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Tech ed from Teacher-authors

33 Great Research Websites for Kids

Here are quick, safe spots to send students for research:

• BrainPop –with the BrainPop characters, a launchpad to curiosity
• CoolKidFacts –kid-friendly videos, pictures, info, and quizzes–all 100% suitable for children
• Dimensions –academic research geared for college-level
• Fact Monster –help with homework and facts
• Google Earth Timelapse –what changes to the planet over time
• Google Trends –what’s trending in searches
• History Channel –great speeches
• How Stuff Works –the gold standard in explaining stuff to kids
• Info Please –events cataloged year-by-year
• National Geographic for Kids
• Ngram Viewer –analyzes all words in all books on Google Books
• TagGalaxy –search using a cloud
• Wild Wordsmyth –picture dictionary for kids
• World Book –requires membership

Citing Resources

• Citation Machine

Kids Search Engines

• Kiddle –visual search engine for kids

How to Research

• A Google A Day
• How to Search on Google
• Power Searching (with Google)
• Teaching students to search/research
• I nternet Search and Research –a lesson plan for K-8

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• Internet Search and Research

Resources/Research

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• Primary Source Documents
• Talk to Books –research your topic based on books

Click for a lesson plan on Search and Research .

Click for more search and research websites.

Jacqui Murray  has been teaching K-18 technology for 30 years. She is the editor/author of over a hundred tech ed resources including a  K-12 technology curriculum ,  K-8 keyboard curriculum,   K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum . She is an adjunct professor in tech ed, Master Teacher, webmaster for four blogs, an  Amazon Vine Voice , freelance journalist on tech ed topics, contributor to NEA Today, and author of the tech thrillers,  To Hunt a Sub  and  Twenty-four Days . You can find her resources at  Structured Learning.

Updated 1-16-23

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5 thoughts on “ 33 Great Research Websites for Kids ”

love these websites.

Thanks so much!

• Pingback: How to Teach Argument Writing Step-By-Step - ELA Buffet

they are nice to reach on

They’re a little out of the norm, which makes them more interesting.

Comments are closed.

We are a group of dedicated technology teachers with tons of experience in teaching K-18 t ech, unraveling its problems, and making it exciting for kids (and adults). We blog here, teach online grad school classes, provide curricula (like K-12 Technology curriculum ,  K-8 keyboard curriculum,   K-8 Digital Citizenship curriculum ). Jacqui Murray (the face of AATT) also authors tech thrillers,  To Hunt a Sub  and  Twenty-four Days . You can find our resources at  Structured Learning.

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Top Research Websites, Search Engines, and a Research Choice Menu for K-12 Students

Students need to learn how to be skilled searchers.

“Television didn’t transform education. Neither will the internet. But it will be another tool for teachers to use in their effort to reach students in the classroom.” –  John Palfrey

To learn more about a topic or find the answer students will often Google it! Search engines don’t always show the most factual, relevant, or unbiased results first. Sometimes search engines can lead students to inappropriate websites. Below is a research choice menu for you to use and edit as you like that I use with my students! I have also listed useful research, news, and digital media websites to add to the research choice menu depending on what you are exploring. Students also need to learn how to be skilled searchers, which is why I also added places with free lesson plans and resources to teach students develop search skills.

Free Research Choice Menu Board

Click  the image below to make a copy of the choice menu board template. Edit as you like!

Activity Idea

One of the activities in my book,  Hacking Digital Learning Strategies: Ways to Launch EdTech Missions  is to get students to do a quick 2 minute search about the topic. Students write down any 3 ideas they find then build on that knowledge by trying to add 3 different ideas by other students. Then get students to rate each idea as a fact, opinion, or gossip. Encourage them to guess. Then give them another 2 to 5 minutes to do fact checks to see which ideas are facts and which might be biased or need more research. Students can add the facts to a  Linoit / Padlet  sticky note board for all to learn from or on a Bubbl.us cognitive map.

15 Recommended Search Engines and Research Websites

• Fact Monster  is a search engine that features Frank, the friendly monster, who helps with facts, homework, trivia, games, and quizzes.
• DOGO News  is a website and iOS/Android app for K to 12 students to find current events and research based articles. Each article gives an easy citation for students to copy and include as well as images and videos.
• The Kids Should See This  is probably the most engaging search results for students who will find viral gifs and videos about their topics.
• Science Journal for Kids  has a pdf with assessment questions, videos, and an area for further research by asking a scientist.
• The  Creative Commons Search Engine  and  WikiMedia Commons  are two wonderful search engines to find images, videos, and other multimedia free to use in projects or presentations as long as the author is attributed appropriately.
• Kiddle  is a safe visual search engine for kids.
• KidzSearch  is a Google filtered search which features KidzTube videos and educational games on the front page.
• Ducksters  is a search engine with different categories for a general subject search like history, science, geography, and more. NatGeoKids  is a website with games, trivia, and articles about animals and the world. My students love this website. We also like learning more about countries with the interactive world map.
• Science News for Students  provides vocabulary lists and readability scores for each article. This is for grades 6 to 12.
• Kid Rex  is another kid-friendly search engine with a simple colorful interface. Safe Search Kids  is powered by Google to deliver filtered search results.
• Kid’s Search  is a safe and fun way to search the Internet. Choosito  is a student search engine and digital library. Sign up for a free trial.
• The  Library of Congress  provides archived newspapers, patents, historical documents, and images for students to search and discover information about a topic.

cross posted at   teacherrebootcamp.com

Shelly Terrell is a Technology and Computer teacher, education consultant, and author of books including Hacking Digital Learning Strategies: 10 Ways to Launch EdTech Missions in Your Classroom. Read more at   teacherrebootcamp.com .

