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We are often asked to recommend the best educational websites. These are some of our favorites:

Language Arts • Reference • Social Studies • Collaborative Projects •
Science • Environmental Education • Math • The Arts • Teachers' Resources

NOTE: Each link will open in a new browser window. Close the new window to return to this page.

Language Arts
“If the English language made any sense, a catastrophe would be an apostrophe with fur." —Doug Larson

  • Aesop's Fables Online Collection
    An online collection of more than 650 of Aesop's Fables, indexed in table format, with morals summarized.

  • Bartleby.com: Great Books Online
    A one stop source for encyclopedias, thesauri, essays, classics and even famous quotations.

  • Children's Literature Web Guide
    This wonderful Canadian site has been around a long time for good reason. It offers comprehensive Internet resources related to books for children and young adults.

  • Online Books Page
    A site that facilitates access to books that are freely readable over the Internet. So far they're at 18,000 books and counting.

  • The Internet Classics Archive
    Select from 441 works of classic literature: Greco-Roman, Chinese and Persian, all in English translation.

  • The Writers' Workshop
    Created by the Center for Writing Studies at the University of Illinois, the site offers links to grammar and style handbooks as well as writing tips and techniques.

  • Young Writers Club
    An Internet-based club where students can submit their writing for online publication.

Reference
"It is better to ask some of the questions than to know all the answers."
—James Thurber

  • Ask An Expert
    Connect to hundreds of real world experts, ranging from astronauts to lawyers to zookeepers. Submit a question of your own or browse the archives to learn things you never even knew you needed to know!

  • Google Search Engine
    By far, still the best Internet search engine around.

  • MUSEE: Directory of Online Museums
    A directory of worldwide museum collections including art, science, history, zoos, archaeology and aquariums.

  • Museum Spot
    A comprehensive guide to museums and other cultural information on the Web. One can easily search exhibits by city, state, country, museum name, artist and specialty.

  • One Look Dictionaries
    Type in a word or phrase and One Look instantly checks 848 dictionaries. Supports many languages including English, French, Spanish, Chinese, German and Italian.

  • Online Exhibits
    Tired of searching for the best educational exhibits on the Net? The Franklin Institute has done the work for you, listing links to all the great ones.

  • The Columbia Granger's World of Poetry
    Columbia University Press offers guidelines for online styles, citations and preparing bibliographic materials.

  • The Old Farmer's Almanac
    Since 1792, the Almanac has provided information on everything from weather forecasts to tide tables to planting charts.

  • Virtual Reference Desk
    This site is very much like having your own librarian nearby any time you need one. It has hundreds of reference links, organized by specific categories.

  • Web Exhibits
    A marvelous site with links to online exhibits that promote cultural literacy.

Language Arts • Reference • Social Studies • Collaborative Projects • Science Environmental Education • Math • The Arts • Teachers' Resources

Social Studies
 "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."—Margaret Mead

Social studies focus on people in relation to one another and the world. Included are such disciplines as history, geography, political science, anthropology and archaeology. These recommended sites help students to make meaningful connections with the peoples and nations of the world, and guide them to resources where they can learn to be responsible local, national and global citizens.

  • Academy of Achievement
    Learn about individuals from all walks of life who have helped shaped our world.

  • African-American Odyssey
    The Library of Congress showcases its comprehensive African-American collections, including a wide array of important and rare books, government documents, manuscripts, maps, musical scores, plays, films and recordings.

  • American Family Immigration History Center
    Learn about the Ellis Island immigrant experience and search the site for family immigration records.

  • American Memory: National Digital Library
    Talk about breaking down the walls of the classroom! American Memory is a phenomenal gateway to more than 7 million primary source materials (from more than 100 historical collections) relating to the history and culture of the United States.

  • Amnesty International
    Amnesty International works to protect human rights worldwide. This site is an excellent source for any study of global current events.

  • Anne Frank Center USA
    Learn about Anne Frank’s life, access teacher resources and study materials, read diary excerpts and even take a virtual tour of the Frank family's "Secret Annex" in Amsterdam.

  • Archaeologica
    Students can read or listen to the latest worldwide archaeological news and information (updated daily), participate in ongoing discussion forums and find links to other archaeological sites.

  • Archiving Early America
    This site contains a wealth of primary source materials from 18th century America, including scenes and portraits from original newspapers, maps and writings. "Town crier forums" enable educators, historians, students, researchers and journalists to discuss and debate all things early America.

