Social Studies Learning Tools for Kids

Kids can take a trip back in time to discover ancient empires or learn about what's happening today. These fabulous social studies picks can help kids better understand the world they live in -- and many of them are also great help for homework assignments that require a bit of research.

Browse Social Studies Learning Tools for Kids

  • Barefoot World Atlas

    Delightful way to learn about animals, people, and more.
    AGE
    6
     
    Learning 4
    Platforms: iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch
  • Wonderopolis

    A wonder a day will keep kids' eyes open to discovery.
    AGE
    7
     
    Learning 3
  • Britannica Kids: Aztec Empire

    Get to know a past civilization, some of Mexico's history.
    AGE
    8
     
    Learning 3
    Platforms: iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch
  • Geo Walk HD - 3D World Fact Book

    Brilliantly designed app about Earth's people, places, more.
    AGE
    8
     
    Learning 5
    Platforms: iPad
  • Presidents vs. Aliens

    Goofy and fun way to learn about the U.S. presidents.
    AGE
    8
     
    Learning 3
    Platforms: iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch
  • Roman Town

    Incredibly in-depth archeology sim brings history to life.
    AGE
    8
     
    Learning 5
    Platforms: Windows
  • The Oregon Trail

    Relive history by managing a family's wagon trip out west.
    AGE
    9
     
    Learning 4
    Platforms: Android, iPad, iPhone, iPod Touch, Kindle Fire
  • Scholastic Kids Press Corps

    Kid reporters (and readers) get schooled in journalism.
    AGE
    9
     
    Learning 3
  • BJ Pinchbeck's Homework Helper

    Vast library of links a boon for kids doing online research.
    AGE
    10
     
    Learning 3
  • Mission US: Flight to Freedom

    Riveting sim where your choices decide fate of teen slave.
    AGE
    10
     
    Learning 5
    Platforms: Mac, Windows
  • National Geographic Challenge

    Game show/board game is a blast -- but questions are tough!
    AGE
    10
     
    Learning 4
    Platforms: Nintendo Wii, PlayStation 3, Xbox 360
  • Sid Meier's Civilization V

    Excellent strategy game is educational and accessible.
    AGE
    11
     
    Learning 4
    Platforms: Windows
  • Sid Meier's Civilization V: Gods & Kings

    Fab expansion to historical sim adds religion to the mix.
    AGE
    11
     
    Learning 5
    Platforms: Mac, Windows
  • HowStuffWorks

    Excellent tool for kids with nuts-and-bolts questions.
    AGE
    12
     
    Learning 2

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ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids.
OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age.
Learning ratings
Best: Really engaging, excellent learning approach.
Very Good: Engaging, very good learning approach.
Good: Pretty engaging, good learning approach.
Fair: Somewhat engaging, okay learning approach.
Not for Learning: Not recommended for learning.
Not for Kids: Not age-appropriate for kids; not recommended for learning.
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