Elementary School Resources

Search Tools | Books and Authors | Animals & Environment | Biography | Computers and CodingColorado | Current Events | Math | MuseumsReading and Writing | Research | Science | Social Studies


Britannica Annals of American History

This online chronicle provides a year-by-year documentary of American thought and action. Read the original words of more than 1,500 authors who made and analyzed American history through their speeches, writings, memoirs, poems, and interviews.

At library link At home link


Britannica Original Sources

This source provides a collection of thousands of e-works of classic primary sources and general reference materials. It covers 12 subject areas—world history, U.S. history, political science, law, literature, science, mathematics, social science, philosophy, religion, language, and language arts. Materials include political documents, landmark court decisions, editorials, photos, and multimedia.

At home link At library link


Britannica School

This resource provides great research material appropriate for elementary school, middle school, and high school students. Content from the high school level of Britannica will also appeal to adults.

At library link At home link


Explora Elementary School Version

Explora is an easy-to-use tool that can help you complete research and classroom assignments. Discover reliable information on topics covering a wide range of subjects including art & music, literature, language arts, geography, history, social studies, world cultures & languages, science, technology, engineering, mathematics, health, and sports. Search results are aligned with a student’s grades in school.

Watch a tutorial on using Explora for Elementary School here.


Primary Search

Designed for use in Elementary Schools, this database provides access to primary sources, articles and information from popular, elementary school magazines, encyclopedias, and dictionaries.


Books and Authors

NoveList K-8 Plus

This reader’s advisory tool for students also contains author information.


Homework Help by Subject

Animals & Environment

National Geographic Kids

The world of animals explained and presented in videos, games, and activities.


San Diego Zoo

Discover animals by name, region, or habitat.


Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Animals native to Colorado including threatened and endangered species.


NASA’s Climate Kids

Learn about the weather and climate courtesy of NASA


Biography

US Presidents and First Ladies

The White House’s official page on every US President.

You can also view information on all of the First Ladies on this website.


Library of Congress

This website features kid-friendly information and activities featuring content from the Library’s collections.


Coding and Computers

Typing.com

Typing.com

Typing practice for any level. Includes games and assessments for a fun learning experience.


Code.org

A coding resource for grades K-5.

Learn computer science fundamentals with interactive lessons and videos.


Scratch

Learn to code in Scratch!

Learn to code your own interactive stories, games, and animations.


Colorado

Colorado History and Facts

Learn facts about wildlife, geography, and history in Colorado from National Geographic.


Colorful Coloradans – Denver Public Library

Biographies of notable Coloradans provided by the Denver Public Library’s Western History collection.


Doing History, Keeping the Past

Pictures and historical descriptions that bring Colorado history to life, curated by the University of Northern Colorado


Current Events

Time for Kids

Read about current events in the nation and the world at a variety of grade and reading levels.


Smithsonian’s Tween Tribune

Current events articles at a variety of reading levels, starting at Kindergarten.

en Español


Government

Ben’s Guide to U.S. Government

Discusses how government works, how laws are made, the electoral process, and the meaning and history of national symbols.


iCivics

An interactive website founded by US Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor.

This website champions equitable, non-partisan civic education so that the practice of democracy is learned by each new generation.


Math

PBS Kids K-8 Mathematics

Lessons and interactive games on math subjects, including videos about real-life uses of math. Filter by grade level and subject to explore.


Khan Academy K-8 Math Videos

From countng to calculus and everything in between.


Museums

History Colorado

Quick access to History Colorado’s museums and historic sites and online exhibits for students.


Smithsonian Kids

From Art to Zoo learn something new (or historical) here.


National Museum of American History

Information, documents, artifacts, photos and more from America’s past.


Exploratorium

A museum of art, science, and human perception. Their mission is to create inquiry-based experiences that transform learning worldwide.


National Museum of African American Heritage and Culture

Stories and photographs about African American History.

Also visit the Smithsonian’s Learning Lab for more activities and resources.


Reading and Writing

KidLitTV

Geared toward pre-K to 3rd grade.

Includes read-alouds of popular children’s books, interviews with authors and illustrators, how to draw videos, and more!


Thoughtful Learning Writing Topics

Lists of ideas to inspire essays, stories, or journal writing.


Research

Plan-Find-Create-Present

Tips to start your research project, find sources, stay organized, and learn how to put it all together.


Science

Crash Course Kids

Animated videos on grade school science topics, including chemical reactions, space, engineering, and much more!


Sci Schow Kids

SciShow Kids explores all those curious topics that make us ask “why?”

Whether conducting experiments, researching new questions, or talking with experts, there’s always something new to discover with SciShow Kids, no matter what your age!


How Stuff Works

Straightforward answers and explanations of how the world actually works.


Solar System Exploration

Stream NASA | Listen to podcast episodes online for free on SoundCloud

Learn about all of the planets, including where they are in the Solar System in real time! Also has information on comets, asteroids, moons, and more.


Science Buddies

Find the perfect science fair project and learn how to use the scientific method.


Social Studies

Kid Citizen

Designed for grades K-5, Kid Citizen has interactive videos on American History featuring primary sources from the Library of Congress archives.