In today’s post, I am sharing with you this carefully curated collection of websites for high school students. Whether it’s deepening students understanding of complex scientific theories, exploring the rich tapestry of human history, or mastering a new language, these websites offer limitless learning possibilities.
I limited the list to 20 examples of what I believe are good websites for high school students. These platforms stand out for their quality content, innovative learning approaches, and commitment to nurturing the intellect and creativity of students.
Websites for High School Students
Here are some of our favourite websites for high school students:
1- PBS Learning Media for Students
PBS LearningMedia offers a dynamic platform, tailor-made for the active learner. It’s a vibrant, interactive space where students can take the reins of their own educational journey. Imagine a classroom without walls, where students can dive into content that’s not only aligned with their curriculum but also sparks their curiosity. PBS LearningMedia empowers students to craft their learning experiences, whether they’re embarking on a project-based quest, flipping through lesson plans, or just exploring content that aligns with their passions and academic needs.
2- Smithsonian Education Students
This website serves as a portal to a world of discovery, offering a plethora of resources and educational materials that draw from the vast collections and research of the Smithsonian Institution. It’s like having a digital key to a treasure chest of knowledge, where each lesson plan, interactive activity, or field trip is a gem waiting to be discovered.
3- The Library of Congress
The Library of Congress is a monumental reservoir of knowledge and history. Imagine having access to the largest collection of books, recordings, photographs, newspapers, maps, and manuscripts, each telling its own story and waiting to be a part of yours. It’s a place where the past meets the present, offering an endless array of resources to quench students thirst for knowledge and spark their intellectual and creative pursuits.
4- Google Arts and Culture
Google Arts & Culture is like a window to the world’s artistic and cultural heritage, offering a panoramic view of humanity’s greatest creations. Partnering with over 1200 leading museums and archives, this platform brings the richness of the world’s treasures to your fingertips. Whether you’re exploring the intricate brushstrokes of a Van Gogh painting or taking a virtual tour of an ancient monument, Google Arts & Culture bridges the gap between you and the wonders of art, history, and culture, making it accessible, engaging, and inspiring.
5- CK-12
CK-12 is a haven for STEM enthusiasts, a platform where high-quality, curated content meets innovative learning. With a library boasting over 5000 math and science resources, it’s a goldmine for both teachers and students. The materials are designed to ignite curiosity and foster a deeper understanding of STEM subjects.
6- ReadWriteThink
ReadWriteThink is a treasure trove for both high school students and teachers. With a wide range of interactive tools, printable materials, and well-structured lesson plans, ReadWriteThink ensures that learning is not just informative but also interactive and fun.
7- Khan Academy
Khan Academy is synonymous with accessible, high-quality education for everyone, everywhere. It’s a platform where learning knows no bounds – whether you’re grappling with calculus, diving into the depths of biology, exploring the intricacies of art history, or unraveling the complexities of economics. Khan Academy’s approach, with its engaging videos, interactive exercises, and in-depth articles, makes learning personal and dynamic.
8- EdX
Imagine having access to the halls of the world’s top universities like Harvard, MIT, or UC Berkeley from the comfort of your home. EdX makes this possible, offering a plethora of free online courses that span a wide spectrum of disciplines. Whether you’re delving into computer science, exploring the nuances of psychology, or deciphering the complexities of big data, EdX brings the expertise of renowned institutions and industry leaders right to your fingertips.
9- DocsTeach
DocsTeach is a unique window into the past, providing access to an extensive collection of primary sources, including letters, photographs, speeches, posters, and maps. It’s more than a website; it’s a journey through history, offering a firsthand look at the events, people, and narratives that have shaped our world.
10. Coursera
Coursera partners with universities and organizations globally to offer a vast array of topics and perspectives, all at your fingertips. The platform provides practical, career-oriented courses in fields like business, technology, and the arts. With Coursera, learning is self-paced, allowing students to balance their studies with other commitments. The blend of video lectures, interactive quizzes, and peer-reviewed assignments ensures a comprehensive learning experience.