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Shelly Terrell is an education consultant, technology trainer, and author. Read more at teacherrebootcamp.com

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Trauma-informed practices in schools, teacher well-being, cultivating diversity, equity, & inclusion, integrating technology in the classroom, social-emotional development, covid-19 resources, invest in resilience: summer toolkit, civics & resilience, all toolkits, degree programs, trauma-informed professional development, teacher licensure & certification, how to become - career information, classroom management, instructional design, lifestyle & self-care, online higher ed teaching, current events, how to help middle school students develop research skills.

As the research skills you teach middle school students can last them all their lives, it’s essential to help them develop good habits early in their school careers.

Research skills are useful in nearly every subject, whether it’s English, math, social studies or science, and they will continue to pay off for students every day of their schooling. Understanding the most important research skills that middle school students need will help reach these kids and make a long-term difference.

The research process

It is important for every student to understand that research is actually a process rather than something that happens naturally. The best researchers develop a process that allows them to fully comprehend the ideas they are researching and also turn the data into information that is usable for whatever the end purpose may be. Here is an example of a research process that you may consider using when teaching research skills in your middle school classroom:

• Form a question : Research should be targeted; develop a question you want to answer before progressing any further.
• Decide on resources : Not every resource is good for every question/problem. Identify the resources that will work best for you.
• Gather raw data : First, gather information in its rawest form; do not attempt to make sense of it at this point.
• Sort the data : After you have the information in front of you, decide what is important to you and how you will use it. Not all data will be reliable or worthwhile.
• Process information : Turn the data into usable information. This processing step may take longer than the rest combined. This is where you really see your data shape into something exciting.
• Create a final piece : This is where you would write a research paper, create a project or build a graph or other visual piece with your information. This may or may not be a formal document.
• Evaluate : Look back on the process. Where did you experience success and failure? Did you find an answer to your question?

This process can be adjusted to suit the needs of your particular classroom or the project you are working on. Just remember that the goal is not only to find the data for this particular project, but to teach your students research skills that will help them in the long run.

Research is a very important part of the learning process as well as being useful in real-life once the student graduates. Middle school is a great time to develop these skills as many high school teachers expect that students already have this knowledge.

Students who are well-prepared as researchers will be able to handle nearly any assignment that comes their way. Finding new ways to teach research skills to middle school students need will be a challenge, but the results are well worth it as you see your students succeed in your classroom and set the stage for further success throughout their schooling experience.

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Harvard Reference Generator

A excellent tool for producing Harvard-style references in the correct format. While it lacks the save bibliography functions of other reference generators, it is simple and accurate. Provides tried and tested results examined by tutors to ensure the correct method of referencing.  The Harvard Reference format is most widely used in Europe and Australia.

Sweet Search

Sweet Search is a search engine designed for students. It has several research and search tools. The search engine restricts its results to 35,000 sites reviewed by experts, teachers and librarians for quality and appropriateness.

Other tools on the site include:

• a Biographies section, with guidance for writing a biography
• SweetSearch2Day, with guidance on improving your research skills, web guides on social studies topics, and articles about students who are improving their communities and the world.

CiteThisForMe

CiteThisForMe is a tool designed to help students prepare their whole bibliography or reference list. It will generate your list in any of several styles. These include APA, Chicago, Harvard, MLA, Turabian, and Vancouver among others.

Historical Marker Database

This website is an illustrated searchable online catalog of historical information viewed through the filter of roadside and other permanent outdoor markers, monuments, and plaques. It contains photographs, inscription transcriptions, marker locations, maps, additional information and commentary, and links to more information. Anyone can add new markers to the database and update existing marker pages with new photographs, links, information and commentary.

This is a useful research tool for local history. The database contains more than 92,000 markers nationwide. For a short-term history project in the classroom, consider having students contribute to the database by adding entries for local markers in your area. Review the guidelines for submission .

NASA Image and Video Library

Theses images, videos, and audio recordings are free for public use. They can be used by students and teachers for classroom presentations, research papers, websites, etc. You may not, however, use any of the NASA logos that appear on the site.

The site contains everything from classic photos to educational programming and HD video. New media are continually added. The collections is an excellent resource for students working on STEM projects. NASA’s goal in creating it is to promote education in math and sciences at all levels, and to build general interest and excitement around space exploration, aeronautics, and astronomy.

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Teaching Students to Evaluate Websites

A few pointers on how to guide middle and high school students to determine whether a website offers accurate information.

Perceptive adults and savvy students know that saying something doesn’t make it a fact, and neither does publishing information on the internet. But how to know which websites are sharing accurate information? As middle and high school students conduct research or access the internet on their own time, they need to be able to determine the accuracy of what they’re reading by reviewing websites with a critical eye.

It’s Easy to Develop a Website

There are many platforms (like GoDaddy and Wix) that allow individuals to easily create professional-quality websites without having to learn HTML coding. That means that anyone with internet access can publish virtually anything on the internet, and with current estimates of 1.145 trillion MB of data  being created each day, it’s unwise to assume that everything available on the internet is accurate and truthful. Middle and high school students should learn to review websites for their content, source, and purpose. By becoming educated consumers of information, students will gain a better understanding of what they’re reading and the context.

Becoming a website sleuth is actually quite easy when students know what to look for. Middle and high school students can review three facets of any site to determine the validity and objectivity of what they’re reading or viewing: 1. appearance versus content; 2. source of information; and 3. the website’s purpose. 

Separating Appearance From Content

A site can look polished and professional yet include inaccurate content —or, conversely, it can look imperfect yet disseminate factual information . It’s therefore helpful for students to intellectually separate a website’s look from the information the site is sharing.

