Wonderopolis vs BrainPOP

Wonderopolis could be a useful tool for any inquiry-based elementary classroom. With a new question posed and answered every day, you'll have an engaging and relevant resource to spark students' curiosity. Just plan on scaffolding for your not-yet-proficient readers or for your kindergarten and first- and second-grade students, as the content is not differentiated. The Common Core search option mostly helps narrow the search of the 1000+ questions; the site might help teachers better by offering clearer connections to the standards and explanations. Each question and its response is accompanied by a variety of resources: video teasers, an audio option, comprehension checks (literal-level), vocabulary terms with linked definitions, and a word-match exercise. Also of note, there are some open-ended extension activities that are more experiential in nature, and bound to engage students.

- Amy Lauren B.

I love using this site because of the accessibility features. It allows all types of learners to understand the text. The images are rich and the content is engaging. Since it identifies the vocabulary it helps the students better understand the content. If you want a great science article this is it. Along with the article there is a section called try it out. This section explains to the students how they could work with family or friends to dive into the topic more.

- Melissa Z.

This is a great tool for research on many topics. It incorporates visuals, interactive quizzes, vocabulary, and much more. It could be used to study science or social studies type topics with literacy intertwined for presentations, writing, and reading. The video could have the option to be read aloud, but other than that, it is a great addition to the classroom.

- Meredith Portis

I specifically enjoy that BrainPOP includes lessons that are easy for students to understand. I also like that they include follow up activities and games for students to participate in. Not only does this website include educational subjects, but it also includes topics within social emotional learning such as self management, self awareness, responsible decision making, relationship skills, social awareness. These are topics which are crucial for a significant way of living and awareness of mental/physical health. How I Use It I believe this app is useful for students because it includes a variety of topics including English, science, social studies, math, arts & music, health, and even engineering. I would possibly include the use of BrainPOP at least twice a week because of it exceptional and educational content. Educators will find this website useful especially when they want to add activities and/or educational games to their lessons. By using BrainPOP, younger students will be able to learn more about how to use technology and apply information learned in the classroom within it.

- Lizette P.

The videos on BrainPOP are engaging and simplify complex issues in a short amount of time. Students can take quizzes in Classic mode or Review mode, the latter requiring a correct answer to move ahead. The questions are of the standard multiple-choice variety, so there's very little critical thinking taking place. The reading materials section offers a deeper look into what the short intro video covers, though students will more than likely skip that section unless directed there by the teacher. BrainPOP's clear explanations are straightforward and cover a wide range of sometimes difficult topics, but are often somewhat superficial. To help with that, there's an impressive collection of interactive activities that engage kids in a variety of ways and encourage deeper learning. When available, games such as Sortify and Time Zone X allow students to apply some of the knowledge they learned in the video. The Make-A-Map activity lets students create custom concept maps with keywords, images, and their own writing. And two newer features allow kids to make their own BrainPOP-style movies, or use coding to demonstrate what they've learned. This sort of creation material can be powerful, but students will likely still need guidelines and goals to help them. Teachers will also have to provide the social, collaborative elements that enrich learning. That said, overall, BrainPOP is logical, well thought out, and enriching.

- Mieke V.

”My children LOVE BrainPop! At breakfast and lunch they like to watch episodes. The episodes are very engaging, funny,and informative. They cover a wide variety of topics. BrainPop does a great job with some sensitive subjects like bullying and give kids a way to listen to the message and not feel like they are being lectured by a parent or teacher, which I believe helps them be more open to listening.”

- Sara P.