6 Research-Based Programs to Support Social Studies, Science and Arts

For the past few weeks, the Branching Minds team has been working to identify research-based supports that could help educators achieve successful remote learning, whether that be through learning packets or digital instruction. We started off with a post on high-leverage research-based programs and one on strategies that support reading and mathematics, and then another post focused on supporting students’ social-emotional health. This post is geared towards supporting social studies, science, and the arts.

Annenberg Learning (Middle/High)
For middle and high school students with access to the internet, Annenberg Learning is a comprehensive resource for Science, Social Studies, and the Arts. Students can learn about the rock cycle, what it was like to live in the middle ages or explore the world of music. The content includes interactive online modules that students can work through independently along with quizzes to test their knowledge. The content is also searchable across grade and topic areas.

National Geographic Education
National Geographic’s education site provides Science and Social Studies lesson plans for all grade levels (K-12). The content is searchable by grade and topic and each lesson can be downloaded and printed to be shared with students offline. Lessons include questions, key vocabulary, fast facts, and activities that can be done at home. For example, students can track the movement of the sun throughout the day or make a community map in their neighborhood. More online interactive activities for younger students can be found at National Geographic for kids. 

Google Earth Voyager 
This interactive online resource can be used across grade levels to give students an immersive experience learning about science, the environment, and geography. Students can visit the international space station or learn about modern human migration. It also includes games and quizzes to test students’ knowledge of topics such as transportation, space, and animals. Additional resources for educators, such as lesson plans can be found at Google Earth Education.

Teaching Tolerance
This website provides lessons and learning plans that teach a variety of Social Studies topics related to tolerance, diversity, critical thinking, and activism for students across all grade levels. For example, students can learn how to be sensible consumers or about their own identity through the poems by Maya Angelou. The resources can be searched by grade level and topic area. They also have material specifically to help educators and students cope with the COVID-19 pandemic. The lessons are accessible online and can be downloaded and printed for offline use.

Google Arts and Culture
This online resource is ideal for high school students studying Art and Art History. Students can browse collections from world-renowned museums and art galleries or learn about art and culture related to specific historical events. This resource can also supplement existing at-home History, Geography, and Social Studies lessons. It is also a great place for Art and History educators to get ideas and inspiration for lessons and activities. 

Digital Civics Toolkit (Middle/High)
This website houses a collection of resources for teaching middle and high school students about digital civic engagement and decision-making. Each module contains a conversation starter, several activities, and a closing reflection. Students engage in critical thinking related to real-world issues, such as analyzing news headlines and identifying important members of their community. The modules can also be easily adapted for at-home learning. For example, instead of interviewing a community member in person, students can speak with them on the phone or video chat.

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