• Is the website easy to navigate? Students want to understand how to steer through pages and links quickly to find information without any confusion. Contemporary websites should load fast and lead visitors to material with the smallest number of clicks possible. That includes an efficient way to return to the home page, too.
• Are there a lot of ads or pop-ups on the site? Quality websites strive to reduce distractions and to maintain focus on the information they provide. Numerous advertisements, especially those that occupy significant visual space and continuously reload, can negatively impact a learner’s focus and comprehension. When there are ads on webpages, students can assess whether the advertised products make sense for the particular sites. Here’s an example of a satirical site with pop-ups and advertisements.
• Does the website include many spelling, syntax, or grammatical errors? Reputable internet publishers strive to post error-free, easy-to-understand information. Error-filled writing can be difficult to read and dilute the context. Note: Be flexible with nonnative English speakers who post in English.
• Do graphics serve a purpose? Images should have specific purposes, such as extending understanding or clarifying information. Graphics should make sense and not confuse or merely decorate the space in a random manner.

Reviewing the Source of Information

It’s important to find out where the information on the website originated by looking at the bottom of its home page or scanning “About Us” or “FAQ.” If an organization authors a site, students should conduct a short review to find out more about the group.

• Website domains provide information. Use the URL (uniform resource locator) to learn about the site’s source. Endings such as .gov or .edu are attributed to government or educational institutions, which can add legitimacy to sites.
• Is the author qualified to provide this information? Once students determine a website’s publisher, they can dig deeper to learn more about the person or organization. Find out if and how the website source is qualified to provide the information by conducting a brief review of the author. With the understanding that website publication is inexpensive and easy, readers should be aware of a website author’s experience and education in the targeted field.
• Check a few sources. Trustworthy sites typically provide links to other reputable sources, so it’s wise to review several links to validate the information. If no sources are listed, check for other websites that use the current one as a reference.

Checking for the Purpose of the Site  

Is the site sharing facts, or is it interpreting them for its readers? An individual conducting research might begin with a website that shares basic information, while registered voters making decisions about candidates might prefer websites that have already sifted through data and share opinions. A site’s purpose will be interconnected with its source.

To determine a site’s purpose:

• Review the home page and a few others. The website or organization might be trying to sell a product or even promote a particular point of view. A biased site might include product or organization advertisements that support its ideals, or there could be opinionated blogging and one-sided articles. Biased sites try to persuade, and they might include video, still images, music, partial interpretation of data, and an appeal to emotions, rather than sharing impartial information. Consider Foundation for a Smoke-Free World and the World Health Organization’s statement —sites published by two very different organizations.
• Confirm the context of quotes and information. Research the origins of a few website quotes or images to verify the context of the originals, and to help determine if the site is legitimate. It takes only a click to insert a quote, so review the wording and context of the original phrase to glean the original meaning. If the site doesn’t include accurate information from other sources, the purpose likely is to persuade readers.

Promotional or unbiased websites shouldn’t be universally viewed as bad or faulty. In fact, there’s a lot to learn from understanding others’ points of view. Sometimes biased websites are published to present farcical material for entertainment , which can be particularly challenging for students to identify.

Here are a few sites you can use to teach students how to review websites: Aluminum Foil Deflector Beanie , Dihydrogen Monoxide Research , Petrol Direct , Ninja Burger , The Republic of Cascadia .

Once students determine that a website is one they want to access, they should find several others to use for cross-checking information. Confirm by checking various websites, periodicals, and even books: One source is not enough. With the continuous deluge of websites, it’s more important than ever that we teach middle and high school students to critically review the sources of their information.

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Exciting Research Topics for Middle Schoolers to Fuel Curiosity

Working on the phonological skills by teaching phonemic awareness to the advanced level

What is the goal when de escalating crisis behavior at school ?

Middle school is a time of burgeoning curiosity and the perfect opportunity for students to engage in research that not only educates them academically but also cultivates skills for the future. By encouraging young learners to explore topics they are passionate about, educators and parents play a pivotal role in their intellectual development and the growth of their intrinsic motivation. This blog post outlines a diverse range of research topics suited to the inquiring minds of middle school students, giving them the freedom to deepen their understanding of various subjects while honing critical thinking and independent study skills.

Uncovering the Mysteries of History

Middle schoolers often find history fascinating, particularly when learning about the past from distinct perspectives. Here are some intriguing historical research topics to consider:

• The Unsung Heroes of the Civil Rights Movement: Apart from the well-known leaders, students can explore the contributions of lesser-known figures who played a significant role in the struggle for equality.
• The Impact of Ancient Civilizations on Modern Society: Researching the ways in which the Greeks, Romans, Egyptians, or other ancient societies have influenced contemporary culture, politics, and technology offers a broad canvas for exploration.
• Everyday Life in Different Historical Periods: Focusing on the routines, customs, and technologies that shaped people’s daily lives in times gone by can provide valuable insights into societal norms and individual experiences.

Science and the Natural World

The sciences are a playground of wonder, with an infinity of topics waiting to be explored. Here are some research ideas that can nurture a love for discovery and experimentation:

• Climate Change: Effects and Solutions: Investigating the causes and potential solutions to this global challenge can make students aware of their role in protecting the planet.
• The Wonders of the Solar System: Encouraging a study of the planets, their moons, and the vast expanse of space they inhabit can ignite dreams of interstellar exploration.
• Biodiversity and Ecosystem Conservation: Researching the variety of life on Earth and strategies to protect and sustain ecosystems can foster a sense of environmental stewardship.

Literature, Language, and Creative Expression

Language and literature are potent forms of human expression, allowing students to explore complex ideas and emotions. Here are some topics that bridge the gap between art and academia:

• Interpreting Classic Literature for Modern Relevance: Encouraging the study of timeless works can lead to discussions on their contemporary significance and the evolution of societal values.
• The Structure and Evolution of Language: Investigating the origins and changes in language over time can be a rich area of study, especially when paired with the examination of cultural shifts.
• The Intersection of Art and Literature: Exploring how visual arts and writing intersect to convey messages and emotions can be a fertile ground for interdisciplinary research.

