Introduction to Free Learning Websites for Middle School Students

Looking for engaging and free learning websites to enhance your middle school student's education at home? Look no further. This article will explore a variety of resources curated by the New York Public Library and other organizations, designed to provide supplemental learning in core subjects such as math, science, reading, and coding. These websites not only offer structured learning activities but also interactive and fun ways to engage with the material.

ENGAGING ACTIVITIES TO DO AT HOME

Explore the rich selection of engaging resources for middle school students by browsing through the New York Public Library's Learn at Home activities. These resources include activities like games, puzzles, and interactive projects that can be done at home, making learning both fun and effective.

NYPL's Learn at Home Activities

Visit the NYPL's website to discover a calendar of activities designed to keep kids and teens engaged while learning at home. These activities cover a wide range of topics and are perfect for supplementing traditional classroom learning.

BBC iReporter

BBC iReporter is a choose-your-own-adventure game that immerses students in the role of a BBC social media reporter. This game touches on important digital literacy issues such as sources of fake news, and the role of social media in sharing information. It offers live-action video and interactive gameplay, making it both educational and entertaining.

Code Club

For those interested in coding, Code Club provides a range of tutorials and projects that introduce various programming languages like Scratch, HTML/CSS, and Python. Beginners should start with the Scratch modules, while more experienced coders can explore HTML/CSS or Python. Code Club's resources are designed to make learning programming accessible and fun.

Community Oral History Project

Explore and contribute to the Community Oral History Project, which allows you to both listen to and contribute to oral histories from community members. Transcribing interviews is a great way to learn about history and contribute to a valuable archive.

Digital Compass by Common Sense Education

Digital Compass offers choose-your-own-adventure games specifically designed for middle school students to improve their digital literacy skills. These games are engaging and provide a hands-on approach to learning about digital citizenship, privacy, and other important topics.

Hour of Code

Spend an hour improving coding skills with fun, themed tutorials. The Hour of Code is a great resource for beginners as well as more experienced coders. With options like exploring art, designing games, or even creating something with popular characters like those from Frozen, Minecraft, or Star Wars, there’s something for everyone.

Incredibox

Create music using drag-and-drop musical samples on Incredibox. From building an animated beatboxing crew to completing challenges to unlock music choruses, Incredibox offers both a limited online demo and an app for a more immersive experience.

Microsoft MakeCode Arcade

Design, remix, and play games while learning the code behind them. Start with a tutorial game before venturing into game development or taking a deeper dive into a coding course. This resource is perfect for students who want to learn coding in a creative and engaging way.

Mouse Open Projects

Mouse Open Projects provides a variety of resources and tutorials for creative technology projects. These include 3D modeling, 8-bit pixel art, coding, and more. This platform is great for students who are interested in both technology and creative endeavors.

NPR’s Kids and Families Podcasts

Engage with age-appropriate podcasts that cover a variety of topics. NPR’s Kids and Families Podcasts, especially Wow in the World, are designed for parents and kids to enjoy together. With a focus on learning about the world, these podcasts are both informative and entertaining.

OldNYC—Mapping Historical Photos from NYPL

Discover the rich history of New York City by exploring historical photographs. OldNYC provides a unique way to learn about the past and understand how cities evolve over time. These archival photographs are a fascinating way to explore the city's history and culture.

PBS Above the Noise

Discover the truth behind current events and controversial topics with PBS's Above the Noise series. Each episode provides facts and figures to help cut through the hype, making complex issues more accessible and understandable for middle school students.

PBS Kids

Enjoy educational games and watch fun, age-appropriate videos on PBS Kids. These resources are designed to be both entertaining and educational, helping students develop important skills in a playful environment.

Sampulator

Create music and record it with Sampulator. This web-based keyboard allows students to record and layer different tracks, providing a fun and creative way to learn about music production.

Scratch

Develop programming skills with Scratch, a beginner-friendly programming language developed by MIT. Students can create, remix, and share coding projects like games and animations in a safe online community.

Sketchpad

Create digital art with Sketchpad, an online platform that offers a wide range of tools and special effects. Students can paint, draw, add clip art, and text, making it a versatile tool for artistic expression.

Stereogranimator

Explore the world of animation with Stereogranimator. This unique site allows users to create weird old-timey gifs using stereographic techniques, providing a fun and creative way to learn about animation.

ReadWriteThink

Engage with an online hub for reading and language arts learning. ReadWriteThink, hosted by the International Literacy Association and the National Council for Teachers of English, offers interactive tools like a digital comic book creator to make learning both fun and effective.

Brightly

Help foster a love of reading with resources provided by Brightly, an online hub from Penguin Random House. With reading tips, book recommendations, and activities, Brightly is a valuable resource for helping kids develop a lifelong love of reading.