11. TED-Ed
TED-Ed is an extension of the TED ethos, bringing the power of ideas to the classroom through short, captivating educational videos. These videos, often less than 10 minutes long are designed to spark curiosity and provoke thought. Covering a wide range of topics, from science to literature to social issues, TED-Ed videos are a springboard for discussions, projects, and further exploration. Beyond the videos, TED-Ed also offers supplementary materials like quizzes and discussion questions, making it a versatile tool for both educators and students.
12. Codecademy
As technology continues to shape our world, coding has become an invaluable skill. Codecademy demystifies the world of coding, offering interactive and user-friendly courses in various programming languages, web development, data science, and more. The platform adopts a ‘learn by doing’ approach, allowing students to write code and see their results in real time.
13. National Geographic Kids
National Geographic Kids takes young learners on a journey through the wonders of the natural world. The website is a treasure trove of engaging content, including fun facts, games, videos, and activities, all designed to inspire and educate. Whether it’s exploring distant galaxies, diving deep into the ocean, or encountering wildlife, National Geographic Kids makes learning about science and nature an adventure, igniting curiosity and fostering a lifelong love for exploration and discovery.
14. Grammarly
Grammarly is a widely acclaimed digital writing assistance tool that leverages artificial intelligence and natural language processing to enhance the quality of written communication. It goes beyond the basic checks for spelling and grammar that are familiar to most word processors. Grammarly scrutinizes the text for a wide range of issues, including grammar, punctuation, style, tone, and even plagiarism. Its suggestions are not just limited to correcting mistakes but also involve enhancing clarity, refining sentence structure, and ensuring that the tone of the message aligns with the intended audience or purpose.
For high school students, Grammarly can be an indispensable tool. It can serve as a digital writing coach, helping students refine their essays, research papers, and even college application letters. The platform offers real-time feedback, allowing students to improve their writing skills progressively.
15. Brilliant
Brilliant transforms traditional learning by making complex concepts in math, science, and engineering interactive and accessible. It’s a platform where hands-on problem-solving reigns supreme, allowing students to understand the ‘why’ behind the ‘what.’ With a focus on critical thinking and applied knowledge, Brilliant’s courses are designed to challenge and inspire students, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of STEM subjects.
16. Open Culture
Open Culture is a unique resource offering free cultural and educational media to learners worldwide. From online courses to movies, language lessons, textbooks, and even audiobooks, the content is as rich as it is varied. It’s an ideal platform for the intellectually curious, those who wish to broaden their horizons beyond the conventional curriculum and dive into the vast ocean of arts, humanities, and sciences.
17. BBC Bitesize
BBC Bitesize offers a comprehensive learning experience for students, with resources tailored to the UK curriculum but beneficial for a global audience. The site provides detailed lessons in a variety of subjects, breaking down complex topics into manageable, bite-sized chunks. With its engaging mix of videos, articles, and interactive content, BBC Bitesize makes learning engaging and effective, catering to different learning styles and preferences.
18. Duolingo
Duolingo takes language learning to a new level, making it fun, interactive, and highly effective. With its game-like interface, learners can practice reading, writing, listening, and speaking in a choice of languages. The lessons are bite-sized and personalized, allowing students to learn at their own pace and gradually build up their language skills, whether for school, travel, or personal interest.
19. Quizlet
Quizlet is a versatile learning tool that allows students to study various topics through flashcards, games, and personalized learning paths. It’s not just about memorizing facts; Quizlet uses proven techniques to enhance retention and understanding. Whether preparing for a test, learning a new language, or exploring a new subject, Quizlet makes learning active, engaging, and effective.
20. CrashCourse
CrashCourse is a YouTube channel that offers engaging, well-produced video lessons across a wide range of subjects including science, humanities, politics, and economics. Founded by brothers John and Hank Green, CrashCourse breaks down complex topics into manageable, easy-to-understand segments. The visuals are vibrant and the content is rich, making learning both fun and effective. For high school students looking for a quick overview of a subject or a different explanation to complement their traditional studies, CrashCourse is an invaluable resource.
Final thoughts
The list of websites for high school students I shared above features only a sample of what I believe are some of the best online platforms that promote interactive and meaningful learning. I encourage you to check them out, try them with your students, and as always, use your own creativity to leverage their educational potential in your own classroom.