Mathematics and Logic Puzzles

The precision and patterns found in mathematics can be both satisfying and thought-provoking. Middle school students often enjoy the thrill of solving problems and unraveling puzzles. Here are some mathematical research topics that can engage students’ analytical minds:

• Famous Mathematical Conjectures: Researching unsolved problems, such as the Goldbach conjecture or the Riemann hypothesis, can introduce students to the excitement of open questions in mathematics.
• The Application of Math in Various Industries: Investigating how mathematical principles underpin fields like music, art, sports, and technology can illuminate the subject’s real-world utility.
• The History of Mathematical Discoveries: Tracing the lineage of mathematical concepts through different cultures and periods can showcase the universality and timelessness of mathematics.

Social Sciences and Human Interaction

Studying human behavior and society can help students develop empathy and a deeper understanding of the world around them. Here are some social science research ideas to explore:

• The Impact of Social Media on Friendships and Relationships: Research could focus on positive and negative effects, trends, and the future of social interaction.
• Cultural Traditions and Their Meanings: Investigating the origins and contemporary significance of customs from various cultures can foster respect for diversity and a global perspective.
• The Psychology of Decision Making: Exploring the factors that influence human choices, from cognitive biases to social pressures, can provide insights into individual and collective behavior.

Technology and Innovation

Middle schoolers are often tech-savvy and interested in the latest gadgets and advancements. Here are some technology and innovation research topics to tap into that curiosity:

• The Impact of Gaming on Society: Research could examine how video games influence education, social issues, or even career choices.
• Emerging Technologies and Their Ethical Implications: Encouraging students to study technologies like artificial intelligence, gene editing, or wearable tech can lead to discussions on the ethical considerations of their use and development.
• Inventions That Changed the World: Chronicling the history and influence of significant inventions, from the wheel to the internet, can provide a lens through which to view human progress.

By providing middle schoolers with the opportunity to conduct meaningful research in a topic of their choosing, we not only deepen their education but also equip them with the skills and passion for a lifetime of learning. This list is just the beginning; the key is to foster curiosity and guide young minds toward engaging, challenging, and diverse research experiences. Through such explorations, we empower the next generation to think critically, communicate effectively, and, most importantly, to nurture their innate curiosity about the world.

Implementing Research Projects in the Classroom

Encouraging middle school students to undertake research projects requires a strategic approach to ensure sustained interest and meaningful outcomes. Here are some methods educators can employ:

• Mentorship and Support: Pairing students with teacher mentors who can guide them through the research process, provide feedback, and encourage critical thinking is essential for a fruitful research experience.
• Cross-Curricular Integration: Linking research topics to content from different subjects helps students appreciate the interconnectedness of knowledge and develop versatile learning skills.
• Use of Technology and Media: Incorporating digital tools for research, presentation, and collaboration can enhance engagement and teach essential 21st-century skills.
• Presentation and Reflection: Allocating time for students to present their findings nurtures communication skills and confidence, while self-reflection activities help them internalize their learning journey.

These strategies can create a robust framework within which students can pursue their curiosities, leading to a more personalized and impactful educational experience.

What is a good topic to research for middle school?

A good topic for middle school research could delve into the Role of Robotics in the Future of Society . Students can explore how robotics may transform jobs, healthcare, and everyday life. They can examine the balance between automation and human work, predict how robots could augment human abilities, and discuss the ethical dimensions of a robotic future. This inquiry not only captivates the imagination but also encourages critical thinking about technology’s impact on tomorrow’s world.

What are the 10 research titles examples?

• The Evolution of Renewable Energy and Its Future Prospects
• Investigating the Effects of Microplastics on Marine Ecosystems
• The Influence of Ancient Civilizations on Modern Democracy
• Understanding Black Holes: Unveiling the Mysteries of the Cosmos
• The Impact of Augmented Reality on Education and Training
• Climate Change and Its Consequences on Coastal Cities
• The Psychological Effects of Social Media on Teenagers
• Genetic Engineering: The Possibilities and Pitfalls
• Smart Cities: How Technology is Shaping Urban Living
• The Role of Nanotechnology in Medicine: Current Applications and Future Potential

Fascinating Facts About Middle School Research Topics

• Interdisciplinary Impact : Research projects in middle school often blend subjects, such as the integration of art and mathematics when exploring patterns and symmetry, which helps students discover the interconnectivity of different fields of knowledge.
• Skill Building : Engaging in research equips middle schoolers with advanced skills in critical thinking, problem-solving, and time management, which are beneficial across their academic journey and beyond.
• Diversity in Content : Middle school research topics are notably diverse, ranging from examining the role of robotics in society to exploring the psychological effects of social media, catering to a wide array of student interests and strengths.
• Tech Savvy Learning : Technology-based research topics, such as the influence of smart cities or the impact of augmented reality in education, are deeply relevant to tech-savvy middle school students, making learning more engaging and relatable.
• Cultural Relevance : Researching topics like cultural traditions and their meanings encourages middle schoolers to develop a global perspective and fosters a deeper understanding and appreciation for the diversity within their own school community and the world at large.

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Research Activities For Middle School: Discussions, Tips, Exploration, And Learning Resources

February 6, 2024 //  by  Josilyn Markel

Learning to research effectively is an important skill that middle-school-aged students can learn and carry with them for their whole academic careers. The students in question will use these skills for everything from reading news articles to writing a systematic review of their sources. With increased demands on students these days, it’s never too early to introduce these sophisticated research skills. 

We’ve collected thirty of the best academic lessons for middle school students to learn about sophisticated research skills that they’ll use for the rest of their lives. 

1. Guiding Questions for Research

When you first give a research project to middle school students, it’s important to make sure that they really understand the research prompts. You can use this guiding questions tool with students to help them draw on existing knowledge to properly contextualize the prompt and assignment before they even pick up a pen. 

