Resources for Grades 9 - 12
Learn, Create, Discover, Explore
Click on a category to jump to that section:
Online Encyclopedias
Language & Literature
Create & Contribute
Health
News & Social Awareness
Test Prep & College
Self-Help & Safety
Podcasts
Online Encyclopedias
Language & Literature
Create & Contribute
Health
News & Social Awareness
Test Prep & College
Self-Help & Safety
Podcasts
Online Encyclopedias
Britannica School Edition
Access the elementary, middle, and high school levels of the online encyclopedia Britannica. Cross-curricular articles are available at multiple reading levels in science, history, and more! |
Britannica Moderna (Spanish Edition)
Explore this Spanish-language online encyclopedia with hundreds of thousands of objective articles, biographies, videos, and more to help get your research started. |
Opposing Viewpoints (Gale in Context)
An online resource covering today's hottest social issues, from capital punishment to immigration to marijuana. Read informed, differing views and develop critical-thinking skills to draw your own conclusions. |
Something else?
Looking for a different topic? The Library has over 60 databases available for patrons. Browse by Resources A-Z or Resources by Subject to get started. |
Language & Literature
Mango Languages
Start the conversation in your choice of over 70 world languages and dialects through courses crafted using conversational methodology. You can even download the app and learn on-the-go! |
SparkNotes Literature Study Guides
Editors provide critical analysis of classic and contemporary literature with accompanying study questions and quizzes to support your understanding of the text. |
Create & Contribute
Creativebug
With Creativebug you'll enjoy unlimited access to over 1,000 online art and craft classes. Watch classes anytime, anywhere and go at your own pace. You will need your library card to login. |
Code.org
The Code Studio is always open! Learn computer coding basics or build your own game. No account is needed, but you can create one to save your progress. |
NaNoWriMo
Every story matters. Start yours with NaNoWriMo, a free online creative platform designed to help writers track their progress, set milestones, connect with other writers, and more as a novel takes shape. |
Zooniverse
Join the world’s largest and most popular platform for people-powered research. Sign up and volunteer to help classify wildlife, transcribe historical texts, identify celestial bodies, and more! |
Health
AMAZE Org
AMAZE takes the awkward out of sex ed. Real info in fun, animated videos that give you all the answers you actually want to know about sex, your body and relationships. |
Scarleteen
Inclusive, comprehensive, supportive sexuality and relationships info for teens and emerging adults. This site includes articles and information along with interactive services such as message boards and a text hot line. |
Teens Health
Find out ways to stay healthy and find answers to your questions. This site features fitness tips, recipes, FAQs, Hot Topics, and more for curious teens. |
News & Social Awareness
Tween Tribune
Stay up-to-date on news relevant to you! Smithsonian sponsors this not-for-profit site that provides articles chosen for 9-12 students with topics ranging from arts and entertainment to world news and culture. |
Above the Noise
This is a YouTube series for teens that cuts through the hype and dives deep into the research behind the issues affecting their daily lives. Every other Wednesday, the series investigates controversial subject matter to help young viewers draw informed conclusions, while inspiring media literacy and civic engagement. |
News Lit Quiz: The Easiest Quiz of All Time
Here’s a sample question: Complete the iconic Star Wars quote: “_____, I am your father.” Before you decide, double-check your facts. |
Test Prep & College
Gale Presents: Peterson's Test Prep
Peterson's Test Prep provides in-depth information on skills, colleges, exams, and more for a variety of ages. Practice exams and courses for AP and college prep, including ACT and SAT are readily accessible. Available tutorials also let students improve their skills in math, science, English, and more at middle school, high school, and adult levels. |
FAFSA on the web
Free Application for Federal Student Aid brought to you by the U.S. Department of Education. Filling out the form electronically can be weeks faster than the paper file. |
SAT Suite from College Board
The official SAT site has test prep and practice resources available to the public as well as registration information. You can also explore specific subjects, full practice tests, the Question of the Day, and study plans. |
Freerice
Freerice is the fun and educational trivia game that lets you make a difference and get smarter — just by playing. With dozens of categories — from English vocabulary to famous paintings — you can quiz yourself on your favourite subject, and generate money to support the World Food Programme at the same time. |
Self Help & Safety
Crisis Text Line
Text HELLO to 741741 from anywhere in the USA, anytime, about any type of crisis. A live, trained Crisis Counselor receives the text and lets you know that they are here to listen. The volunteer Crisis Counselor will help you move from a hot moment to a cool moment. |
Lifeline Chat
This service provides online emotional support, crisis intervention, and suicide prevention help. Visitors have space to talk about what they are upset about, exploring feelings and thoughts associated with the crisis. To talk now, call 1-800-273-8255. |
Teen Line
Teens can call, text, or email to connect with a teen who will listen and help. You can also get involved and volunteer to help others. |
WhatsMyName.org
Before you get in a ride share ask “What’s my name?” and remember hers: SAMI. Stop. Ask. Match. Inform. This movement was started in response to a deadly tragedy during a ride-sharing experience. The purpose is to “educate the world on ride-share safety and the simple precautions one can take to ensure no other family has to suffer this unspeakable tragedy.” |
Podcasts
- 99 Percent Invisible:* How design impacts our lives, from sports bras to store logos.
- Mouthful:* Young adults tackle complex topics, including eating disorders, stop-and-frisk, and gender identity in these dramatic monologues.
- Radio Rookies:* Stories created by teens that may inspire listeners to make their own.
- Radiolab:* Think a geeky This American Life with lots of sound effects as host Jad Abumrad explores scientific, musical, and other topics. Hip and approachable.
- Re: Sound:* Curated by the folks behind Chicago’s Third Coast Audio Festival, this podcast has audio documentaries and features.
- Storycorps:* The storytellers span all generations, allowing teen listeners to tune into other points of view.
- Stuff You Missed In History Class: As its title suggests, this podcast delves into lesser known historical facts and figures. From the greatest to the strangest, the hosts explore interesting tidbits from the past.
- What's Good Games: Your source for video game news, analysis, commentary and funny stuff for the nerd-inclined. With over 30 years of video game industry experience between the three hosts, the conversation is sure to be passionate but never takes itself too seriously.
- Youth Radio:* Journalistic stories produced by young people from the Bay Area for teens all across the country.