Monday, January 11, 2010

Free Learning Sites For Kids

Kids can use websites to enhance knowledge and improve skills.


Researchers trace initial ideas about the development of the Internet to a series of memos written by Joseph Carl Robnett Licklider, an American computer scientist, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1962. Licklider imagined a network of computers that could communicate and share data. Since Licklider's memos, the Internet has grown to be used by many households and schools. In addition to being a type of technology, the Internet is also a collection of software, databases and communities. Students can use the Internet to enhance knowledge and to improve skills.


Language Sites


To practice the basics of a foreign language, students can use the Literacy Center Education Network's website. This website hosts online games in English, French, Dutch and Spanish. On this site, a student moves pieces of a puzzle to construct a letter of the alphabet in the language she is studying. The site then pronounces the alphabet in that language. Additionally, a student can complete activities related to colors, numbers and basic words. Live Mocha, another language site, offers beginning and intermediate lessons in over one hundred languages.


Science


On the United States Geological Survey's website, students can learn about geology, natural resources, natural hazards and other issues that affect quality of life. The Environmental Protection Agency's site for students teaches facts about ecology and hosts tips on sustainability. On this site, students will find games, videos and quizzes, as well as kid-friendly research on climate change, conservation and other topics related to the environment.


Math


The website AAA Math hosts a wide variety of problem sets for student practice. This site sorts practice sets by subject and grade level. AAA Math covers many math subjects, from counting and addition to algebra to exponents. Cool Math hosts games and practice sets for kids in elementary, middle and high school. In addition to basic problem sets, Cool Math offers a variety of interactive games, brainteasers and quizzes.


Humanities


The New York Times offers a site called The Learning Network. On this site, students can watch videos, read articles and complete activities on topics in current events and the arts. AAA offers a series of sites to help students with English language arts and other subjects. This series of sites provides free online tutorials in spelling, vocabulary and geography. The Homework Spot offers links to several websites with tutorials in social studies and language arts. This site further divides these subjects into categories such as grammar, government, culture and geography.







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