fingertips. Let's go explore!
Listening & Learning Around the World
Interesting Radio Programs & Podcasts
Fun Kids Live Radio
Fun Kids Live is the United Kingdom's radio station for kids. The website has all kinds of fantastic activities to choose from. You'll find podcasts, videos, games, books, etc. Check it out!
The Past and The Curious:
A History Podcast for Kids and Families
Here’s our mission statement, if you’re into that kind of stuff:
History is amazing. The stories from our collective past have the power to transform people today. It is our goal to share true stories of inspiration, humor, and the incredible achievements of all types of people, many of which are sadly under-shared, and to do so in an easily accessible and diverse manner. Through bite-sized audio-based stories, music, a website, and illustrated children’s books, we aim to spark the curiosity of children, parents, teachers, and anyone else who loves a great story and has an interest, of any size, in the past.
But Why: A Podcast for Curious Kids
By Why? podcast answers questions asked by children, things like: "Are Llamas Ticklish", "Why Do Lions Roar", and "Explaining Coronavirus to Kids, and the Science of Soap". This really is a fantastic spot for informative and entertaining answers to kids' questions.
Short & Curly
This genius podcast from Australia teaches ethics to kids in a fun, interesting format. Each episode brings up wonderful ideas and discussion about topics like is it okay to fight back a bully? or when is it okay to tattle on someone? or who gets saved first in a fire? Age 7 and up.
Animals Around the World
San Diego Zoo
The San Diego Zoo is one of the best known zoos in the world. On its website you can find videos and activities for kids about all kinds of different animals, from the fire salamander to the the rhino to the the gorilla.
Monterey Bay Aquarium
The Monterey Bay Aquarium website has some fantastic live cams to watch penguins, sharks, jellyfish and even otters! The link above will take you to the page with the live cams, but there is a treasure trove of information on other parts of the website as well, including wonderful pictures and interesting facts.
Exploring Outer Space
European Space Station
This part of the European Space Station for Kids has educational videos about several of topics including how astronauts exercise in space, what Earth looks like from space and exoplanets, etc. It is very well done, and if you click on the "Learning" tab at the top of the page, you'll find a multitude of subjects to learn about, about everything from the Big Bang to how rockets work . Young children will probably need help to get the most out of this part of the site, but learning together is exciting.
Learning Together
Helping young children learn & places for older children to explore on their own
There is an amazing amount of excellent educational websites out there. Many are too advanced for young children to maneuver through on their own, but this opens up the opportunity for family learning time. Older children and adolescents will also enjoy the following websites.
National Geographic for Kids
This is a fabulous site for kids and adults of all ages. It is very easy to maneuver. The only reason I recommend this site for family learning or older children is that it has so much information, young children might start to feel a bit lost. Still, it is a wonderful website for curious people.
The site has beautiful photo galleries, fun facts and games. I strongly recommend this website. Take a look and have fun!
Young Ocean Explorers
This is another wonderful website, full of videos about all sorts of ocean creatures and environmental issues. It is easy to get through, built with kids in mind. This is another site for kids and adults alike. Enjoy!