Parents and teachers would likely agree that supplementing traditional classroom learning with engaging online resources can enhance students' educational experiences.
Leveraging the best YouTube channels allows educators to tap into a vast library of supplemental video content across diverse subjects and age groups.
In this post, we will explore the top 12 YouTube channels that can be effectively integrated into lesson plans to motivate students, spur critical thinking, and expand their knowledge in core subjects as well as specialized interests.
Introduction to Educational YouTube Channels
Educators are always looking for ways to supplement classroom learning and enhance student engagement. YouTube offers a treasure trove of educational content that can be integrated into lesson plans to reinforce concepts, provide real-world examples, and make learning fun. This article will introduce 12 of the best YouTube channels that teachers can utilize to augment in-class instruction across a variety of subjects and grade levels.
The Role of YouTube in Supplemental Education
YouTube has become an invaluable resource for supplemental education. With the wealth of educational channels available, teachers can easily find videos to use in conjunction with textbooks and curriculums.
Some of the key benefits of using YouTube for education include:
- Engaging visual format - Videos appeal to visual learners and help concepts stick.
- Real-world connections - Seeing concepts applied makes them relevant.
- Accessibility - Students can rewatch videos to reinforce learning.
- Variety - There are channels specializing in all topics and grade levels.
We will be covering 12 YouTube channels offering high-quality, vetted educational content applicable across subjects, including science, math, history, art, and more.
Selecting the Best Educational YouTube Channels
With the sheer volume of channels available, it can be daunting finding ones that offer curriculum-relevant content. To compile this list, channels were evaluated based on the following key criteria:
- Production quality
- Accuracy of educational content
- Engaging and visually-appealing presentation
- Alignment to school subjects and standards
- Positive teacher reviews and recommendations
- Features like closed captioning and transcripts
The top 12 channels selected excel across these metrics, providing trustworthy, high-quality content teachers can confidently utilize to reinforce classroom learning.
Which is the best educational channel on YouTube?
YouTube offers a wealth of educational content across subjects. Based on the context provided, here are some of the best YouTube channels for supplementing classroom learning:
Khan Academy
With over 15 million subscribers, Khan Academy offers thousands of curriculum-aligned videos and exercises on topics spanning math, science, economics, grammar, history, and more. The content is created by experts and teachers, making it a great supplemental resource for students.
Crash Course
Crash Course features high-quality animated videos on literature, world history, biology, ecology, chemistry, and other subjects. The fast-paced videos make learning engaging for students.
TED-Ed
TED-Ed has a library of short animated educational videos that cover everything from arts to business to science. The videos stimulate curiosity and make learning fun.
SciShow
If you're looking for science education, SciShow is a great YouTube channel to check out. It produces entertaining videos on physics, chemistry, biology, space, technology and more.
While these are some of the best, there are many other excellent educational YouTube channels worth exploring as supplemental learning tools for students. The key is finding channels that create curriculum-relevant content in engaging formats.
How YouTube can be used to enhance students learning?
YouTube offers a vast library of educational videos that can supplement classroom learning in engaging and meaningful ways. Here are some of the key benefits of using YouTube in the classroom:
Increases Student Engagement
Educational YouTube videos can capture students' attention and spark their curiosity through dynamic visuals, real-world examples, and entertaining hosts. This increased engagement leads to better focus and retention of key lessons.
Provides Access to Expert Explanations
YouTube grants access to educational content created by experts in their respective fields. From scientists to historians, students can learn directly from authorities on complex topics broken down into more easily digestible videos.
Allows Self-Paced Learning
Students can pause, rewind and re-watch YouTube videos at their own pace until concepts are fully grasped. This facilitates differentiated instruction and mastery-based learning.
Inspires Passions and Hobbies
Beyond core academics, YouTube opens doors to specialized niches like arts, sports, technology etc. This exposure can uncover hidden talents and shape future aspirations.
Promotes Media Literacy
Analyzing and evaluating online video content promotes critical thinking skills. Guiding students to identify trustworthy educational channels is key.