Learn More: Mrs. Spangler in the Middle

2. Teaching Research Essential Skills Bundle

This bundle touches on all the writing skills, planning strategies, and so-called soft skills that students will need to get started on their first research project. These resources are especially geared towards middle school-aged students to help them with cognitive control tasks plus engaging and active lessons. 

Learn More: Pinterest

3. How to Develop a Research Question

Before a middle school student can start their research time on task, they have to form a solid research question. This resource features activities for students that will help them identify a problem and then formulate a question that will guide their research project going first. 

Learn More: YouTube

4. Note-Taking Skills Infographic

For a strong introduction and/or systematic review of the importance of note-taking, look no further than this infographic. It covers several excellent strategies for taking the most important info from a source, and it also gives tips for using these strategies to strengthen writing skills. 

Learn More: Word Counter

5. Guide to Citing Online Sources

One of the more sophisticated research skills is learning to cite sources. These days, the internet is the most popular place to find research sources, so learning the citation styles for making detailed citations for internet sources is an excellent strategy. This is a skill that will stick with middle school students throughout their entire academic careers! 

Learn More: Educator’s Technology

6. Guided Student-Led Research Projects

This is a great way to boost communication between students while also encouraging choice and autonomy throughout the research process. This really opens up possibilities for students and boosts student activity and engagement throughout the whole project. The group setup also decreases the demands on students as individuals. 

Learn More: The Thinker Builder

7. Teaching Students to Fact-Check

Fact-checking is an important meta-analytic review skill that every student needs. This resource introduces probing questions that students can ask in order to ensure that the information they’re looking at is actually true. This can help them identify fake news, find more credible sources, and improve their overall sophisticated research skills. 

Learn More: Just Add Students

8. Fact-Checking Like a Pro

This resource features great teaching strategies (such as visualization) to help alleviate the demands on students when it comes to fact-checking their research sources. It’s perfect for middle school-aged students who want to follow the steps to make sure that they’re using credible sources in all of their research projects, for middle school and beyond!

9. Website Evaluation Activity

With this activity, you can use any website as a backdrop. This is a great way to help start the explanation of sources that will ultimately lead to helping students locate and identify credible sources (rather than fake news). With these probing questions, students will be able to evaluate websites effectively.

10. How to Take Notes in Class

This visually pleasing resource tells students everything they need to know about taking notes in a classroom setting. It goes over how to glean the most important information from the classroom teacher, and how to organize the info in real-time, and it gives tips for cognitive control tasks and other sophisticated research skills that will help students throughout the research and writing process. 

Learn More: Visualistan

11. Teaching Research Papers: Lesson Calendar

If you have no idea how you’re going to cover all the so-called soft skills, mini-lessons, and activities for students during your research unit, then don’t fret! This calendar breaks down exactly what you should be teaching, and when. It introduces planning strategies, credible sources, and all the other research topics with a logical and manageable flow. 

Learn More: Discover Hub Pages

12. Google Docs Features for Teaching Research

With this resource, you can explore all of the handy research-focused features that are already built into Google Docs! You can use it to build activities for students or to make your existing activities for students more tech-integrated. You can use this tool with students from the outset to get them interested and familiar with the Google Doc setup. 

13. Using Effective Keywords to Search the Internet

The internet is a huge place, and this vast amount of knowledge puts huge demands on students’ skills and cognition. That’s why they need to learn how to search online effectively, with the right keywords. This resource teaches middle school-aged students how to make the most of all the search features online. 

Learn More: Teachers Pay Teachers

14. How to Avoid Plagiarism: “Did I Plagiarize?” 

This student activity looks at the biggest faux pas in middle school research projects: plagiarism. These days, the possibilities for students to plagiarize are endless, so it’s important for them to learn about quotation marks, paraphrasing, and citations. This resource includes information on all of those and in a handy flow chart to keep them right!

Learn More: Twitter

15. 7 Tips for Recognizing Bias

This is a resource to help middle school-aged students recognize the differences between untrustworthy and credible sources. It gives a nice explanation of sources that are trustworthy and also offers a source of activities that students can use to test and practice identifying credible sources. 

Learn More: We Are Teachers

16. UNESCO’s Laws for Media Literacy

This is one of those great online resources that truly focuses on the students in question, and it serves a larger, global goal. It offers probing questions that can help middle school-aged children determine whether or not they’re looking at credible online resources. It also helps to strengthen the so-called soft skills that are necessary for completing research. 

Learn More: SLJ Blogs

17. Guide for Evaluating a News Article

Here are active lessons that students can use to learn more about evaluating a news article, whether it’s on a paper or online resource. It’s also a great tool to help solidify the concept of fake news and help students build an excellent strategy for identifying and utilizing credible online sources. 

Learn More: Valencia College

18. Middle School Research Projects Middle School Students Will Love

Here is a list of 30 great research projects for middle schoolers, along with cool examples of each one. It also goes through planning strategies and other so-called soft skills that your middle school-aged students will need in order to complete such projects.

Learn More: Madly Learning

19. Teaching Analysis with Body Biographies

This is a student activity and teaching strategy all rolled into one! It looks at the importance of research and biographies, which brings a human element to the research process. It also helps communication between students and helps them practice those so-called soft skills that come in handy while researching. 

Learn More: Study All Knight

20. Top Tips for Teaching Research in Middle School

When it comes to teaching middle school research, there are wrong answers and there are correct answers. You can learn all the correct answers and teaching strategies with this resource, which debunks several myths about teaching the writing process at the middle school level. 

Learn More: Teaching ELA with Joy

21. Teaching Students to Research Online: Lesson Plan

This is a ready-made lesson plan that is ready to present. You don’t have to do tons of preparation, and you’ll be able to explain the basic and foundational topics related to research. Plus, it includes a couple of activities to keep students engaged throughout this introductory lesson.

