Teaching a new concept or idea can sometimes be challenging and boring for middle school students. Make your lessons more exciting with these interesting educational videos! Be sure to include one of these in your next lesson!
1. The Courts, from We The People
In this video, educational songs come to life when teaching students about the United States court system. The video focuses on Supreme Court cases that changed the way people live today. This entertaining music video is a great way to teach children about the United States legal system.
Learn more: IMDB
2. Susan B. Anthony & Frida Kahlo, from The Who Was Show
In this video, middle school students can learn about two remarkable women: Susan B. Anthony & Frida Kahlo. This documentary series teaches about important people from history and is a great way to show students that historical figures were real people too.
Learn more: IMDB
3. You VS Wild
Students can gain deeper learning about how to survive in the wild in the unique, interactive video series. Teaching kids about science and the environment has never been easier when the content comes to life. This is a great activity for children in sixth grade when they learn about different ecosystems.
Learn more: IMDB
4. Forests, from Our Planet
The Our Planet video series includes an array of videos that showcase the beauty of our planet. This video focuses on life in the forest. This fascinating content is appropriate for all grade levels and could be paired with an activity about the ecosystems in the forest.
Learn more: IMDB
5. Math and Movies (Animation at Pixar)
For the math teacher looking to make math more enjoyable, look no further! This educational video explains why complex topics such as advanced math are important for future careers. This is cool content that you don’t want to miss!
Learn more: Numberphile
6. Chilean Patagonia, from Our Great National Parks
If you are looking to create lesson plans about South America, look no further. This series includes a wide variety of places, but this video in particular focuses on the Chilean mountain range. Students will gain a deeper appreciation of this beautiful landscape.
Learn more: IMDB
7. Dolphins, from Animal
Animal is an engaging educational resource that allows students to get an up-close look at different wildlife. In this episode, students learn about dolphins while discovering aspects of science that help the dolphins survive.
Learn more: IMDB
8. Algebraic Equations for Middle School
This age-appropriate video teaches students step by step how to solve an algebraic equation. The self-made video shows that an excellent math teacher and a clear video can be all it takes to show students how to solve a problem.
Learn more: eHow Education
9. Hiding in Color, from Life in Color
In this David Attenborough video series, students can learn about how animals use color to survive. In this particular video, we learn how animals such as zebras camouflage to survive. These fascinating videos will fully engage your students!
Learn more: IMDB
10. The Cycle of Life, from Absurd Planet
Students can learn about interesting scientific subjects in this adorable and hilarious series. In this one video, students learn about the life cycle that animals partake in. While the death of an animal might be a difficult topic to discuss, this video shows the natural process that is the life cycle.
Learn more: Netflix
11. The Silent Roar, from Welcome to Earth
In this first episode of the series, Will Smith studies Earth science by climbing into and exploring a volcano. This is a great series for students learning about geology and how the environment changes over time.
Learn more: Rotten Tomatoes
12. Drain the Ocean
In this series, scientists dive deep into the ocean to make discoveries about hidden or long forgotten treasures. This series would be great to pair with an archaeology unit or a unit on explorers.
Learn more: Weather
13. Cosmos: Possible Worlds
Neil deGrasse Tyson explains complex topics such as the cosmos in this jaw-dropping series. Students can see what it is like to be a NASA scientist and to make discoveries that are out of this world. Students can pair this lesson with their own questions about the cosmos and then do research to try to discover the answer.
Learn more: National Geographic
14. Secrets of the Whales
Secrets of the Whales is an excellent series that takes a closer look at the mysterious ocean life. The series looks at different types of whales and how their intelligence and size rival other animals. This would be a great series to watch when studying biology and marine life.
Learn more: National Geographic
15. How It’s Made
In this series, you can inspire young inventors to learn how the most basic and complex items are made. Students will be engaged in learning how some of their favorite items are made. This video would be paired well with activities on creating your own invention.
Learn more: Wikipedia
16. Bob Ross: The Joy of Painting
Bob Ross is a painting icon and can teach your students to paint in this classic series. This series of videos could be used both for art appreciation as well as an art tutorial. Students can learn from the legend Bob Ross and have a great time doing so!
Learn more: Bob Ross
17. Horrible Histories
Horrible Histories is a fun video series where students can learn about Asian History, European History, American History, and so much more. This animated series can educate students about wrongdoings and infamous characters in history. A great series to play with students of all grades and ages.