  • Dig: Archaeology Magazine For Kids
    Cobblestone Publishing Company and the Archaeological Institute of America bring the excitement, mystery, wonder and fun of archaeology, paleontology and earth sciences to children 8 - 13 years old.

  • European Human Rights Centre (EHRC)
    A good resource of links to organizations representing over 100 non-governmental and other not-for-profit organizations interested in the promotion of human rights throughout Europe and the world.

  • Human Rights Web
    This site offers a very simple overview of what human rights are and how individuals can help protect them, as well as ongoing discussions and debates about global human rights issues. There are also links to documents crafted by The United Nations.

  • HyperHistory Online
    3,000 years of world history shared through a combination of interactive timelines, maps and synchronoptic charts.

  • International Museum of Women
    Online exhibits that explore and celebrate the history of women and contemporary gender issues.

  • National Archives: The Digital Classroom
    An excellent resource for educators who wish to access and learn how to use primary sources to spark excitement in the classroom.

  • National Inventors Hall of Fame
    In addition to perusing the Hall of Fame, which honors the men and women whose inventions have helped change our world, students can learn what it takes to become an inventor and how inventions are patented.

  • Native Web
    Provides thousands of links to resources for indigenous cultures around the world.

  • Salem Witch Trials: Documentary Archive & Transcription Project
    Any study of the Salem Witch Trials would not be complete without a visit to this terrific site. Read the actual transcripts of the trials, learn about the accusers and the accused and view historical maps.

  • Seven Wonders of the Ancient World
    Originally compiled around the second century B.C., the list of the Seven Wonders changed several times until the final list was compiled during the Middle Ages. This site has photographs, illustrations and excellent background information about each structure.

  • The African-American Migration Experience
    Created by the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, this site traces African-American migration over the past 400 years. Lessons plans for grades 6-12 are included.

  • The Ancient Olympics
    A good resource for learning about the ancient and modern Olympics.

  • The Map Machine
    National Geographic's online atlas provides a wonderful collection of interactive mapping resources.

  • The Underground Railroad Site
    Although no longer updated, this site remains a good place for students to begin learning about the history of the Underground Railroad and the abolitionist movement. It includes personal slave narratives, songs and hymns of the time period and maps of some escape routes.

  • The Underground Railroad @ National Geographic
    An interactive trip on the railroad, classroom activity ideas, timelines, biographies, related resources and Web links and much more.

  • Universal Declaration of Human Rights
    The United Nations site provides the Declaration in its entirety. A must read for all classrooms teaching tolerance, peace studies and discussing issues of human rights.

  • U.S. Holocaust Museum
    Excellent resources for teachers, students and parents wanting to learn about the history of the Holocaust. Online activities help students learn by examining artifacts, photographs and other materials from the Museum's collections.

Language Arts • Reference • Social Studies • Collaborative Projects • Science Environmental Education • Math • The Arts • Teachers' Resources

Collaborative Projects
Join pioneers on their journey west, visit the International Space Station, track wildlife migration, unearth dinosaur bones and ancient relics, dive to the deepest ocean depths, talk with classrooms around the world ... and that's just for starters! These are some of the most consistently excellent global classroom projects:

  • Intercultural E-Mail Classroom Connections (IECC)
    A free service to help teachers link with partners in other countries (and cultures) for e-mail classroom pen-pal and other project exchanges.

  • International Education and Resource Network (iEARN)
    A global network that enables students to use the Internet and other new technologies to engage in collaborative educational projects that both enhance learning and make a difference in the world.

  • Journey North
    Collaborative student projects focused on global studies of wildlife migration and seasonal change.

  • NASA Quest
    Extensive online resources including profiles of NASA experts and stories about their work days, live interactions with NASA experts, collaborative student activities and special forums for educators.

  • The Global Schoolhouse
    One of the first sites on the Web to offer collaborative learning experiences, The Global Schoolhouse is still going strong. With a registry of more than 750 online projects—organized by topic, grade and project date—there is something here for every classroom.

  • The Jason Project
    Founded in 1989 by Dr. Robert D. Ballard (discoverer of the wreck of the RMS Titanic), the Jason Projects offer classrooms the opportunity to participate in annual expeditions by communicating real-time with scientists and researchers through satellite and Internet technologies.

  • Westward Ho!
    Any elementary school study of the Oregon Trail and westward movement just wouldn't be the same without this wonderful, simulated wagon train. This Web journey has been around for more than 9 years for good reason!