Learn More: Kathleen Morris

22. Project-Based Learning: Acceptance and Tolerance

This is a series of research projects that look at specific problems regarding acceptance and tolerance. It offers prompts for middle school-aged students that will get them to ask big questions about themselves and others in the world around them. 

Learn More: Sandy Cangelosi

23. 50 Tiny Lessons for Teaching Research Skills in Middle School

These fifty mini-lessons and activities for students will have middle school-aged students learning and applying research skills in small chunks. The mini-lessons approach allows students to get bite-sized information and focus on mastering and applying each step of the research process in turn. This way, with mini-lessons, students don’t get overwhelmed with the whole research process at once. In this way, mini-lessons are a great way to teach the whole research process!

24. Benefits of Research Projects for Middle School Students

Whenever you feel like it’s just not worth it to go to the trouble to teach your middle school-aged students about research, let this list motivate you! It’s a great reminder of all the great things that come with learning to do good research at an early age. 

Learn More: Thrive in Grade Five

25. Top 5 Study and Research Skills for Middle Schoolers

This is a great resource for a quick and easy overview of the top skills that middle schoolers will need before they dive into research. It outlines the most effective tools to help your students study and research well, throughout their academic careers. 

Learn More: Meagan Gets Real

26. Research with Informational Text: World Travelers

This travel-themed research project will have kids exploring the whole world with their questions and queries. It is a fun way to bring new destinations into the research-oriented classroom. 

Learn More: The Superhero Teacher

27. Project-Based Learning: Plan a Road Trip

If you want your middle school-aged students to get into the researching mood, have them plan a road trip! They’ll have to examine the prompt from several angles and collect data from several sources before they can put together a plan for an epic road trip. 

Learn More: Appletastic Learning

28. Methods for Motivating Writing Skills

When your students just are feeling up to the task of research-based writing, it’s time to break out these motivational methods. With these tips and tricks, you’ll be able to get your kids in the mood to research, question, and write!

29. How to Set Up a Student Research Station

This article tells you everything you need to know about a student center focused on sophisticated research skills. These student center activities are engaging and fun, and they touch on important topics in the research process, such as planning strategies, fact-checking skills, citation styles, and some so-called soft skills.

Learn More: Upper Elementary Snapshots

30. Learn to Skim and Scan to Make Research Easier

These activities for students are geared towards encouraging reading skills that will ultimately lead to better and easier research. The skills in question? Skimming and scanning. This will help students read more efficiently and effectively as they research from a variety of sources.

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An Ohio school banned cellphones. Turns out students actually like it

When was the last time you saw a group of teenagers interact for hours without a cellphone?

At Cincinnati Country Day School in Indian Hill, it happens every day.

Like most schools, Country Day has had a no cellphone policy for years. But kids, teachers and administrators alike admit it was rarely enforced − until this school year, when homeroom teachers started collecting students' phones to be returned at the end of the school day.

Isabel Ramirez, a senior and student body vice president, said she got her first cellphone when she was 13. She constantly used it to chat with friends on social media during the school day, she said, and even made TikToks during her advisory class as a freshman.

Now that she goes eight hours every day away from her phone, Isabel said she's gotten to know her peers better and said she's more productive.

"I go home, pretty much, with no homework now compared to my first couple years of high school," Isabel said.

Schools across the state are considering stricter cellphone policies in response to growing research that shows the devices negatively impact students' mental health, academics and social behavior. Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Lt. Gov. Jon Husted recently came out in favor of school cellphone bans, too.

Olivia Ims, an eighth-grader at Country Day, didn't get a cellphone herself until earlier this school year. But before then, she said, her classmates' phones got in the way of her building deeper connections with them There was still a no cellphone policy, but before teachers physically kept kids' phones out of sight, Olivia said, students would sneak off to the bathroom during class to check social media.

"In seventh grade, everyone was kind of in their own groups and they would always be talking about what video they saw on TikTok or on Snapchat or on Instagram," she said. "And I would always be clueless."

With the new cellphone policy this year, Olivia said her friends engage with each other more and talk about things everyone can relate to.

"Everything's just more positive now," she said.

What are other schools' cellphone policies?

The Enquirer reviewed dozens of cellphone policies at local school districts in southwest Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Some allow kids to use their cellphones during passing periods, before and after school and during lunch. Some require phones to be turned off and tucked away in backpacks or lockers all day. Several of the policies leave cellphone use up to individual teachers. Very few require kids to give up their phones all day like the new policy at Country Day.

More: Schools don't want kids on cellphones. Is banning them the solution?

Princeton High School's universal protocol requires students to drop off their phones at the start of each class period and then pick them up at the end of class. Teachers at Carlisle Jr./Sr. High School have that option, too. Phone caddies are set up in classrooms in case teachers choose to implement the rule.

Similarly, Mount Healthy Junior High School is piloting a program that requires students to place their phones in a lockbox at the start of each core class.

"The overall response has been positive and we are considering expanding the program districtwide," Superintendent Valerie Hawkins said.

Schools in other parts of Ohio, including Akron , use Yondr. The program provides pouches students use to store their phones during the school day, that unlock with a magnetic tap.

Cellphones, social media harmful to kids' mental health

While schools' policies vary, most educators and child advocates agree: overexposure to phones and social media aren't great for kids' mental health, concentration and overall well-being.

A 2023 advisory from the U.S. Surgeon General says up to 95% of kids ages 13-17 report they use social media. More than one-third say they use social media "almost constantly." The advisory lists potential mental health, academic and social detriments to kids in addition to compulsive behavior spurred by using social media. Excessive, uncontrollable use of social media platforms has been linked to sleep problems, attention problems and feeling excluded.

