Web Sites for Kids

NASA(the National Aeronautics and Space Administration)

Smithsonian Institution

The Franklin Institute Science Museumin Philadelphia, PA: online educational exhibits, activities, and more.

Exploratorium:A unique participatory museum in San Francisco, internationally known for its innovation in exhibit design and science education. Their Web site has information from exhibits and "take home" experiments.

The White House for Kids

The Kids on the Web: Homework Toolshas links to online encyclopedias, atlases, experts, and more.

The Internet Public Library's Youth Page

Still can't find the answer to a question you or your child has? Ask an Experthas extensive categories.

The Internet is a rich resource for helping children with homework. Not only can they get facts on subjects from apples to zebras, but they can also get advice from online help desks, tutors, and teachers. For an introduction on how to use technology to help with homework - whether it's a subject you understand or not - check out the King's County, Washington Library System's homework page.

Internet Public Library's Teen Page

Helpful bookmarks of the Chico High School (California) Library: A rich resource of links, including current events, home, life, and auto skills. They also have extensive links to learn about cultures:

Something to try with your kids: Use a question to start a search. Children have a natural curiosity. They ask a lot of questions. When you don't have the answer, you might be able to find it on the Internet. Whether your son or daughter is 4 or 14, you can discover answers together. Using the tools above, you can ask experts, search libraries, or see for yourself! Try this:The next time your son or daughter asks a question, write it down. Then bring up the question again when you are online, and see if you can find the answer!

The Internet is a whole new resource, providing us with ways that didn't exist before now to help you help your children. There are plenty of organizations that are ready to assist you in locating the information you need. Libraries have helped children find information for generations. Now the American Library Associationhas over 700 terrific Web sites for younger students, teens and parents. It's an excellent place to start.

If you're new to the Internet, there are several online guides to assist you. Try Community Learning Network's Internet Guidebooks/Resources for Beginners.

The Internet is a great place to visit colleges and find out about financial aid. The location, or URL, for most college Web sites consists of the school name followed by .edu. These include Ivy League schools such as Yale (http://www.yale.edu), state universities such as UCLA (http://www.ucla.edu), and state colleges like SUNY (http://www.suny.edu). Community Colleges can often be located through a state's home pages. Try these sites:

For links to more than 3,000 American and foreign universities, visit: http://www.mit.edu:8001/people/cdemello/univ-full.html

The U.S. Department of Education "Think College"site is designed for high school students thinking about college. It includes links to financial aid information and 1,300 college Web sites. There is also a site for people interested in completing their GED (high school General Equivalency Diploma).

College Is Possibleis a guide to resources for parents and students about choosing colleges, the college application process, and financial aid. It is sponsored by several major college organizations.

Many employers use the Internet to post job opportunities. You can also get help with writing your résumé, improving your skills, and exploring new careers.

Start at America's Job Bank.

If you feel a little nervous about going online, try the University of Albany's Internet Tutorial.

The Internet also has areas where you can "talk" with people about a wide variety of subjects. Many Internet Service Providers (America Online, CompuServe, Prodigy, etc.) have areas called "chat rooms" on the first screen you see (called a home page). Or visit the National Parent Information Network'sdiscussion group.

Computers let you learn at your own pace, and give you lots of help. Even if it's been years since you were in a classroom, learning never stops. Check out what is offered through the Public Broadcasting Service.