6 YouTube Science Channels For Elementary School Students + Science Worksheets to Get The Most Out Of This Isolation Period

Science can be super exciting.

But it can also be tough.

Whether it’s learning complicated formulas, or getting your head around the forces of nature, physics, biology, and chemistry can be mind-boggling — and therefore disengaging — for students, too.

But getting more kids into STEM subjects is key for society! Plus it’s awesome when they can learn about, and better understand, the world around them.

So that’s where YouTube science channels come in. These dedicated, educational video streams explain science terms in kid-friendly language, while using their favorite medium: the screen! And when you combine this with the practicality of a worksheet, you find that students retain and understand scientific concepts so much better.

Keep reading for a countdown of our favorite YouTube science channels for elementary school kids, and a handful of science worksheets to do alongside them.

Science YouTube channel #1: It’s Okay To Be Smart

Joe Hanson, PhD, explains all things science in a fun and simple way. His channel tackles topics of space, nature, the human body, history, food and spices, habits, as well as many, many more. His videos are also created in a question format to spark interest and get listeners thinking and digesting straight away.

There’s a new video every week — which keeps things fresh — and as they are between five and ten minutes long, it’s easy for kids to stay focused. This channel is also a favorite for many adults too, thanks to his humor, quips, and references to classic Hollywood movies.

Our top picks: Joe has a ton of videos on space exploration and space in general, so you can easily couple these with our NASA worksheets and take kids on a wild ride to outer space!

Science YouTube channel #2: MinuteEarth

Among the YouTube science channels that focus on our planet, MinuteEarth is a great pick for kids because all videos are short, sweet, and complemented by hand-drawn graphics to explain the topic better.

Even better: MinuteEarth takes a look at everything ecological, from water and fast-growing plants, to where different oceans meet, and animal behavior. Combine these interesting topics with the cute characters and you have an excellent recipe for engagement!

Our top picks: Their videos on bacteria and viruses have excellent explanations, so combine them with our practical worksheets on bacterias and viruses for an epic lesson plan!

Science YouTube channel #3: AsapSCIENCE

AsapSCIENCE is another channel that uses hand-drawn animations in their videos under the simple motto of “making science make sense.”

Where other science YouTube channels focus more on the world (or universe!) around us, AsapSCIENCE takes a closer look at who we are. They cover a lot about the human mind, the importance of sleep, and what would happen if you stopped brushing teeth, but also other serious topics of stress, unhealthy foods, and smoking. These are some excellent topics to really get kids thinking about their own body and wellbeing.

Our top picks: Try checking out some of their science videos on feelings like heartbreak, tiredness, or laziness. Combine with our senses and feeling worksheets and help students understand the need for healthy habits and healthy minds right away!

Science YouTube channel #4: SciShow Kids

Sister channel to the highly popular SciShow, SciShow Kids helps to make topics approachable for the younger ones. On Tuesdays and Thursdays the main characters of the show ‘Jessi and Squeak the robot mouse’ make complex science interesting and engaging.

Building on the SciShow brand hosted by Hank Green, Michael Aranda, and Olivia Gordon, the channel tackles a wide variety of subjects, with a weekly schedule of videos which means there is always something new or fresh to draw on!

Our top picks: SciShow Kids have a massive playlist for animal science and introductions which match perfectly to our animal worksheets. Animal topics are always a favorite with elementary schoolers, of course!

Science YouTube channel #5: LAB 360

If you’re looking for hands-on experiments to try at home or in the classroom, then the Lab 360 YouTube science channel is one of the best for all ages. Formerly known as HooplaKidz Lab, LAB 360 broadcasts simple science experiments that are easy to recreate.

The channel is reasonably active, providing lots of themed playlists, like the “Best Science Experiments That Will Blow Your Mind” — great if you’re looking for inspiration when lesson planning. With experiment topics like nature, space, and crime scene investigation at home… there’s something for everyone!

Our top picks: LAB 360 has an awesome dry ice experiment video and when you combine it with our States of Matter worksheets you’re ready for the classroom!

Science YouTube channel #6: minutephysics

minutephysics is similar to MinuteEarth but just as the name suggests, it focuses on all things physics! Why is this YouTube channel worth a mention? Because it’s one of the few channels that is highly focused on a specific science discipline while still being suitable for kids.

Physics can be really complex, but with these short and sweet explanations — paired with hand-drawn graphics — even the most challenging of concepts are engaging and easy to digest!

Most videos are around the five-minute mark, but you can find a few that are longer (that usually tackle a very in-depth topic).

Our top picks: They have an awesome collection of videos on all things planetary, which goes perfectly with our solar system facts and activities worksheets!

When used right, there’s no reason to ban YouTube from the classroom!

While you may feel like screen time is the enemy to education, that isn’t always the truth.

There are plenty of YouTube science channels out there that engage elementary school students. Combine the videos and playlists with our science worksheets to send your kids’ understanding sky high!