Matthew Wood, a freshman at Country Day, admits he has "a really unhealthy habit of constantly checking my phone for notifications." Before the new policy, when his phone was tucked away in his backpack, he said, he'd still check it throughout the day "just to see what popped up."

The new policy is "kind of freeing, in a sense," Matthew said, "to not feel like you need to check that every five seconds."

A consumer research study published in the University of Chicago Press Journals shows the mere presence of cellphones reduces cognitive capacity. A similar study from German researchers is included in the National Library of Medicine and found the presence of cellphones slows work performance and weakens attention spans.

Jeanette Hecker has been teaching world languages at Country Day for 25 years. Cellphones have hindered her students' long-term memories and note-taking skills, she said. Instead of memorizing or writing down instructions and notes during class, before the cellphone ban Hecker would watch students take photos of her board.

This year, she's noticed a shift back to good note-taking. Wood said he's taking better notes now, too.

What about emergencies?

Rob Zimmerman, head of Country Day School, said the research overwhelmingly supported his decision to ban cellphones. Even so, some parents were skeptical of the new policy at the start of the school year, he said. In many cases, parents were the ones contacting their kids during the school day.

"What if there's an emergency?" was a common point of pushback Zimmerman said he got from families.

But after speaking with local law enforcement, Zimmerman said it's actually best that kids don't have cellphones during emergencies. Accurate information and updates are crucial in those moments, and schools can better streamline communication and prevent misinformation from spreading if kids don't have their phones.

"It's been a hugely successful cultural shift for our community − more successful than I thought it might be," Zimmerman said. But he said he doesn't think a cellphone ban would work for every school in Cincinnati. "I also think it's not a one-size-fits-all approach."

Isabel said the transition was difficult at first, but now students are used to being phone-free during the school day. Sometimes, Wood said, he even forgets to get his phone at the end of the day.

"Now, everyone's so much more social," Olivia said. "It's so much more, like, an enjoyable day."

Master of Science in Gerontology Readies Student for Career in Global Public Health and Research

Home » Master of Science in Gerontology Readies Student for Career in Global Public Health and Research

For Alexander Woodman, a Master of Science in Gerontology was an important step in becoming a leading health researcher in the Middle East.

Alexander Woodman, MPH, MSG, PhD and Fulbright research scholar, has traveled across the globe to study public health and aging. From Southeast Asia to France and the Middle East, his guiding values as an investigator have been equity, justice and care.

Woodman is currently a U.S. Fulbright Research Scholar at the Arabian Gulf University School of Medicine in Manama, Bahrain. He contributes to the complex obesity map of the Gulf Cooperation Council, an initiative launched in Saudi Arabia in collaboration with leading research experts at King Fahad Medical Complex, where Woodman previously worked as the Head of Research. For nearly ten years, he has collaborated with leading clinical researchers, doctors, medical educators and ethicists in the Gulf region and beyond. He credits his time at the USC Leonard Davis School for preparing him for this important work.

Developing a sense of service and compassion

When Woodman was an undergraduate at UCLA, he volunteered at Cedars Sinai Medical Center where he spent time with patients in the intensive care unit. At Cedars Sinai, he personally witnessed people experiencing physical and psychological pain. It became the core basis for his lifelong mission of service and social engagement.

“Volunteering, which I did with passion, helped me develop a deeper understanding of service and compassion for the elderly and vulnerable populations,” he says. “It cultivated within me the person I am today and led me to the fields of medical research, public health and gerontology.”

Finding purpose in research

Woodman was drawn to research that improves people’s quality of life. He focuses on the well-being of communities, from small neighborhoods to entire countries and regions of the world. Woodman’s research spans global reproductive health, clinical research, and medical education. Simultaneously, he continues to explore social and emotional aspects of aging, along with behaviors and attitudes that affect human lifespan in different populations and environments.

Before coming to the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, Woodman completed a Master of Public Health at California State University, Fullerton. While there, he worked on a National Institutes of Health-funded project in Chiang Mai, Thailand. The goal of the project was to understand the attitudes of sex workers toward HIV, AIDS and HIV treatment.

Over the past few years, Woodman and his colleagues have published papers on a range of topics, including:

• Communicable and non-communicable diseases
• Women’s reproductive health and associated factors, such as genetic variations and coagulation factors
• Association of overweight and obesity with populations’ perceptions and knowledge about nutrition and health
• Medical education

Studying public health and aging in Saudi Arabia

One of Woodman’s current lines of research is obesity and the leptin gene. Leptin is a protein that helps maintain body weight. Some people have a variant of the gene that increases their risk for obesity. He studies the relationship between the prevalent leptin genetic variant and measurements such as body mass index (BMI) among Saudis in the Eastern Province.

As an undergraduate, Woodman minored in Near Eastern cultures, which inspired him to broaden his horizons and led him to the Middle East. He pursued health research in this region as part of his PhD at the University of Salford, Manchester (U.K.) There, leading public health experts provided valuable mentorship.

Woodman investigated and continues to study the Gulf region’s food guidelines, known as the Arab Food Dome. He wants to understand people’s attitudes towards the recommendations and how diet is related to longevity in the region.

USC Leonard Davis School: An important step

Woodman’s introduction to the concepts of diet and longevity occurred at the USC Leonard Davis School. As a Master of Science in Gerontology (MSG) student, he spent a summer conducting independent research for credit in Corsica, an island off the south of France. He documented food choices and other lifestyle factors in healthy older people.

Woodman’s MSG also prepared him to succeed at the doctoral level. Embarking on a PhD in the U.K. was challenging since the British educational system requires independent research and critical appraisal of evidence.

“I would not have been successful if not for the practice of reflexivity, which I consider the hallmark of excellent research. In this, the role and preparation by the leading experts of USC cannot and should not be underestimated,” Woodman says. “USC gave me the confidence to act as an independent researcher as part of my PhD study.”

