2. Wizard School
Original, interactive challenges, such as designing a tree house, show kids the joy of learning. Set students free to explore and share; if working in groups, kids can compare how they were inspired to find different solutions to the same problem.
Build curiosity in all subjects
For ELA classrooms
3. Genius
Genius lets students work together to annotate text online, from literature to historical documents. Have students choose a song that interests them, annotate the lyrics, and then look at how others interpreted the same piece.
4. LeVar Burton Kids Skybrary
With a digital library of hundreds of books, this app focuses on learning about real life and nurturing imagination. Have students explore books by a theme of their choice, and then give kids informal time to share with peers what was most fascinating.
For math classrooms
5. Incredible Numbers
Make math shine with this app that hits on topics not often mentioned in class. When students finish a test or need a greater challenge, let them get immersed in fascinating facts and unique visualizations on topics such as cryptography.
6. PBS KIDS Measure Up!
This app uses videos and games to compare length and height, capacity, and weight. Supplement the on-screen games by playing some similar games off the screen: Give kids the freedom to explore the weight and length of items around the classroom.
For science classrooms
7. Mystery Science
Remarkable video clips ask the big questions about scientific phenomena, lead students in a discussion, and then get them involved in an experiment. Pause videos often to allow students to predict, hypothesize, and share their thoughts.
Related: Bam! 5 tools for project-based learning
8. The PocketLab
A small sensor pairs with your device to collect data such as motion, temperature, and more. Let kids come up with a question they want to answer, strap the sensor to a rocket or ceiling fan, and then watch the student-driven learning happen.
For social studies classrooms
9. Minecraft: Education Edition
Make history come alive with Minecraft. Students can show their mastery of a place, structure, or time period by recreating it in the game. Have students add written signs that can guide other students on a tour of their learning.
10. Smithsonian Learning Lab
Discover, remix, and share over 1 million Smithsonian museum images, videos, texts, and more. Have students search artifacts by interest and then create their own collection online that can be annotated with notes or quizzes for others to use.
For all classrooms
11. Dreamdo Schools
This project-based learning platform lets students browse projects or create their own. Kids can develop their ideas and document their accomplishments, all while building and sharing with a global community that promotes activism.
12. Instagram
Pique students’ eagerness by meeting them where they are: social media. Have students submit photos they create or discover, centered on a theme. This can include memes for novels or historical events or pictures of their artwork.
[Editor’s note: This post originally appeared on Common Sense Education.]
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