YouTube offers a wealth of educational science content for curious young minds. Animated videos, hands-on experiments, virtual field trips and interviews with experts make learning interactive and fun. Here are 12 of the top STEM-focused YouTube channels that make science accessible for kids of all ages.
1. SciShow Kids
Age Range: 6-12 years
From butterflies to bubbles, planets to plants, SciShow Kids tackles core science topics through animated and live-action videos. Upbeat hosts explain concepts clearly and perform simple experiments using everyday materials. Videos focusing on how and why things work reinforce fundamental STEM foundations.
2. Science Max
Age Range: 5-10 years
Follow along as Phil the scientist demonstrates exciting hands-on science experiments like making a lava lamp and hovercraft at home. Young viewers gain exposure to concepts from air pressure to polymers through engaging DIY projects with readily available materials.
3. TheBrainScoop
Age Range: 10-14 years
This fascinating channel presented by natural history museum staff takes kids behind the scenes to see how scientists work with animal collections. Oddities like taxidermy and skeletons offer quirky hooks into learning about species and conservation.
4. Physics Girl
Age Range: 8-12 years
Dianna Cowern makes physics concepts approachable through creative experiments like using sound waves to make fire and testing gravity theories with falling paper tubes. VIEWERS gain an understanding of key principles through visually compelling investigations.
5. National Geographic Kids
Age Range: 6-12 years
From exploring extreme weather phenomena to learning about cat myths, Nat Geo’s youth-focused channel informs and entertains. Videos take kids on vicarious adventures to expand worldly knowledge on topics spanning science, nature and culture.
6. SciFri Kids
Age Range: 7-12 years
Hosted by biologist and educator Ira Flatow, this video series presents fascinating STEM content for curious kids based on topics from the Science Friday radio show. Youth interviews, animation and experiments make complex subjects accessible.
7. Sick Science!
Age Range: 8-12 years
Steve Spangler’s wacky experiments like creating enormous foam eruptions capture kids’ imagination. While seemingly chaotic, each video imparts core concepts across physics, chemistry and biology. Bonus parent resources provide learning extension opportunities.
8. ScienceTV Kids
Age Range: 5-10 years
These fast-paced videos use eye-catching visuals, narration and on-screen text to unpack topics across biology, engineering, physics and technology. The mixture of real-world footage, graphics and animations enhances engagement and comprehension.
9. SciShow
Age Range: 12-16 years
While broader than just science, SciShow explores amazing STEM topics, like black holes, robotics, and genetic engineering, in depth. Clear explanations make complex subject matter understandable. Thought-provoking content suits young teens ready for advanced material.
10. The Happy Scientist
Age Range: 5-10 years
The Happy Scientist brings science to life through entertaining home experiments kids can try themselves. From magic tricks relying on science to making slime or playdough, hands-on fun shows science principles in action.
11. Space Science Kids
Age Range: 8-12 years
Young astronomy buffs gain stellar knowledge through this channel focused on space science. Concepts like solar systems, satellites, spaceflight and more come to life through engaging animations and enthusiastic hosts. Out-of-this-world footage provides vicarious galactic adventures.
12. Engineering Family
Age Range: 6-12 years
Civil engineer Danielle creates weekly videos exploring design through hands-on building challenges, behind-the-scenes site tours and interviews. Kids gain exposure to diverse engineering feats shaping the world around us in relatable ways.
Science opens up incredible worlds of understanding and discovery for children. YouTube’s wealth of educational STEM content makes it accessible and entertaining through multi-sensory videos. Visually-compelling channels tailored to various age groups provide screens time that fosters learning,sparking an early passion for science.