Learning from the best

Woodman chose the USC Leonard Davis School to learn from passionate people who are leaders in their field. For Woodman, the “best” included:

• Mentor Aaron Hagedorn , PhD, who provided expert guidance
• Emeritus Dean of the Andrus Gerontology Center Edward Schneider, who is a pioneer in the aging field and an expert in medicine and biology
• Senior Associate Dean Maria Henke , whose leadership has led many to consider gerontology as a global, scientifically important undertaking

Woodman maintains connections with USC faculty. He recently published a study in the Journal of Community Health with Keck School of Medicine Associate Professor, Mellissa Withers . The study looked at factors of overweight and obesity among petrochemical company employees in Saudi Arabia.

Lifelong learning and achievement

Despite his achievements, Woodman frequently pursues additional educational and research opportunities. Recently, he completed a yearlong clinical research program at Harvard Medical School. He also attended a bioethics program at Yale University.

“My friends ask me, ‘When are you going to stop?’ but I cannot imagine my life without learning,” Woodman says. His hard work paid off with a Fulbright Research Fellowship supporting his work at Arabian Gulf University School of Medicine in Bahrain.

In addition to his research, as part of contribution to the local community, Woodman initiated and led a series of seminars and workshops aimed at training emerging Bahraini academicians in research methodology and scientific writing. He also began to explore how the concept “Nothing About Us Without Us” is perceived in Bahrain, one of the most inclusive countries in the world for people with disabilities, he adds.

As a researcher exploring diverse cultures, Woodman frequently asks himself, “Do I see and listen? Or do I just look and hear?” It seems clear that Woodman sees and listens to the people he studies — and cares deeply about their health and future.

To learn more about the Master of Science in Gerontology program at the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, call us at (213) 740-5156.

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US House Speaker Johnson Heckled and Booed at Columbia, Center of Gaza Protests

Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Mike Johnson (R-LA) speaks at a news conference at Columbia University in response to Demonstrators protesting in support of Palestinians, during the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in New York City, U.S., April 24, 2024. REUTERS/Jeenah Moon

By Jonathan Allen and Jane Ross

NEW YORK/LOS ANGELES (Reuters) -Columbia University students heckled U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday as he visited the flashpoint of nationwide student demonstrations over Israel's war in Gaza, as the school extended negotiations to end a protest encampment.

Johnson's visit to the Manhattan campus, which he said was meant to support Jewish students intimidated by some anti-Israeli demonstrators, took place shortly after the university extended a deadline by 48 hours to Friday morning to reach an agreement to remove an encampment that has come to symbolize the campus protest movement.

Some of the campus protests taking place coast to coast were met with shows of force from law enforcement.

War in Israel and Gaza

In Texas on Wednesday, state highway patrol troopers in riot gear and police on horseback broke up a protest at the University of Texas in Austin. The Texas Department of Public Safety posted on X that 34 people had been arrested.

The University of Southern California declared its campus closed and asked the Los Angeles Police Department to clear a demonstration. Police arrested students who peacefully surrendered one by one, hours after campus police who took down an encampment were overwhelmed by protesters and requested the LAPD's help.

The LAPD posted on X late on Wednesday that 93 people were arrested for trespassing and one for assault with a deadly weapon. No injuries were reported.

Students also demonstrated at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Cambridge and California State Polytechnic in Humboldt.

Protesters have demanded universities divest assets from Israel and seek to pressure the U.S. government to rein in Israeli strikes on civilians in Gaza, which have killed more than 34,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities.

Israel's fierce response followed a deadly Oct. 7 cross-border raid by Islamist militants from Hamas, which controls the Gaza enclave.

At Columbia, the heckling and booing, at times vulgar, that greeted Johnson did not drown him out, though he was hard to hear because he spoke to media microphones, not through loudspeakers.

"As Columbia has allowed these lawless radicals and agitators to take over, the virus of antisemitism has spread across other campuses," Johnson said from the steps of the university library, calling on violent protesters to be arrested and threatening to cut off federal funding to universities that fail to impose order.

Johnson, whose job as speaker of the House of Representatives has been threatened by ultraconservative Republicans in his caucus, could have expected a cold welcome from students on a campus known as a liberal bastion.

In a politically polarized country, conservatives can score points by being seen as standing up to liberal activists, many of whom say the Republican portrayals of antisemitic violence on campus are greatly exaggerated for political purposes.

Before his press conference, Johnson met with about 40 Jewish students on campus, according to students who were there. They said they were fearful to come onto the campus, citing testimony from Jewish students who said they had been spat on and seen swastikas drawn on the walls.

Students at the encampment say their protest has been peaceful and that outsiders not connected with their movement are behind any inflammatory confrontations off-campus.

"We regret that there's no attention on this peaceful movement and politicians are diverting attention from the real issues," said Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian student at Columbia who has been part of the negotiations with school administration.

Free speech advocates PEN America called the sudden escalation at the University of Texas "deeply alarming."

"The administration should be doing everything in their power to keep their students safe and the campus operating, but calling the state police to disperse a peaceful protest that had barely begun does the opposite," Kristen Shahverdian, PEN's campus free speech program director, said in a statement.

The political reverberations reached the White House, where press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said President Joe Biden believes free speech, debate and nondiscrimination are important on college campuses.

"We want to see this be peaceful," Jean-Pierre said in Wednesday's press briefing. "It is important that students feel safe... It should not be violent, it should not be hateful rhetoric."

(Reporting by Jonathan Allen in New York, Jane Ross in Los Angeles, Brendan O'Brien in Chicago, Trevor Hunnicutt and Kanishka Singh in Washington, and Daniel Trotta in Carlsbad, California; Additional reporting by Chandni Shah in Bengaluru; Editing by Deepa Babington, Stephen Coates and William Mallard)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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