10 Articles for Middle School Students
Keeping track of interesting articles is valuable for high school students, as it can enhance your research projects, prepare you for college interviews, and strengthen your Statement of Purpose. A collection of relevant articles adds depth to your ideas and helps you articulate your thoughts more effectively. For instance, referencing the latest breakthroughs in AI during an interview or citing a recent climate study in your essay can significantly boost your credibility.
If you enjoy uncovering new discoveries, staying updated on global events, or exploring well-written analyses of compelling topics, numerous resources are available to keep you informed. From science journals designed for younger audiences to news websites that simplify complex issues, these platforms can sharpen your critical thinking skills while keeping you engaged.
Below is a list of 10 articles, magazines, and newsletters that cater to middle school students, offering a variety of topics to explore.
Cost: Free
Published: Daily and Monthly
Frontiers for Young Minds is a non-profit, open-access science journal designed for readers aged 8 to 15, where young people serve as reviewers to ensure research is both accessible and engaging. The articles are authored by leading scientists, including Nobel laureates, and undergo review with support from Science Mentors across 65 countries. This innovative process not only helps young readers grasp cutting-edge scientific concepts but also fosters critical thinking skills. By communicating their findings to a wider audience, middle schoolers contribute to making science more inclusive and impactful. The journal covers a wide range of disciplines, including neuroscience and environmental science, encouraging a deeper understanding of research-based science. Frontiers for Young Minds is free to access and regularly publishes new content.
Cost: Free
Published: Daily, Weekly and Monthly
Scholastic Kids Press is an award-winning program that connects talented young reporters, aged 10 to 14, from around the world. Since its inception in 2000, Kid Reporters have produced "news for kids, by kids," covering a wide range of topics, including politics, entertainment, sports, and major national and global events. Their stories are published online and in Scholastic Magazines+, reaching over 25 million students in classrooms across the United States. Scholastic Kid Reporters have had the opportunity to interview influential figures such as former President Barack Obama, Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai, conservationist Jane Goodall, and Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. This program provides a platform for young journalists to explore current affairs and share their perspectives, fostering media literacy, critical thinking, and a passion for storytelling. Participation is free, and new articles are regularly published.
Cost: Free
Published: Daily and Monthly
For over a decade, The Electric Typewriter has curated a selection of exceptional articles and essays, featuring more than 100 subject and author pages with thousands of nonfiction pieces. Regularly updated, the site is widely utilized by students, teachers, and readers globally, earning recognition from outlets such as NPR, The Atlantic, and BBC. It emphasizes timeless, insightful writing from both emerging and established voices, covering diverse topics, including long-form journalism, memoirs, science, politics, and culture. The Electric Typewriter also highlights thought-provoking and sometimes controversial works, aiming to uncover outstanding writing from around the world. Access to the curated articles is free, and the site continues to grow with new content regularly added.
Cost: $59/year
Published: Daily, Weekly and Monthly
National Geographic Kids explores a wide range of scientific topics, including ocean life and space exploration. The magazine features vivid photography and engaging articles that simplify complex subjects, making them accessible for young readers. Each issue includes hands-on science experiments, enabling students to apply their learning practically. Topics such as wildlife, ecosystems, and climate change are covered, alongside adventure stories that spark curiosity. The magazine's online platform enhances the experience with interactive games, quizzes, and videos, providing additional opportunities for deeper learning. Subscriptions are available in print and digital formats, with issues released monthly.
Cost: Free, and all print edition PDFs are available online here for anyone to access for free!
Published: Daily and Monthly
The Scientific Teen (TST) is a global youth media organization that promotes scientific awareness through articles authored by young adults aged 13 to 19. Available both online and in print, TST simplifies complex STEM topics and encourages global collaboration while empowering students to express their scientific interests. The platform engages young minds in science writing, aiming to enhance education, inspire future STEM careers, and address global challenges. TST features student-written articles on various subjects, including physics, chemistry, and engineering, offering a peer-driven perspective on scientific topics. Young writers are encouraged to submit their own work, fostering a sense of community among aspiring scientists.
Cost: $49.99/year after the first year or $8.99 per single issue
Published: Quarterly
Smore Magazine is a quarterly, 56-page, ad-free publication aimed at sparking curiosity and enhancing scientific understanding. It features inspiring stories of women in STEM, recent discoveries, and interactive content, including science trivia, puzzles, and hands-on experiments. Sections such as Fantastic Phenomena and Science in the News delve into groundbreaking research, while Science Like a Girl showcases trailblazing female scientists. Covering diverse topics in space, technology, Earth science, and STEM careers, Smore makes learning engaging and accessible for young readers.