With mindful integration, YouTube can engage digitally-native students effectively. But supervision is still needed to ensure appropriate, high-quality content is being accessed.
Who is the best educator in YouTube?
TED-Ed and Khan Academy stand out as two of the best educators on YouTube when it comes to creating engaging and informative educational videos.
TED-Ed
TED-Ed has a vast library of animated video lessons covering topics in science, history, math, literature, and more. These videos break down complex concepts in an easy-to-understand format. Some key benefits of TED-Ed include:
- Professionally animated videos that appeal to multiple learning styles
- Thought-provoking topics that supplement classroom curriculum
- Short 5-10 minute videos that can be shown in class
- Quizzes and supplemental materials for teachers
Khan Academy
Khan Academy offers practice exercises and instructional videos in math, science, economics, and more. Some of its standout features are:
- Over 5,000 video lessons illustrating concepts step-by-step
- Personalized learning dashboard to track progress
- Useful for flipped classroom model and blended learning
- Math instruction from basic math to advanced concepts
- User-friendly interface for students and teachers
In addition to these two channels, other honorable mentions for great educator YouTubers are CrashCourse, Professor Dave Explains, and English with Lucy. They all create binge-worthy videos that make learning entertaining.
What is the YouTube channel for kids learning?
Socratica Kids is an excellent educational YouTube channel for children over 3 years old. It creates fun and engaging videos to teach kids about topics like the alphabet, numbers, basic math, science, nursery rhymes, and more.
Some key things that make Socratica Kids a top YouTube channel for supplemental classroom learning include:
- Entertaining animation and music: The videos feature colorful animation and catchy songs that grab kids' attention and help them retain information.
- Clear explanations: Concepts are broken down into easy-to-understand steps with visual examples. This helps kids grasp ideas more easily.
- Range of topics: From letters and counting to basic science and social concepts, Socratica Kids covers a wide range of early learning topics.
- Short videos: Most videos are 2-5 minutes long - perfect to show during classroom breaks or assign for at-home learning.
- Associated games: The channel offers games to reinforce concepts learned in the videos through interactive activities.
By combining education and entertainment, Socratica Kids makes learning enjoyable for young students. Teachers can use these videos to introduce or supplement preschool and early elementary lessons in a lively manner. With over 500,000 subscribers, it remains a top choice for educational YouTube channels aimed at the toddler and preschool demographic.
Khan Academy: A Comprehensive Learning Platform
Khan Academy is considered one of the best free online education platforms, offering over 10,000 video lessons and exercises covering a wide range of academic subjects. Its comprehensive curriculum and adaptive learning features make it a valuable supplemental resource for classrooms.
Some key strengths of Khan Academy include:
- Over 5,000 math lessons from early math to advanced calculus and statistics. The lessons build conceptual understanding through visualizations and real-world applications.
- Hundreds of science lessons across biology, chemistry, physics, and more. The videos explain concepts clearly and concisely.
- Differentiated instruction capabilities. Teachers can assign specific activities based on individual student needs and skill levels.
- Supplemental exercises to reinforce lessons. These include quizzes, unit tests, and mastery challenges to test student knowledge.
- Progress reporting tools provide insight into how students are performing on assignments. This helps teachers identify knowledge gaps.
Overall, Khan Academy's comprehensive curriculum, adaptive features, and classroom integration capabilities make it a highly valuable platform for supplementing learning.
Mathematics Online and Science Education with Khan Academy
Khan Academy covers a wide range of academic subjects, with a strong focus on mathematics and science education.
Some of the key subject areas include:
- Math - Early math, arithmetic, pre-algebra, algebra I, geometry, algebra II, trigonometry, statistics and probability, differential calculus, integral calculus and more.
- Science - Biology, chemistry, organic chemistry, physics, cosmology and astronomy.
- Computing - Computer programming and computer science.
- Arts & Humanities - Art history, civics, finance, grammar and more.
- Economics & Finance - Macroeconomics, microeconomics, personal finance.
The platform continues to expand its course offerings over time. But the main emphasis remains on building strong mathematical and scientific foundations.
