 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
Cool Science
Common Sense Media says
Bite-sized lessons let kids sample the sciences.
Parents say
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this educational site offers a wide variety of science-related information, experiments, and interactive opportunities for kids ages 5 and up.
What kids can learn
Kids can learn about simple scientific concepts relating to plants, animals, and weather, as well as more complex concepts (genomics, biodiversity, and immunology). When kids collect and inspect items such as rocks, insects, dust, or plants, they learn to look more closely and in different ways than they're used to. Kids can also view presentations and lectures from educators and scientists. Curious kids can get introductory tastes of science despite clunky game layout.
Subjects
- Language & Reading
- Mathestimation, grouping, measurement
- Scienceanimals, biology, ecosystems, life cycle, plants, weather
- Social Studies
- Arts
- Hobbies
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoninganalyzing evidence, asking questions, collecting data, investigation, thinking critically
- Creativity
- Self-Direction
- Emotional Development
- Communication
- Collaboration
- Responsibility & Ethics
- Tech Skills
- Health & Fitness
What's it about?
Cool Science exists to get future scientists interested in biomedical research and science early on. From simple activities, to science fair project ideas, to answers from real scientists, kids will find plenty to do and may discover a whole new world of scientific opportunities. Younger kids will find a handful of entertaining and engaging activities, and older students can find homework help plus an array of scientific lectures and research summaries that range from simple to extremely complex.
Is it any good?
For children with even a fleeting interest in the sciences, Cool Science is a good place to feed their curiosity. Younger kids will find a handful of entertaining and engaging activities in the Cool Science for Curious Kids section of the site, which invites them to explore biology online, offline, and everywhere around them. Older students can find homework help, an array of scientific lectures and research summaries that range from simple to extremely complex. There's also ample opportunity to hear from real-world scientists who offer answers to science questions and advice for embarking upon a career in science.
Throughout the Cool Science site, it's refreshing to see simple visuals and smart language that teaches kids basic science concepts without talking down to them. The site's mission is to help children appreciate science, and they're off to a solid start.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about why it’s helpful to learn a little about a lot of different sciences. How can a science-based website help supplement what kids are learning in school? How can the Web offer insight into various science careers?
What kids can learn
Kids can learn about simple scientific concepts relating to plants, animals, and weather, as well as more complex concepts (genomics, biodiversity, and immunology). When kids collect and inspect items such as rocks, insects, dust, or plants, they learn to look more closely and in different ways than they're used to. Kids can also view presentations and lectures from educators and scientists. Curious kids can get introductory tastes of science despite clunky game layout.
Subjects
- Language & Reading:
- Math: estimation, grouping, measurement
- Science: animals, biology, ecosystems, life cycle, plants, weather
- Social Studies:
- Arts:
- Hobbies:
Skills
- Thinking & Reasoning: analyzing evidence, asking questions, collecting data, investigation, thinking critically
- Creativity:
- Self-Direction:
- Emotional Development:
- Communication:
- Collaboration:
- Responsibility & Ethics:
- Tech Skills:
- Health & Fitness:
How kids will learn
Activities are designed to foster or reinforce an interest in the sciences. The entry portal for kids is, in fact, labeled For Curious Kids. Questions pop up on the screen to prime kids for reflection. Brief bursts of feedback help users know if they've succeeded. However, the depth of the activities is a bit thin.
How parents can help
- Peruse the educator resources for innovative activities for incorporating science into young people's lives.
- Guide older kids to How to Become a Scientist, which offers a peek at the qualities researchers think are important for future scientists to possess.
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| Genre: | Educational |
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