Reference and Research Apps and Websites

Kids need help with their homework? Arm yourself with helpful places for them to go online for a deeper understanding of topics from geography and the solar system to anatomy and dinosaurs. Check out some of Common Sense Media's favorite research and reference sites and apps.

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International Children's Digital Library Poster Image

WEBSITE

International Children's Digital Library

age 3+

Multi-language library opens new doors for kids.

URL: http://www.childrenslibrary.org/ (2011)

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Barefoot World Atlas Poster Image

APP

Barefoot World Atlas

age 6+

Delightful way to learn about animals, people, and more.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2012)

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APP

Meet the Insects: Forest Edition

age 7+

Inspire backyard explorers with bug-tacular resource.

Devices: iPad (2014)

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APP

Meet the Insects: Village Edition

age 7+

Budding naturalists will go buggy for this rich resource.

Devices: iPad (2013)

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APP

Meet the Insects: Water & Grass Edition

age 7+

Interactive resource packed with content for nature lovers.

Devices: iPad (2013)

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Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab Poster Image

APP

Merlin Bird ID by Cornell Lab

age 8+

Bird lovers will sing over info-packed field guide.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2019)

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Q-files Poster Image

WEBSITE

Q-files

age 8+

Encyclopedia entries give brief but useful info on topics.

URL: https://www.q-files.com (2015)

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Word Central Poster Image

WEBSITE

Word Central

age 8+

Kid-friendly definitions make site a great reference.

URL: http://www.wordcentral.com (2011)

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FactMonster Poster Image

WEBSITE

FactMonster

age 9+

Tons of fun info on topics from math to history to sports.

URL: http://www.factmonster.com (2012)

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LearnBop Poster Image

WEBSITE

LearnBop

age 9+

Virtual math tutorials give detailed step-by-step guidance.

URL: https://www.learnbop.com/ (2013)

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ipl2 for Kids Poster Image

WEBSITE

ipl2 for Kids

age 10+

Staffed by information pros, e-library is a solid resource.

URL: http://www.ipl.org/div/kidspace (2011)

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HowStuffWorks Poster Image

WEBSITE

HowStuffWorks

age 12+

Excellent tool for kids with nuts-and-bolts questions.

URL: http://www.howstuffworks.com/ (2011)

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InnerBody Poster Image

WEBSITE

InnerBody

age 12+

Have fun with anatomy using 3-D images, interactive tools.

URL: http://www.innerbody.com (2012)

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LookUp: English dictionary Poster Image

APP

LookUp: English dictionary

age 12+

Comprehensive vocabulary-building tool with quizzes.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2019)

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The Great Courses Plus Poster Image

APP

The Great Courses Plus

age 13+

Streaming videos feature engaging teachers, topics galore.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Mac, Android, Chromebook (2019)

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Library of Congress Country Studies Poster Image

WEBSITE

Library of Congress Country Studies

age 13+

Dry but reliable social studies site.

URL: http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/cshome.html (2009)

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LOC Collections Poster Image

APP

LOC Collections

age 13+

Full Library of Congress literally in the palm of your hand.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad (2020)

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Wikipedia.org Poster Image

WEBSITE

Wikipedia.org

age 13+

Collaborative reference: Research with caution.

URL: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Main_Page (2007)

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MrOwl: Inspire & Collaborate Poster Image

APP

MrOwl: Inspire & Collaborate

age 14+

Find and share info on this interest-based social network.

Devices: iPhone, iPod Touch, iPad, Android (2017)

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Google Scholar Poster Image

WEBSITE

Google Scholar

age 15+

Google scores with scholarly search engine.

URL: https://scholar.google.com (2009)

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