Khan Academy's EdTech Tools for Classroom Learning
Khan Academy offers several features specifically designed to aid classroom learning:
- Custom playlists - Teachers can use these to assign lessons, quizzes and mastery challenges to students. Playlists can be differentiated based on individual student needs.
- Progress reporting - Teachers get insight into which students may be struggling with particular topics. This helps guide interventions and reteaching.
- Assignment features - Teachers can set due dates, point values and mastery thresholds for assignments. This helps track student performance.
By integrating these tools into everyday teaching, educators can leverage Khan Academy to supplement in-class instruction efficiently. The platform's breadth of lessons and adaptive learning features make it impactful for classrooms.
Crash Course: Engaging Educational Videos for Classrooms
Crash Course is known for its high-quality educational videos that cover a wide range of academic subjects. The videos feature energetic hosts, eye-catching animations, and quizzes to reinforce learning. This makes Crash Course an excellent supplemental resource for middle school and high school classrooms.
Diverse Topics and History Education on Crash Course
Beyond core subjects like science, math and English, Crash Course has dedicated channels for world history, US history, literature, film studies, and more. For example, Crash Course World History reviews major events across different cultures and time periods. The videos dive into ancient civilizations, the middle ages, revolutions, and more. Teachers can easily integrate these history videos to complement lessons.
Crash Course also has a Kids channel aimed at elementary school students. These animated videos teach basic concepts in science, social studies, and math. The hosts maintain an enthusiastic tone that keeps young viewers engaged.
Integrating Crash Course into Classroom Curricula
Here are some examples of how Crash Course can enhance classroom learning:
- Assign Crash Course Psychology videos to provide an introductory overview before diving into more advanced concepts. The videos explain key terminology in an easy-to-understand format.
- Show Crash Course Astronomy videos when covering related topics like the solar system, stars, galaxies, and more. The videos feature excellent visuals to reinforce learning.
- Use Crash Course videos to flip the classroom. Have students watch an overview video at home and then engage in active learning during class time.
- Show videos on niche topics like Crash Course Film Production to give students exposure to potential career paths.
- Have students take the end-of-video quizzes to assess comprehension of the content covered.
Overall, Crash Course is an excellent free resource for supplemental videos across a wide range of high school and middle school topics. The combination of energetic hosts, engaging visuals, and reinforcement quizzes make the videos a versatile tool to integrate into classroom curricula.
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TED-Ed: Animated Educational Content for Engaged Learning
TED-Ed is an award-winning educational YouTube channel that creates short, animated video lessons to spark curiosity and engage learners. With over 1,300+ original animated videos and a growing library of supplemental materials, TED-Ed brings expert educators and riveting ideas to classrooms around the world.
Some of the key advantages of using TED-Ed include:
- Thought-provoking talks on diverse topics to stimulate discussion and critical thinking
- Visually engaging animated videos to explain complex concepts clearly
- Customizable lessons and assessments for teachers to tailor content to their class
- Quizzes and discussion questions to actively involve students
- Options to add context through additional resources like articles, images, discussion prompts
- Captions available in over 80 languages to improve accessibility
Overall, TED-Ed creates high-quality, animated lessons that both students and teachers love for their ability to inspire, educate and bring abstract ideas to life.
Exploring Educational Topics with TED-Ed
TED-Ed covers a wide breadth of educational topics across subject areas like science, social studies, arts, and more. Students can explore hundreds of animated video lessons explaining concepts related to:
- Biology topics like neuroscience, genetics, plant science, ecosystems
- Physics principles behind astronomy, energy, flight, electricity
- Notable events and people shaping world history and culture
- Insights from renowned philosophers and thinkers
- The art and science behind music, painting, architecture across eras
- The inner workings of the human mind and body
With new videos published every week, there's always something new for students to discover and supplement their classroom learning.
Creating Custom Lessons with TED-Ed's Teacher Resources
TED-Ed makes it easy for teachers to tailor video content to their unique lesson plans. Educators can use TED-Ed's simple digital tools to build customized lessons featuring TED-Ed videos, follow-up assignments, contextual resources and assessments.
