Guest post by Laura Zizek

 Laura is currently a journalism student at Ryerson University and an editorial intern at Canadian Living. She is a lover of film, literature and food.

      YouTube isn't just a place to watch cat videos. The mixed bag of content can sometimes be overwhelming. But if you know where to look, YouTube can make a great educational tool for high school students, or anyone wanting to brush up on scientific knowledge or decipher Shakespearean jargon. Read on for our top YouTube tutorial picks.   [HTML1] Channel: CrashCourse Topics: World history, psychology, chemistry, literature, ecology and biology Audience: Ages 13+ Length: 10 minutes What the channel offers: CrashCourse covers a multitude of high school curriculum topics. Brothers John and Hank Green host the channel and illustrate their teachings with colourful animated diagrams. If you’re struggling to understand metaphors in The Great Gatsby or wondering what exactly happened during the Second World War, this channel has what you're looking for.   [HTML2] Channel: The Brain Scoop Topics: Natural history Audience: Ages 12+ Length: Four to eight minutes What the channel offers: Host Emily Graslie shows viewers what goes on behind-the-scenes of the Field Museum in Chicago, where she's the chief curiosity correspondent. She offers tours and glimpses at collections that aren't on display for the public, such as the meteorite or unusually sized rodent collections. If dissecting a fetal pig is too boring for your teens, watching Graslie dissect a wolf may be up their alley.   [HTML3] Channel: Piled Higher and Deeper (PHD Comics) Topics: Science Audience: Ages 13+ Length: Two to five minutes What the channel offers: Researchers, scientists and scholars from all around the world contribute to PHD TV's illustrated content. The science-based videos cover topics such as how coffee affects your brain, antibiotics and the history of the Dead Sea Scrolls.   [HTML4] Channel: Looking Glass Universe Topics: Quantum mechanics and calculus Audience: Ages 17+ Length: Three to 10 minutes What the channel offers: Beautiful drawings are used to explain the complicated world of quantum mechanics. And, if you’re itching for some feline-related content, try the Looking Glass Universe lesson explaining the paradox that is Schrödinger’s cat.   [HTML5] Channel: MinutePhysics Topics: Physics Audience: Ages 13+ Length: One to three minutes What the channel offers: Created by physicist Henry Reich, MinutePhysics's short whiteboard-illustrated videos draw an average of around 1 million views per clip. Covering topics such as how lightbulbs work, what sea level means and what causes magnetic attraction, the channel is perfect for kids who always ask "why?"   [HTML6] Channel: Sexplanations. Topics: Sex education Audience: Ages 16+ Length: Three to four minutes What the channel offers: Host Lindsey Doe is a clinical sexologist who discusses the world of sexuality in simple terms and a positive manner. Sex education classes may not always be as effective as parents would like, but have no fear: Doe covers everything from body image to HIV and consent. Paying attention to an hour-long class may be difficult for some kids, but these teaching aids can be a great tool. Check out the April issue of Canadian Living to find out more ways to help cultivate your kid’s creativity. (Feature image courtesy Stockvault)