TeachersFirst Summer Specials
Summer break does not have to mean a pause in learning, growing, and discovering — and the good news is that some of the most enriching and transformative summer experiences available to students come with absolutely no price tag attached. This collection brings together a wide and carefully curated variety of free summer resources, programs, classes, camps, and opportunities designed to keep students engaged, inspired, and moving forward during the months away from school — from free online courses, coding bootcamps, and STEM programs to library reading challenges, museum workshops, national park adventures, and community service opportunities that open doors and broaden horizons for students of all ages and backgrounds. This collection makes it easy for families and educators to find meaningful, accessible, and completely free opportunities that match every interest, age group, and learning style. Because every student deserves a summer full of possibilities — regardless of zip code or budget.
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Summer Camp Activities K-8 Learners Will Love - Kami and Book Creator
Grades
K to 8tag(s): digital storytelling (165), engineering (138), logic (165), puzzles (162), sculpture (17), STEM (364), summer (50)
In the Classroom
These resources are ideal for summer school teachers or camp directors seeking a grab-and-go curriculum that requires no setup; however, they also include many possibilities for classroom use throughout the school year--using the built-in tools provided by Book Creator and Kami, reviewed here, students can easily record video walkthroughs of their STEM prototypes or narrate their digital art pieces. Use digital journals to help students think like engineers by documenting their experiments' trials and failures through video and annotation. Use the journals during the school year to complement STEM Friday learning activities, for monthly design challenges, or to document maker-space activities. For units on plants, weather, or ecosystems, give students a "Digital Observation Log" in Kami. They can use the Picture Dictionary and Speech-to-Text tools to document what they see in real-time during a lab.You must be registered and logged in to add items to your favorites.
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Lumiere Research Inclusion Foundation - Lumiere Education
Grades
9 to 12In the Classroom
Have students choose a topic they are passionate about and develop a research question. Guide them through the basic research steps, such as gathering sources, taking notes, and drawing conclusions. Pair students with a teacher, older student, or community member to act as a "mentor" who provides feedback on their research. If possible, connect with virtual guest speakers or experts to discuss real-world applications of their field. Use the program's focus on access to research opportunities as a springboard for discussion. Have students explore why access to education matters and brainstorm ways schools and communities can support all learners in reaching advanced opportunities.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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MITES Semester (formerly MOSTEC) - Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Grades
11 to 11tag(s): Online Learning (34), Project Based Learning (28), seasonal (48), STEM (364), summer (50)
In the Classroom
Challenge students with a real-world problem (design a water filter, build a paper bridge, or create a simple coding solution). Have students work in teams to brainstorm, prototype, and test solutions, then reflect on what worked and what they would improve. Give students a dataset (weather trends, school surveys, or environmental data). Have students analyze patterns, create graphs, and draw conclusions. They can use Infographic Presentation Templates, reviewed here to make the graphs digitally. Have students choose a STEM topic of interest (renewable energy, space exploration, biomedical engineering). They can research the topic and create a short presentation or infographic using Canva for Education, reviewed here explaining the science and its impact on society.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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AI Program for High School Students - Veritas AI
Grades
8 to 12tag(s): artificial intelligence (294), coding (107), seasonal (48), STEM (364), summer (50)
In the Classroom
Have students brainstorm where they encounter artificial intelligence in their daily lives (e.g., voice assistants, recommendations, games). Create a class anchor chart, then have students categorize examples (health, entertainment, transportation). Introduce students to beginner-friendly coding with Scratch, reviewed here. Have them create a simple program, such as a quiz or decision-making game, to simulate how AI follows rules and logic. Have students identify a real-world problem (in school, community, or environment) and design an AI solution. They can present through slides, posters, or short videos using Adobe Express for Education, reviewed here explaining the problem, how AI would help, and potential challenges.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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GenCyber Summer Camp - University of Colorado Denver