Language Arts • Reference • Social Studies • Collaborative Projects • Science Environmental Education • Math • The Arts • Teachers' Resources

Science
"... I have not failed. I've just found ten thousand ways that won't work."
—Thomas Edison

  • American Museum of Natural History: Resources for Learning
    A terrific collection of activities and articles organized by subject area, grade level and resource type. Collections include anthropology, astronomy, biology, earth science and paleontology. Special Collections are grouped around thematic units, such as Antarctica and ocean life.

  • Digital Library for Earth System Education (DLESE)
    An excellent clearinghouse of the best K-16 resources on the Net for teaching and learning about the Earth system. The site is maintained by educators, students, and scientists working together to improve the quality, quantity and efficiency of teaching and learning about the Earth system at all levels.

  • Exploratorium
    An online museum of science, art, and human perception, this site is hands-down one of the best (not to mention, coolest) science sources on the Web.

  • Frank Potter's Science Gems
    Links to more than 14,000 science resources on the Web, sorted by topic and grade level.

  • Hands-On Science Centers Worldwide
    A no-frills site, listing links to some amazing virtual science centers in the United States and around the globe.

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
    In addition to live cams of marine animals, the site has plenty of resources for students and teachers interested in learning about our oceans and the life living in them.

  • Newton's Apple
    A great resource for teachers' guides, student materials and simple science experiments (most with background information on how/why they work).

  • Science Learning Network
    A comprehensive site, packed with science resources for students and teachers, maintained by The National Science Foundation.

  • Science Museum of Minnesota
    Lots of fun experiments and activities for students of all ages.

  • Smithsonian Ocean Planet
    Geared to middle and high school students, this site contains all of the text and most of the panel designs and images found in the original 1995 traveling Smithsonian exhibition. Not to be missed ... and make sure your computer's sound is on.

  • Synergy Creations
    Interactive Periodic Table of Elements, conversion tables and much more.

  • The Franklin Institute Science Museum
    Learn the science behind everything from aviation to baseball to tornadoes. This site remains one of the best places on the Web to find science resources.

  • The Nine Planets: A Multimedia Tour of the Solar System
    An overview of the history, mythology and current scientific knowledge of each of the planets and moons in our solar system. Each page has text and images, and some have sounds and movies.

  • The Why Files: Science Behind the News
    The University of Wisconsin does a marvelous job maintaining this site that covers current events and the science behind them. Even better, each of the news stories is now aligned to National Science Education Standards.

  • Volcano World
    Everything anybody ever wanted to know about volcanoes. Keep track of current eruptions around the world and even ask questions of real volcanologists.

  • WebElements
    Another excellent, interactive Periodic Table of Elements.

  • WhaleNet
    Everything you ever wanted to know about whales and marine research.

  • Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution
    Comprehensive resources for students and educators interested in marine research.

  • World Wildlife Fund: EcoRegions
    A wonderful site providing interactive maps and descriptions of terrestrial ecoregions worldwide, photographs of the landscape and of select species and scientific information about each ecoregion. Included are summaries of location, climate, geography, common vegetation, distinctive biodiversity features (including endemic species), status, threats and justifications for the delineation of each ecoregion.

  • 4000 Years of Women in Science
    Biographies, photographs and much more.

Language Arts • Reference • Social Studies • Collaborative Projects • Science Environmental Education • Math • The Arts • Teachers' Resources

Environmental Education
"When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe."—John Muir

Hartman Educational Technology supports organizations that work to keep the Earth and its resources healthy and that are dedicated to educating children about protecting the planet. The following sites all have a wealth of information and resources for students and educators.

  • EE-Link
    A clearinghouse of environmental education resources.

  • Forest Conservation Portal
    A site rich with forest and biodiversity conservation news and information.

  • Global Forests Watch
    An international data and mapping network that combines on-the-ground knowledge with digital technology to provide accurate information about the status of the world's forests.

  • Greenpeace International
    News and information on the most crucial worldwide threats to our planet's biodiversity and environment.

  • Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC)
    News and information on the health of our planet's wildlife and wild places, and ways we can protect them. The site includes a special feature: "The Green Squad: Kids Taking Action for Greener, Healthier Schools."

  • Oceana
    News and information on protecting the world's oceans, a glossary of terms, fascinating and fun facts about our oceans, interactive multimedia and an online, searchable catalog of images and videos for students to use.

  • Rainforest Action Network (RAN)
    News and information on the status of rainforests around the world. The Kid's Corner link provides comprehensive information about rainforest ecology and the people and animals living within and near these fragile ecosystems. The site has many fact sheets and other resources for teachers and students, lesson plans and even audio-visual recommendations.

