3 Free Online Science Resources for Students
by Diane N.
As a college counselor at IvyBoost, I’m often asked by high school students about the best ways to deepen their knowledge and passion for science outside of the classroom. While textbooks and coursework are certainly important, there are also a wealth of free online resources that can supplement a student’s scientific education and exploration.
Here are 3 of my top recommendations for high school students looking to dive deeper into science:
1. Khan Academy Science Videos and Exercises
Khan Academy is a free, non-profit online learning platform that offers thousands of instructional videos and interactive exercises across a wide range of subjects, including the sciences. Their science content covers everything from biology and chemistry to physics and computer science, with engaging video lessons taught by expert instructors.
What makes Khan Academy so valuable is the way the content is delivered – the videos are designed to be concise and digestible, walking students through complex scientific concepts step-by-step. And the accompanying practice problems and simulations allow students to immediately apply what they’ve learned.
Whether a student is looking to reinforce what they’re learning in class or explore a particular scientific field that interests them, Khan Academy is an incredible free resource.
2. Scientific American Magazine
For students who want to go beyond the textbook and explore the latest scientific developments and discoveries, Scientific American is an excellent free resource. This respected magazine has been publishing in-depth, accessible articles on science, technology, and medicine for over 175 years.
On the Scientific American website, students can browse the latest news and feature stories across domains like biology, physics, space, and more. There are also blog posts, podcasts, and videos that provide scientific analysis and commentary on current events and emerging fields.
What’s great about Scientific American is that it’s written for a general audience, so the content is engaging and easy for high school students to understand and appreciate.
For students with a passion for astronomy and space science, NASA’s official website is a treasure trove of free educational resources. From in-depth articles and interactives to live streams of space missions and virtual tours, there’s something for every level of scientific interest and expertise.
One standout feature is the wealth of multimedia content, including high-quality images, videos, and 3D models that bring scientific concepts to life. Students can explore the latest Mars rover discoveries, learn about the life cycle of stars, or take a virtual tour of the International Space Station.
Exploring these three free online resources – from interactive learning platforms to leading science publications and government agency content – can be a game-changer for high school students looking to expand their scientific knowledge and curiosity beyond the classroom. With so much readily available, there’s never been a better time for aspiring scientists to dive in.