Cost: Free
Published: Monthly
Founded in 2006 at The King's School in Canterbury, Young Scientists Journal provides a platform for young people to conduct original research and publish their findings in a peer-reviewed format. Initially a small extracurricular activity, it has evolved into a global network of aspiring scientists sharing insights and discoveries. The journal has attracted over 1.5 million visits and connects students from more than 50 countries. As an international peer-reviewed science journal, it serves as a launchpad for young researchers eager to publish their work and engage in the peer-review process. Run entirely by students aged 12-20, it covers a diverse range of scientific fields, from biochemistry to climate science. Recognized as a registered charity by the UK Government's Charity Commission, it continues to foster scientific curiosity and collaboration among the next generation of researchers.
Cost: Free
Published: Daily and Monthly
Founded in 2003, Science News Explores is a free, award-winning digital publication that aims to make complex scientific topics accessible and engaging for young learners, parents, and educators. Published by the Society for Science—a nonprofit organization dedicated to public engagement in scientific research and education—this platform offers age-appropriate, well-researched articles designed to spark curiosity and inspire future scientists.
In addition to covering the latest scientific discoveries, Science News Explores delves into diverse topics, including artificial intelligence, genetics, space exploration, health innovations, and climate change. Articles are crafted by experienced science journalists, many with advanced degrees in their fields, ensuring content accuracy and engagement. The publication also includes glossaries, recommended readings, and comprehension questions to enhance student understanding, making it a valuable resource for both classrooms and independent learning.
Cost: Free
Published: Twice a week
The New York Times Learning Network serves as a valuable resource for middle school students, offering daily articles alongside structured lesson plans, writing prompts, and discussion questions. This platform aims to enhance critical thinking and literacy skills by engaging students with high-quality journalism that reflects real-world events and fosters a deeper understanding of current affairs.
In addition to daily articles, the Learning Network features interactive activities, student opinion essays, and multimedia resources that promote analytical thinking and thoughtful discourse. Educators can access free teaching materials, including lesson plans tailored to various subjects, making it a useful tool for integrating news literacy into the classroom. By exploring global issues, reviewing films, or participating in student contests, students can connect their classroom learning to the world around them. Subscribe to the Newsletter here!
Cost: Free
Published: Daily
Teaching Kids News offers accessible articles on science, politics, and various other topics, designed to be both readable and teachable. A notable feature of the site is its Fake News resource section, which helps students develop media literacy through online games and activities. While all news organizations have inherent biases, TKN aims to clarify its own: the owners maintain a liberal point of view.
The site strives to report facts fairly in all its stories, but acknowledges that biases may emerge, particularly in opinion pieces. To mitigate the effects of bias, readers are encouraged to consume news from multiple sources and engage in critical thinking about the information they encounter.
Bonus Program - Veritas AI’s AI Trailblazers
The AI Trailblazers program by Veritas AI is a virtual program that teaches middle school students the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and machine learning. Over 25 hours, you will learn the basics of Python as well as topics like data analysis, regression, image classification, neural networks, and AI ethics. Students learn through lectures and group sessions with a 5:1 student-to-mentor ratio. Previous student projects have included building a machine-learning model to classify music genres and creating a machine-learning algorithm to provide a custom list of educational resources based on selected specifications.
Application deadline: Rolling deadlines.
Eligibility: Students in grades 6-8
Program dates: 25 hours over 10 weeks (on weekends) during the spring cohort and 25 hours over 2 weeks (on weekdays) during the summer cohort.
Location: Virtual
Fee: $1,790. Need-based financial aid is available.
One more option—The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program
The Lumiere Junior Explorer Program is a program for middle school students to work one-on-one with a mentor to explore their academic interests and build a project they are passionate about. Our mentors are scholars from top research universities such as Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Yale, Duke, and LSE.
The program was founded by a Harvard & Oxford PhD who met as undergraduates at Harvard. The program is rigorous and fully virtual. We offer need-based financial aid for students who qualify. You can find the application in the brochure! To learn more, you can reach out to our Head of Partnerships, Maya, at maya.novak-herzog@lumiere.education or go to our website.
Multiple rolling deadlines for JEP cohorts across the year, you can apply using this application link! If you'd like to take a look at the upcoming cohorts + deadlines, you can refer to this page!
Stephen is one of the founders of Lumiere and a Harvard College graduate. He founded Lumiere as a Ph.D. student at Harvard Business School. Lumiere is a selective research program where students work 1-1 with a research mentor to develop an independent research paper.