Key features of TED-Ed lessons include:
- Adding comprehension and discussion questions
- Attaching relevant articles, images, prompts for deeper inquiry
- Creating multiple choice or open-ended quiz questions
- Adjusting difficulty levels for differentiated learning
- Translating text into 80+ languages
- Sharing lessons with colleagues and students
By personalizing videos with related activities and assessments, teachers can adapt TED-Ed content to fit their curriculum goals and student needs.
With its continually growing library of thought-provoking animated video lessons and teacher-friendly customization tools, TED-Ed enriches classrooms around the world with engaging educational content.
PBS Digital Studios and KQED Education: Trusted Educational Resources
PBS Digital Studios: A Hub for Science and Art Education
PBS Digital Studios produces high-quality educational videos on science, math, history, and more. Its popular YouTube channels like It's Okay to Be Smart, Physics Girl, and Gross Science provide engaging science lessons. PBS also offers arts education through channels like The Art Assignment. Teachers can utilize free classroom resources like lesson plans and student activities.
Key strengths:
- Trusted source of educational content
- Engaging and entertaining video formats
- Customizable classroom resources
- Covers diverse topics like science, math, art etc.
KQED Education: Cultivating Critical Thinking through Media
The KQED Education YouTube channel features videos aimed at developing critical thinking skills in students. It encourages students to analyze media messages, think independently, and become civically engaged. Videos like Above the Noise take a balanced journalistic approach in tackling complex topics. Lesson plans are also available to supplement videos.
Key strengths:
- Develops critical thinking and media literacy
- Balanced and unbiased analysis of issues
- News-style format makes content engaging
- Lesson plans tie videos to curriculum
Specialized YouTube Channels for Science and Math
SciShow: A Gateway to Science Experiments and Discovery
SciShow is an educational YouTube channel that makes complex scientific topics fun and accessible for students of all ages. With over 8 million subscribers, SciShow explores everything from quantum physics to the science of emotions in energetic and engaging videos.
The channel is hosted by science educators like Hank Green who break down complicated ideas into understandable concepts. For example, SciShow has a series on the chemistry of common household items that demonstrates science experiments using materials students likely have at home. These kinds of hands-on videos can supplement classroom learning and spark students' interest in conducting their own scientific investigation.
SciShow also covers new and exciting discoveries like the latest findings in space exploration or newly discovered species. Teachers can use these cutting edge videos to show how science is an ongoing and dynamic process. The enthusiastic and quirky hosting style also grabs students' attention, helping get them excited about topics they may find boring in textbooks.
Numberphile: Making Mathematics Online Fun and Accessible
With over 3 million subscribers, Numberphile has become one of YouTube's most popular channels for making math engaging. The channel's upbeat hosts present mathematical concepts through interesting puzzles, real-world examples, and counterintuitive ideas.
Numberphile's extensive video library covers topics ranging from simple arithmetic to advanced calculus. However, the videos focus more on math concepts than computations, making them a great supplemental resource. For example, Numberphile has a series on infinity, prime numbers, and other abstract ideas that can expand students' understanding beyond textbook formulas.
The channel also frequently features mathematician guest stars who share fascinating insights like the math behind juggling patterns or a geometric solution to the rope around the earth puzzle. These kinds of novel, outside-the-box approaches can help students view math as an explorable world of patterns rather than a set of rigid rules.
With enjoyable hosts and intriguing mathematical ideas translated into plain language, Numberphile makes math online as entertaining as it is educational. The channel is an engaging resource for getting students to look at math from new perspectives.
National Geographic: Bringing the World into the Classroom
Exploring Geography and Environmental Science with National Geographic
National Geographic's YouTube channel offers an extensive library of high-quality, award-winning documentary films focused on science, nature, wildlife, geography, history, and cultures around the world. These visually stunning and informative films can engage students' curiosity and supplement classroom lessons across various subjects.