Grades
6 to 12In the Classroom
Give students real-life digital situations (e.g., suspicious emails, password sharing, unsafe downloads). In small groups, have students decide what to do and explain their reasoning to build awareness of safe online behaviors. Teach students about password security, then have them design strong passwords using best practices. Have students analyze what a digital footprint is and reflect on their own online presence. They can create a "digital footprint map" or an action plan to maintain a positive and safe online identity.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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CS50: Introduction to Computer Science - Harvard University
Grades
7 to 12tag(s): coding (107), computational thinking (45), computers (115), problem solving (273), seasonal (48), summer (50)
In the Classroom
Have students create a step-by-step algorithm for a simple real-world task, such as making a sandwich or organizing a backpack. Then, have classmates "test" the algorithm exactly as written to highlight the importance of precision and sequencing, just like in programming. Use selected beginner-friendly problem sets or videos from CS50 and have students try small coding tasks. Afterward, students can write a short reflection explaining how they solved the problem and what challenges they faced, reinforcing computational thinking. Have students design a basic project, such as a simple website, quiz game, or interactive story, using concepts learned from the course.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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NASA Internship Programs - NASA
Grades
10 to 12tag(s): nasa (36), seasonal (48), space (245), STEM (364), summer (50)
In the Classroom
Assign students to small "NASA teams" (engineers, scientists, communicators). Give each group a mock space mission (for example, landing on Mars or studying Earth's climate). Have students collaborate to plan their mission and present their roles, mirroring real internship teamwork. Have students complete a simplified internship application that includes a resume and a short personal statement explaining their interests, strengths, and goals. Present a real-world NASA-inspired problem, such as designing a spacecraft capable of withstanding extreme temperatures. Students can brainstorm, sketch designs, and explain their solutions using evidence and reasoning.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Johns Hopkins Center for the Advancement of HIV Neurotherapeutics - John Hopkins Medicine
Grades
9 to 12tag(s): brain (59), hiv/aids (16), seasonal (48), summer (50)
In the Classroom
Have students act as "neuroscientists" by examining simplified case studies about how the brain works. Students can identify problems, make predictions, and suggest possible treatments, mirroring the type of research conducted at the center. Students design a campaign to raise awareness about brain health or neurological disorders. This could include creating brochures, infographics, or digital presentations using Canva Edu reviewed here to educate peers and families. Using the site's free high school summer program as a model, have students write a mock application that includes a personal statement explaining why they are interested in science or in helping others.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Princeton Summer Journalism Program - Princeton University
Grades
10 to 11tag(s): journalism (74), seasonal (48), summer (50)
In the Classroom
Have students work together to create a class newspaper with sections such as school news, opinions, features, and interviews. Have students prepare questions and conduct an interview with a school staff member, family member, or local community figure. Students can write an opinion piece about a topic they care about (school rules, community issues, etc.), supporting their ideas with reasons and examples, similar to real editorial writing.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Google's Computer Science Summer Institute (CSSI) - Google
Grades
11 to 12tag(s): coding (107), computers (115), seasonal (48), summer (50)
In the Classroom
Introduce students to basic coding concepts (sequencing, loops, and conditionals) using beginner-friendly platforms such as Scratch, reviewed here or Code.org. This mirrors CSSI's focus on foundational computer science skills. Have students identify a real-world problem (school or community-based) and brainstorm how technology or an app could help solve it. Place students in small groups to complete coding challenges or puzzles.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Kode with Klossy - Kode with Klossy Inc.
