Source: Common Sense Media (commonsense-email.org)
Here are a few of my favorite learning channels, just to get you started. Some you might know; others you may not. Oh, and be sure to screen anything yourself first to decide if it's right for your students—before showing it in class.
- Above the Noise: OK, full disclosure! We're friends with folks over at KQED's Above the Noise, and we've collaborated on a handful of videos. Each episode delves into the research behind a variety of newsworthy or trending topics, from "How Much Screen Time Is Too Much?" to cancel culture, conspiracy theories, and beyond.
- Mark Rober: My 9-year-old is obsessed with this channel—and I'm actually cool with that! A former NASA engineer, Rober embarks on new engineering and design adventures in every episode, usually aimed at doing some good for the world.
- Physics Girl: Science communicator Dianna Cowern hosts these fun videos that delve into the physics phenomena of everyday life (like this exploration of the physics of skateboarding with skate legend Rodney Mullen!).
- Vihart: Imagine a zany mashup of music and math in videos that are genuinely off the wall but somehow work in a very unique way. That's Vihart. Enjoy!
- Crash Course: I'm including this one with a big caveat: My philosophy is that the best YouTube videos should add to your lesson—they shouldn't be the lesson itself. Despite this, I do think Crash Course has its time and place, if only because it's so comprehensive. Hank and John Green (yes, that John Green!) host these friendly overviews of just about every school-related subject imaginable, which can come in handy.