Learn more: Wikipedia
18. Tiny Creatures
In this series, we learn about nature’s most vulnerable animals and how they survive while being a target for larger creatures. The narration in these videos will engage your students and ensure they are smiling while they are learning.
Learn more: IMDB
19. Penguin Town
This adorable series shows the life of one of the cutest creatures, penguins! Students can follow along and learn interesting facts about penguins! This could be paired with a lesson on penguins’ habitats.
Learn more: IMDB
20. Three Branches of Government, from We The People
Educational song meets political understanding in this favorite series! Students can learn about the United States policy of checks and balances while enjoying an education song. This series includes a wide range of topics to spark the interest of any young historian!
Learn more: IMDB
21. Sacagawea & Blackbeard, from The Who Was Show
Sacagawea & Blackbeard is a video that is cool for middle school. This explanatory video would be excellent for an American History lesson. The educational content is both fun and informative!
Learn more: IMDB
22. Bears, from Animal
For fascinating science videos, this eight-part series is one you do not want to skip out on. In this episode, students can learn about how bears survive in the wild. This episode could be used to compare different types of bears and learn about adapting to the environment.
Learn more: IMDB
23. Neurographic Art Tutorial
This unique type of art is an excellent way for students to learn about color and artistic techniques. This activity is led by an art teacher and is a fun way to give your students a brain break while still engaging them in an interesting topic.
Learn more: Bethany Thiele, Art Teacher
24. Raging Waters, from Absurd Planet
In this episode, students learn about marine life in the ocean. In particular, students learn about less-known creatures and the unusual ways they survive in the ocean. This would be paired well with a unit on marine life.
Learn more: Wikipedia
25. What is Cultural Diffusion?
Cultural Diffusion is a historical term used in Middle School History. This term, however, can be challenging to understand and define. Help your middle schoolers grasp a better understanding of this important historical vocabulary by playing this video for them.
Learn more: The Singing History Teachers
26. What is Economics?
Economics is a topic introduced in middle school but can be very difficult for young students to understand and apply. This video breaks down economics step by step and teaches your students examples and real-life applications of the term.
Learn more: Miacademy Learning Channel
27. Setting Boundaries and Personal Space
Social-emotional learning (SEL) is an incredibly important part of the curriculum for middle schoolers. In this video, students learn about setting boundaries and personal space. This video is an excellent learning resource for students who struggle with social interactions and saying no to peer pressure.
Learn more: Lessons for SEL
28. Parts of Speech
Naming and identifying the parts of speech is something that is often taught in middle school. In order to improve your students’ reading and writing skills, play them this video! They can then practice along with a grammar worksheet.
Learn more: Learn Easy English
29. The Mindset of a Champion
In this video, students learn from another kid about how to think like a champion. This video would be a great motivator for students who struggle with confidence and perseverance. Try playing this video before a test or a big game!
Learn more: TEDx Talks
30. Cell Phone Addiction
In another kid-driven conversation, students can learn about cell phone addiction and how they can manage their technology habits better. This video would be great for students who struggle to put their phones away during the school day.
Learn more: TEDx Talks
31. History of Ancient China
Ancient China is one of the most commonly learned topics in middle school history. Play this fun, animated video that teaches students about the history of China.
Learn more: Cogito
32. Jackson Pollock Biography
Jackson Pollock is one of the world’s most famous artists. Teach your students about him in an art unit by playing this video and even have them try to create a Pollock-styled painting of their own.
Learn more: Artrageous with Nate
33. What Are Rocks And How Do They Form?
In this video, students can become geology experts! Students will learn about what rocks are and how they come to be. The cute animation makes the video super engaging!
Learn more: Crash Course
34. Video on Friendships
Middle schoolers often struggle with friendships in maintaining and making new friendships. This friendship video is a great resource to help students know what makes a friendship healthy or unhealthy. This could be played for individual students or for a whole class.
Learn more: Career and Life Skills Lessons
35. How the Food You Eat Affects Your Brain
In this video, students learn about healthy eating and the importance of maintaining a balanced diet. Middle school students start getting more freedom at this age and therefore begin to make their own food choices. This would be a great activity for a homeroom or health class.
Learn more: TED-Ed
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