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13 Online Resources for Teaching High School Biology, Chemistry, or Physics (Because, Why Not Make Life Easier?)

October 27, 20246 min read

If you’re teaching high school science, either in the traditional classroom or as part of your homeschool curriculum, you know how real the struggle can be to keep your students engaged while tackling those tricky biology, chemistry, and physics concepts. But, guess what? There are some amazing online tools out there that can make science not only fun but way easier for students to grasp. I’m here to give you the lowdown on my top 18 go-to resources that will level up your lessons and have your students saying, “Wow, science is actually cool!”

Let’s dive in, starting with resources that cover all three subjects—biology, chemistry, and physics—and then we’ll get into the subject-specific tools. Trust me, by the end of this, you’ll wonder how you ever taught without these!


All-in-One Resources: For When You’re Juggling Biology, Chemistry, and Physics

Sometimes you just need one resource that can cover everything. These three online tools are versatile and can be used across all the major science disciplines. Whether you’re teaching biology, chemistry, or physics, these resources have got you covered!

1. Khan Academy
You can’t talk about online resources without mentioning Khan Academy, right? It’s like the OG of free, high-quality science tutorials. From biology to chemistry and physics, Khan Academy offers adaptive practice questions, real-time feedback, and step-by-step video tutorials. Whether you’re reinforcing cellular biology or tackling Newton’s Laws, this resource is like having a personal tutor available 24/7. Your students will love the straightforward explanations and the built-in “hints” that guide them toward the right answer.

👉 Visit Khan Academy here

2. PhET Simulations
PhET is one of my absolute favorites when it comes to interactive simulations. Whether you’re teaching atoms and molecules, forces and motion, or cell division, PhET’s simulations give students a hands-on experience—without the need for expensive lab equipment. It’s perfect for visual learners, and the simulations make those hard-to-understand concepts finally click. Plus, it covers all three subjects, so you can easily switch between biology, chemistry, and physics with just a few clicks.

👉 Check out PhET Simulations here

3. CK-12
CK-12 is a powerhouse when it comes to free, customizable textbooks. It’s an all-in-one resource that covers everything from biology to chemistry and physics. The interactive elements—like videos, practice problems, and simulations—make it a dream for both teachers and students. You can even customize the content to fit your curriculum. Need to go deeper into atomic structure or ecosystems? CK-12 lets you tailor the material to suit your students’ needs.

👉 Explore CK-12 here


Biology: Breaking Down Big Ideas (Without the Headaches)

Biology is packed with big words, big ideas, and sometimes big frustrations. But these resources will have your students feeling confident and engaged, like they’ve got a secret weapon.

1. Amoeba Sisters YouTube Channel
I can’t get enough of the Amoeba Sisters! Their fun, animated videos make biology concepts so much easier to digest (and trust me, students love them too!). Whether you’re tackling mitosis or the food chain, these videos add a splash of humor that’s guaranteed to keep students hooked.

👉 Watch Amoeba Sisters here

2. Bioman Biology
Looking for interactive games and virtual labs that make biology fun? Enter Bioman Biology. It’s a treasure trove of activities that let your students play their way through biology. From genetics to ecology, these games provide practice and reinforcement in a way that’s way more engaging than traditional worksheets.

👉 Explore Bioman Biology here

3. HHMI BioInteractive
Here’s where things get really cool. HHMI BioInteractive is packed with educational content developed by real scientists, including videos, interactive modules, and virtual labs. This site is perfect for bringing cutting-edge science directly into your classroom, keeping your students ahead of the curve.

👉 Check out HHMI BioInteractive here


Chemistry: Sparking Curiosity (Without the Lab Fires)

Chemistry doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right tools, you can make it one of the most exciting subjects in your classroom. These resources are perfect for helping students understand everything from the periodic table to explosive reactions (without the actual explosions, of course).

1. ChemCollective
ChemCollective is like stepping into a virtual chemistry lab where students can experiment with all sorts of chemical reactions and scenarios. Perfect for when you can’t use certain materials in the lab (looking at you, dangerous chemicals!). And guess what? They even have a virtual stockroom where students can pick out their own chemicals and equipment to perform experiments. How cool is that?

👉 Explore ChemCollective here

2. Chemistry by THIX
Imagine letting your students mix explosive chemicals together without worrying about safety (or cleaning up a mess). That’s Chemistry by THIX in a nutshell. This app lets students explore chemical reactions virtually and see what happens when dangerous substances combine—without the danger. Explosions? Sure! But only in the virtual lab, of course.

👉 Check out Chemistry by THIX here

3. American Chemical Society (ACS)
ACS is a goldmine for chemistry teachers. It offers a TON of lessons, videos, and activities for all grade levels, from middle school through high school. Whether you need help breaking down complex concepts or you’re looking for extra practice exercises, ACS is always a solid choice. Plus, it’s backed by actual chemists, so you know the content is legit.

👉 Visit ACS here

4. Ptable.com
Oh, the wonders of the periodic table! Ptable.com takes the periodic table to a whole new level. This interactive tool lets students explore everything from atomic weights to periodic trends. It’s a fantastic visual tool for helping students truly understand the properties of elements—and it’s way more fun than your average table.

👉 Explore Ptable here


Physics: Making the Abstract Tangible (Yes, Really!)

Physics can be one of the hardest subjects to grasp, but with the right tools, you can make even the most complex topics easy to understand. These resources will help your students bring physics to life and finally understand what those equations are really about.

1. The Physics Classroom
This one is a total game-changer. The Physics Classroom offers tutorials, practice problems, and downloadable worksheets that break down physics concepts step by step. Plus, their interactive simulations make it super easy for students to see what’s going on when you talk about things like acceleration or momentum.

👉 Check out The Physics Classroom here

2. Physics Aviary
If you’re teaching honors or AP Physics, Physics Aviary is a must. It’s full of interactive simulations and virtual labs designed specifically for advanced learners. Whether your students are studying wave interference or advanced electromagnetism, these labs let them experiment in ways that may not be possible in a traditional classroom setting.

👉 Explore Physics Aviary here

3. MinutePhysics
Looking for quick, snappy explanations of physics concepts? MinutePhysics on YouTube is your answer. These short, engaging videos explain everything from gravity to quantum mechanics in bite-sized, easy-to-understand chunks. Perfect for review or introducing new topics.

👉 Watch MinutePhysics here

Wrapping It Up
And there you have it! 18 online resources that will totally transform the way you teach biology, chemistry, and physics. With these tools in your back pocket, you’ll make science more engaging, hands-on, and, dare I say, fun for your students.

So, what are you waiting for? Try these resources out in your next lesson and let me know how it goes! And if you’ve got any favorites that I didn’t mention, drop them in the comments—I’d love to hear what’s working for you in the classroom.

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