  • The Gorilla Foundation
    Made famous by Koko, the gorilla who communicates with sign language, this organization's mission is to save the world's remaining gorillas from extinction. Students can learn all about gorillas in the wild and Koko's life. They can even watch video clips and view photographs to learn the more than 1000 signs that Koko knows and uses. Lesson ideas and other free teaching materials are also available.

  • The Nature Conservancy
    Their mission is to preserve Earth's plants, animals and natural communities by protecting the lands and waters they need to survive. Their site contains news and information, thought-provoking student activities, and even a great connection to Harry Potter's owls, sure to interest "muggles" of all ages.

  • WiserEarth
    A community directory and networking forum for not-for-profit and non-governmental organizations addressing such topical issues as climate change, poverty, the environment, peace, water, hunger, social justice, conservation, human rights, and more.

  • World Rainforest Information Portal
    A clearinghouse of information for all things rainforest and many answers to students' questions of why rainforests are important, what is happening to them and how individuals can help protect them.

Language Arts • Reference • Social Studies • Collaborative Projects • Science Environmental Education • Math • The Arts • Teachers' Resources

Math
"I never did very well in math. I could never seem to persuade the teacher that I hadn't meant my answers literally." —Calvin Trillin

  • Ask Dr. Math
    A wonderful question-and-answer service for math students and teachers. A searchable archive is available by grade level (elementary through post-secondary) and topic.

  • GoMath.com
    A free K-12 online math tutorial service. Posted questions/problems are answered by math educators within 24 hours.

  • Interactive Mathematics Miscellany and Puzzles
    Challenging math games, puzzles, brainteasers and much more. Great stuff to encourage mathematical thinking in any classroom.

  • MacTutor History of Mathematics Archives
    Created by two professors from the School of Mathematics and Statistics at the University of St. Andrews, Scotland, this site offers fascinating biographies of famous (and not so famous) mathematicians and many articles on the history of mathematics.

  • Math in Daily Life
    The Annenberg Foundation provides online lessons to help students use real-life, practical math applications.

  • The Abacus: The Art of Calculating With Beads
    Instructions for mathematical operations on the abacus, not to mention a cool interactive abacus for all to enjoy.

  • The Math Forum
    One of the best math resource clearinghouses for students and teachers (kindergarten through post-secondary).

  • This is Mega Mathematics
    Challenging and fun math activities from Los Alamos National Laboratory.

Language Arts • Reference • Social Studies • Collaborative Projects • Science Environmental Education • Math • The Arts • Teachers' Resources

The Arts (Visual Arts, Theater, Music, Dance)
 "Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once he grows up." —Pablo Picasso

  • Art Safari at The Museum of Modern Art
    An interactive "adventure in looking" activity for children and adults.

  • Instrument Encyclopedia
    Resources include a glossary of musical terms, information about museum instrument collections in Canada and the United States and links to other sites featuring instrument collections.

  • Joseph Wu's Origami Page
    Instructions for making origami (the art of paper folding) and links to galleries of origami.

  • KinderArt
    Art resources and lesson ideas for teachers of young children.

  • Music Education Online: Children's Music Workshop
    Music education resources galore.

  • Pintura: Art Detective
    An online game (for 4th grade and above) about art history and art composition. Note that the related student worksheet is nothing more than a comprehension-based exam. (Hartman Educational Technology recommends that teachers design their own creative curricula around this site or contact us for interdisciplinary activity ideas.)

  • Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Museum: Lesson Plans
    Integrate contemporary music into language arts, social studies, math and more by accessing these unique lesson plans.

  • Sapphire Swan Dance Directory
    Dance resources and links to sites covering every dance style imaginable.

  • Shanties and Sea Songs
    A very fun and unusual site containing lyrics to hundreds of sea shanties and traditional folk songs related to the sea.

  • The Drama Teacher's Resource Room
    This site provides teacher-created lesson plans and articles on costumes, props, set design, lighting and scenic painting.

  • The Getty Museum
    The next best thing to taking your students on a field trip to this Los Angeles art museum. Click the Explore Art and Education links to get started on a virtual tour.

  • The Mudcat Cafe: Digital Tradition Folksong Database
    An amazing database of lyrics to folksongs from around the world. The Kid's Stuff link has instructions for making instruments from readily available materials.

Language Arts • Reference • Social Studies • Collaborative Projects • Science Environmental Education • Math • The Arts • Teachers' Resources

Teachers' Resources

Language Arts • Reference • Social Studies • Collaborative Projects • Science Environmental Education • Math • The Arts • Teachers' Resources

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