Specifically, NatGeo's videos provide excellent content for geography and environmental science classes. Students can explore landforms, ecosystems, climate patterns, and more through NatGeo's up-close look at landscapes across the planet. Videos on wildlife, conservation, and the impacts of climate change also connect to environmental science curriculum. Seeing these global environments and issues first-hand helps lessons resonate more with students.
Some featured series to leverage include "Planet or Plastic", which examines the global plastic pollution crisis; "Lost Cities", uncovering forgotten ancient metropolises; and blue-chip specials like "Jane Goodall: The Hope". NatGeo films inspire awe for the natural world and can prompt meaningful discussions around humankind's relationship with the planet.
National Geographic's Educational Content for Global Awareness
Beyond science and geography, National Geographic's YouTube channel also aims to foster global awareness and cultural understanding. Students can virtually explore other countries and civilizations to expand their worldviews.
Series like "How the World Works" breakdown complex global systems for students, from the international economy to the dynamics of religious faiths worldwide. Other videos provide an inside look into contemporary and historical cultures everywhere from Africa to Asia. Students gain exposure to different ways of life and see the human stories behind current events and societal developments.
By bringing these global perspectives into the classroom, NatGeo's educational videos help students appreciate diversity and context in an increasingly interconnected world. They can supplement lessons on world cultures and history as well as spur questions and reflections around cross-cultural connections. Overall, NatGeo gives students a passport to become global citizens through online learning.
Innovative Educational Channels for Young Learners
Educational YouTube channels can be great supplemental resources for fostering learning and development in young children. When selected carefully, these channels introduce concepts in engaging ways that capture children's attention and imagination.
Educational YouTube Channels for Kids: Early Learning Resources
Here are some top YouTube channels for early learning:
- Sesame Street: This classic channel features Elmo, Cookie Monster and friends while teaching numbers, letters, STEM concepts, and social-emotional skills. The content is lively, musical, and age-appropriate for toddlers and preschoolers.
- Super Simple Songs: This channel uses catchy songs and vibrant animations to teach the alphabet, numbers, shapes, colors, and more. Toddlers learn through repetition and fun.
- StoryBots: These animated videos make learning fun with musical adventures that cover reading, science, math, and more. The content is lively, colorful, and educational.
- Blippi: Popular character Blippi takes kids on educational adventures to playgrounds, museums, farms, and more. Toddlers learn numbers, letters, colors, animals, vehicles, and basic concepts.
- Little Baby Bum: Simple 3D animation videos teach numbers, letters, shapes, colors, animals, vehicles, and basic skills through repetitive songs and rhymes. The slow pacing works well for infants through preschoolers.
Special Education Resources on YouTube
YouTube channels that create content for special education needs can also be useful, including:
- Speech Tree TV: Teaches communication skills like articulation, pronunciation, and language skills using songs, games, and play. Helpful for speech delays.
- OT Miri: Uses fun activities to improve fine motor skills, sensory processing, and more occupational therapy-related skills. Great for special needs.
- The Autism Helper: Teaches communication, behavior regulation, social skills, and life skills for autistic kids through songs, games and visuals. Very engaging content.
With the right balance of entertainment and education, YouTube can be a valuable resource for early learning. Look for channels that use repetition, visuals, songs, stories, and characters to deliver age-appropriate content. Monitor kids' viewing and choose channels carefully for maximum benefit.
Leveraging YouTube for Language and Specialized Subject Learning
YouTube offers a wealth of educational content that can supplement classroom learning across various subjects. This section explores channels focused on enhancing English language proficiency and learning specialized topics like art, physical education, and more.
Language Learning Channels: Enhancing English Proficiency
YouTube has numerous language learning channels that provide engaging and effective ways to improve English skills. Some top recommendations include:
- EnglishClass101 - Offers thousands of video lessons for all proficiency levels. Lessons integrate vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, culture, and real-world usage.
- BBC Learning English - Provides free videos on grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, business English, and more. Created by language experts and aligned to CEFR levels.
- Rachel's English - Focuses on American English pronunciation and speaking skills. Great for intermediate learners looking to sound more native-like.