Grades
8 to 12In the Classroom
Have students brainstorm a simple app that solves a real-world problem (school, community, or environment). They can create a short pitch that explains the purpose, target audience, and key features, thereby building creativity and problem-solving skills. Using a beginner-friendly platform like Scratch, reviewed here or block coding, students can create an interactive story. They can include characters, dialogue, and choices, connecting coding with ELA skills. Just like the camp experience, students can present their projects (ideas, designs, or coded creations) to the class.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Discover Summer - National Summer Learning Academy
Grades
K to 12In the Classroom
Have students explore the website to find a summer program that interests them. Have students design their own "dream" summer camp based on ideas from the site. They can include a schedule, activities, and subjects covered, integrating writing, creativity, and planning skills. Students can choose two programs from the site and compare them using a graphic organizer using the 2 and 3 Interactive Venn Diagrams by Class Tools, reviewed here. They can analyze cost, subjects, activities, and target age groups, building critical thinking skills.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Girls Who Code Pathways - Girls Who Code
Grades
9 to 12tag(s): careers (200), coding (107), computers (115), summer (50)
In the Classroom
Introduce students to a Pathways course (such as web development or game design) and have them complete a short beginner lesson. Follow this with a mini "challenge" where students modify their code (change colors, text, or features) to personalize their project. Place students in small groups and assign them a project (such as designing a simple website or interactive story). Students can use what they learn in Pathways to build their project together, emphasizing teamwork, problem-solving, and communication. Have students present their completed Pathways projects to the class or create a digital portfolio using Google Sites, reviewed here. Include a reflection component in which students explain what they learned, the challenges they faced, and how their thinking about technology or coding has changed.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Coding For Kids & Teens - Create & Learn
Grades
2 to 9In the Classroom
Students can continue learning how to code using Scratch, reviewed here or Minecraft Education Hour of Code, reviewed here. Students can create a video using Text2VoiceOver, reviewed here teaching others how to code.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Michaels Classes - Michaels
Grades
K to 12This site includes advertising.
In the Classroom
While watching the sessions, children can take notes in Google Keep, reviewed here. Students can use Timeline Infographic Templates by Canva, reviewed here to create step-by-step instructions to complete the project. Students can showcase their projects by creating a book in Book Creator, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Canva Camp - Canva
Grades
4 to 12tag(s): creativity (85), graphic design (49), journals (22), seasonal (48), summer (50)
In the Classroom
Students can design templates using Canva for Education, reviewed here. Students can share their projects on a virtual bulletin board such as Lino, reviewed here. Students can create video tutorials using Free Online Screen Recorder, reviewed here sharing the steps to making their digital design.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Apple Camp - Apple
Grades
K to 4tag(s): digital storytelling (165), seasonal (48), summer (50)
In the Classroom
Students can learn how to use Apple products, including iMovie and GarageBand. Students can share their learning by creating a step-by-step guide using Google Slides, reviewed here. Students can share something that they learned on a virtual bulletin board such as Stickies.io, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Summer Reading Resources: Journals, Author Studies, and More - Kami
Grades
3 to 8tag(s): authors (113), digital storytelling (165), journals (22), literacy (124), summer (50)
In the Classroom
Copy and complete the book templates from Book Creator, reviewed here. Use Kami, reviewed here to write on the PDFs Summer Reading Logs. Learn more about the authors featured using Kiddle, reviewed here.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Cosmic Kids Yoga - Jaime Amor
Grades
K to 5This site includes advertising.
tag(s): social and emotional learning (194), thinking skills (115)
In the Classroom
After the yoga session, have students write a quick reflection: "How did my body feel before and after?" "What pose was easiest/hardest?", or "What did I learn about calming my mind?" Students can choose one pose from the video and explain the muscles they use during the activity. Yoga poses can be tied to health or PE by discussing balance, flexibility, and movement. In small groups, have students design a short yoga story with 4-6 poses. They can record the sequence using Adobe Express Video Maker, reviewed here, then present it to the class as a mini Cosmic Kids episode.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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Jr. NBA At Home - Jr. NBA
Grades
1 to 12In the Classroom
Incorporating Jr. NBA at Home into the classroom can be a dynamic way to engage students, enhance their learning experience, and extend physical education beyond the traditional gym setting. Use Jr. NBA at Home drills for morning movement sessions or brain breaks. These short, structured activities can energize students and improve focus for the rest of the school day. If you're a Physical Education educator, you can integrate the Jr. NBA's skill development exercises into your P.E. curriculum. These drills, tailored for various skill levels, ensure all students can participate and progress at their own pace. You could even challenge students to do these activities outside the classroom by assigning Jr. NBA at Home challenges as homework. Students can complete these activities with their families and share their experiences with the class; this can help promote healthy habits and family engagement.Add your comments below (available only to members) | Become a Member
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