Research Websites for Kids: Safe Sites for K-5 Elementary

These research websites for kids have been tested and used in elementary classrooms. They’re either kid-safe search engines or self-contained sites where students can’t accidentally land on inappropriate content. Some are free and some require a school subscription. Those are noted below.

If you want your students doing research on a specific animal or historical figure without navigating the open web at all, my Animal Articles and Biography Collection come with built-in QR codes linking to vetted research sites.

9 Website Resources for Safe Online Research

Below are 9 research websites for safe online research. Some of the resources below are search engines, and some are self-contained websites that don’t allow outside resources.

The best research websites for kids include Kiddle, Ducksters, National Geographic Kids, PebbleGo, and Safe Search Kids. Each one either filters search results for age-appropriate content or keeps all content on its own platform, so students can research independently without accidentally landing on something inappropriate.

We use many of these great research websites in our informational articles, providing links to additional research options via QR Codes. Hopefully, you can find a few to use in your classroom, too!

Safe Search Engines

Below is the list of safe search engines that students can use for research in elementary school classrooms. These search tools tend to use Google Safe Search or another platform to block harmful content.

Google Safe Search

Google is probably the most popular search engine used by both kids and adults alike. However, it’s no secret that some search results can be inappropriate for young learners. That’s where Google SafeSearch comes in. It’s a feature that filters out explicit content from Google’s search results.

To turn this feature on, scroll to the bottom of Google Search and click “Settings.” From there, click on “Search Settings,” and then turn on “SafeSearch.”

Sweet Search

Sweet Search is a search engine that’s designed specifically for students. It’s a resource for finding reliable and age-appropriate content from credible sources. The site has been evaluated by educators and search experts to ensure the content is suitable for elementary students. Sweet Search even has a feature that allows students to save their research results and create bibliographies.

Kiddle

Kiddle is another research tool designed specifically for kids. This visually appealing search engine uses Google SafeSearch and a team of editors to ensure the safety and appropriateness of its content. When a student searches Kiddle, the first few results are always from safe sites and pages written specifically for kids, checked and approved by Kiddle editors.

Subsequent results are from sites that, while not written specifically for kids, are simple enough to understand and have been filtered for any inappropriate content. This makes Kiddle a reliable platform for elementary students to conduct secure and effective research. Visit Kiddle to explore more.

Safe Search Kids

Safe Search Kids is a powerful online search tool crafted specifically with the safety of young learners in mind. Powered by Google, Safe Search Kids delivers filtered search results, eliminating the risk of exposing kids to inappropriate content.

But it’s more than just a search engine – it offers a multitude of educational resources, including tutorials on internet safety, cyberbullying awareness, and digital citizenship, making it a comprehensive platform for both safe online research and digital education.

This unique blend of reliable search functionality and valuable educational resources makes Safe Search Kids a must-have tool for elementary students navigating the digital world. Visit Safe Search Kids to learn more.

Self-contained Websites with Search Features

The following websites are self-contained platforms that do not use external search engines and host all content on their sites. These options will be the safest free educational websites for students, where you can take your students on virtual field trips. They may include kid-friendly videos and pictures.

National Geographic Kids

National Geographic Kids is not only a solid resource for educating kids about the natural world, but it also has a research section that’s perfect for elementary students. It is one of the best kid-friendly science websites, with fun facts. It’s perfect for teachers’ lesson plans

The site features a variety of topics, including animals, science, and history. National Geographic Kids also includes games, videos, and quizzes to make learning more engaging and fun.

PebbleGo

PebbleGo is a research tool specifically designed for elementary students in grades K-3. The site features articles and multimedia resources on a variety of subjects, including animals, science, and social studies. PebbleGo is an solid resource for young learners because it’s easy to use and the content is written in a way they can understand.

Ducksters

Ducksters is an educational website that offers a variety of interesting and engaging content on subjects such as history, geography, science, and biographies. The content is written in a kid-friendly manner, making it easy for elementary students to understand and absorb the information.

What makes Ducksters a great research tool for young learners is the depth and breadth of its resources. Whether a student is interested in learning more about the civil rights movement, space exploration, or the life cycle of a frog, Ducksters has it all covered. The site also includes quizzes at the end of each topic, allowing students to test their knowledge and reinforce what they have learned. This makes Ducksters not just a valuable research tool but also a platform for interactive learning.

Is Ducksters a Reliable Source for Students?

Ducksters is generally reliable for elementary research. The content is written by educators, covers standard K-12 curriculum topics, and is updated regularly. It’s best used as a starting point rather than a sole source — if your students notice a fact that conflicts with another resource, use it as a teaching moment about cross-referencing. For most elementary research topics (history, science, biographies), Ducksters is a solid, appropriate choice.

GetEpic

Epic is a digital library that also supports students’ research needs. The platform features thousands of high-quality books, videos, quizzes, and learning materials, all categorized by age group and topic.

What sets Epic apart is its collection of nonfiction books and videos for research across subjects such as science, history, and geography. The content is not only informative but also engaging, designed to keep the young minds interested and eager to learn more. The platform offers a safe and controlled environment, making it ideal for conducting secure, age-appropriate research. Visit Epic to explore their exciting repertoire of learning resources.

San Diego Zoo

The San Diego Zoo website offers a reliable resource for students and educators looking for safe, educational content online. By navigating to the site, learners can embark on virtual field trips, exploring habitats and learning about wildlife from the safety and comfort of their classroom or home. This feature is especially beneficial for younger students, as it provides a controlled environment similar to those on platforms like National Geographic Kids and Safe Search Kids.

The content is tailored to be kid-friendly, with videos, pictures, and information that support academic research geared toward a younger audience. The website’s layout ensures that all normal website functions are easily accessible, making it a quick, safe spot for students to gather information. Additionally, the events at the zoo are cataloged year by year, offering an educational timeline of the zoo’s history and animal conservation efforts.

Offline Research about Animals and Famous People

If you want students to do offline research about animals or historical people, I’ve got you covered! My Animal Articles and Biographies, written for elementary students, come with a variety of comprehension resources, note-taking tools, vocabulary activities, and a mini-report option. Plus, they even include links to websites and videos where students can do additional online research.

Researching online can be daunting, especially for elementary students just starting to explore the internet. However, with the help of the resources listed above, it can be a safe and exciting experience for young learners. As a teacher, it’s important to guide students in navigating the online world and using online resources effectively. Let’s continue to encourage our students to learn to research safely and effectively, ensuring they are well equipped with the skills to succeed in today’s digital world.