- JenniferESL - Specializes in conversational American English. Videos cover idioms, phrasal verbs, slang, and everyday dialogues.
- Learn English with Cambridge - Cambridge University's channel with lessons for grammar, listening, speaking, reading, and writing.
These channels make learning English engaging through real-world dialogues, expert instruction, captivating visuals, and opportunities to practice. They are excellent supplemental resources for developing well-rounded English proficiency.
Art and Physical Education: Creative and Active Learning on YouTube
Beyond core subjects, YouTube also has exceptional channels for art and physical education:
- Art for Kids Hub - Teaches kids how to draw, paint, and craft incredible artworks step-by-step. Videos spark creativity through fun projects.
- TheArtofSimpleYoga - Hatha yoga channel providing sequences for flexibility, strength, balance, relaxation, and more. Beginner-friendly tutorials.
- The Body Coach TV - Features at-home no-equipment workouts for all fitness levels. Upbeat and energetic exercise routines.
- Cosmic Kids Yoga - Yoga, mindfulness, and relaxation designed for kids aged 3+. Features creative adventures that build strength.
These channels turn art and physical education into enjoyable learning experiences that unlock creativity, activity, and self-expression. They are great for supplemental subject matter engagement.
YouTube offers specialized supplemental education spanning language proficiency, art, physical education, and beyond. These channels provide schools and parents with valuable resources for reinforcing classroom learning across diverse subjects.
Best Practices for Integrating YouTube Educational Channels
Evaluating Educational Content for Classroom Use
When selecting YouTube channels and videos for classroom use, teachers should evaluate the content based on factors such as:
- Accuracy: Is the information presented factually correct and supported by credible sources? Misinformation can negatively impact student learning.
- Alignment to Curriculum: Does the content directly tie into lesson plans and learning objectives? Videos that closely match the curriculum make useful supplements.
- Design of Supplemental Materials: Are discussion questions, activities, assignments etc. provided to encourage active learning? Materials that spur critical thinking and analysis are ideal.
- Production Quality: Are the videos well-structured with high quality visuals and audio? Higher production value keeps students engaged.
- Length: Are videos concise and focused? Shorter videos may suit younger audiences better.
- Interactivity: Do videos encourage participation through quizzes, prompts etc.? Interactive elements promote active viewing.
- Accessibility: Do videos have closed captions and transcripts? Accommodating different learning needs is important.
Strategies for Implementing YouTube in the Classroom
Effective ways to integrate YouTube content into teaching include:
- Flipped Classrooms: Assign videos as homework to introduce concepts, while using class time for discussions, activities etc.
- Starting Discussions: Show videos at the start of class to spur conversations around key topics.
- Student Presentations: Have students find and present videos to demonstrate understanding.
- Group Projects: Assign groups to create their own educational videos on course topics.
- Interactive Viewing: Pause videos at key points and have students answer prompts.
- Supplementary Material: Use videos to provide additional examples and perspectives on subjects covered in textbooks.
- Assigning Playlists: Curate YouTube playlists around themes aligned to what is being taught.
No matter the implementation strategy, actively connecting video content to course objectives is key for effective learning.
Conclusion: Embracing YouTube Channels for Enhanced Learning
YouTube offers a wealth of educational content that can greatly enrich classroom learning when used thoughtfully. From crash courses on academic subjects to documentaries exploring real-world topics, there are many high-quality YouTube channels that teachers can utilize to supplement their lessons.
Summarizing the Best Educators on YouTube
When evaluating YouTube channels, focus on educational quality and relevance rather than just entertainment value. Seek out channels that:
- Are created by reputable educational organizations (e.g. Khan Academy, Crash Course)
- Align to curriculum standards and learning objectives
- Spark student engagement with high production quality
- Encourage active learning through discussion prompts
Set expectations for appropriate, focused viewing to maximize impact. Guide students to take notes, reflect on connections, and have accountable talk after viewing videos.
Embracing supplemental YouTube content allows teachers to tap into a vast free resource to enhance instruction. With some discernment, these channels can meaningfully augment learning across all disciplines.
