Essential Websites for STEM Students (Part 2)

Here are some more of the essential websites that students can refer to, following part 1 of this series:

1. National Science Digital Library (NSDL)

Website: NSDL

The NSDL is a repository of high-quality STEM educational resources. It provides access to a wide range of materials, including lesson plans, tutorials, and interactive activities.

Pros:

- Vast collection of resources covering various topics

- Peer-reviewed and credible content

- Free access

Cons:

- Some resources may be outdated

- Can be overwhelming due to the sheer number of resources

Best For: Students looking for wide variety of STEM related material.

2. PhET Interactive Simulations

Website:PhET

PhET offers free interactive math and science simulations. Created by the University of Colorado Boulder, these simulations make learning engaging and fun. These simulations can give students the ability to experiment with different STEM topics and simulate a real science lab from their home. The topics covered include natural and earth sciences, physics, and math.

Pros:

- Highly interactive and engaging

- Has most of the core idea simulations

- Free to use

Cons:

- Limited in the topics covered in simulations

Best For: Students who learn through a hands-on and interactive experience.

3. Brilliant.org

Website: Brilliant.org

Brilliant.org provides interactive problem-solving courses in math, science, and computer science. It focuses on enhancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills through engaging content.

Pros:

- Interactive and engaging content

- Focus on problem solving and critical thinking

- Covers a broad range of topics

Cons:

- Subscription required for full access ($24.99/month for monthly subscription and $13.49/month for yearly subscription)

- May be hard for absolute beginners

Best For: Students looking to deepen their understanding through interactive problem-solving.

4. EdX

Website:EdX

 EdX is an online learning platform founded by Harvard and MIT. It offers a wide range of free and paid courses in various STEM fields, taught by professors from leading universities. There is a large variety of college level courses available on EdX, ranging from biomedical engineering to quantum computing.

Pros:

- High-quality courses from top universities

- Wide range of subjects and levels

- Certificates available for completed courses

Cons:

- Some courses require payment for certification

- Requires time commitment to complete courses

- Need some prior knowledge in the field to fully understand the course

Best For: Students that are looking for high-quality and structured courses from prestigious institutions.

The digital era has brought us innumerable opportunities to learn in the form of online resources, making education more accessible than ever before. Whether you are an aspiring aerospace engineer or a future doctor, these online resources will help you in your journey by providing you with the knowledge you need. The resources are for everyone – a beginner who just started to look into their career aspirations or a student who is advanced in his field of choice – and each resource has its own way of teaching, either through interactive lab simulations or college-level lectures. Explore these resources and let your journey to becoming a great innovator and an altruist begin!