Informal Education Resources

Informal learning includes everyday experiences and experiences in designed settings, such as museums, zoos, and nature programs. They also include experiences in out-of-school programs, such as after-school clubs, programs, and citizen science.

Featured Resources

Out of School Engagements in Forensic Science on a College Campus

Out of school informal learning environments provide an excellent experience for students to develop scientific curiosity and critical thinking skills. Currently, there is a range of methods available for supporting STEM learning. As schools focus on...

Journal Article

What Are These Bugs Under the Log?

Blog Post

How Do We Know What Isopods Do?

Lesson Plan

Connected Science Learning January-March 2018

Volume 1, Issue 5 STEM Learning in Environmental Settings ...

Journal

Journal and Lesson Plans

Informal Science Journal

Lesson Plans

Latest Resources

Reports Article

Freebies and Opportunities for Science and STEM Teachers, July 8, 2025

Web Seminar

Unlocking Success: A Step-by-Step Guide to NSTA Proposal Submissions, August 19, 2025

Ready to share your best ideas with the science education community? Join us on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, for a dynamic web seminar where we will guide you through the process of submitting a successful proposal for the NS...

Reports Article

Freebies and Opportunities for Science and STEM Teachers: June 24, 2025

Web Seminar

State Policy Landscape in 2025 and its Implications for Science Education, June 18, 2025

Stay informed on the key policy issues that could impact your classroom and your profession. Learn how to advocate for science education and ensure your voice is heard by policymakers. All individuals receive a certificate of participation and 100 N...

Web Seminar

Archive: 2025 STEM Policy Landscape, June 11, 2025

Join us for the second installment of the Advocacy in Action webinar series, featuring NSTA Policy Advisor James Brown, as he provides an insightful overview of key national policy trends shaping science, technology, engineering, and mathem...

Web Seminar

Archive: Science Teacher Compensation in a Competitive Landscape, June 4, 2025

This webinar will explore the critical policy issues it raises for state, local, and federal government policymakers. With its new statement, NSTA speaks to the issue of how our nation's schools should pay science teachers in a competitive econo...

Web Seminar

Your Voice, Your Impact: NSTA Nominations Information Session, September 17, 2025

Join us on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to learn about the leadership opportunities available on the NSTA Board of Directors and Leadership Council.This session will provide an overview of open positions, eligibility req...

Web Seminar

Elevate Your Story: Learn About the 2026 NSTA Teacher Awards, October 22, 2025

Join us on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to learn about all the NSTA Teacher Awards available and how to apply.In this session, you'll learn about the various award categories, eligibility criteria, and the application proc...

Web Seminar

Science Update: The Dynamic Atmosphere: Extreme Weather, June 26, 2025

Extreme atmospheric events, also known as extreme weather, are unusually severe occurrences that can cause significant damage and disruption. These events can range from heat waves and cold snaps to heavy precipitation, droughts, and various storms, ...

Reports Article

Freebies and Opportunities for Science and STEM Teachers, April 15, 2025

Web Seminar

Science Update: Amazing Monarch Butterflies, August 21, 2025

Join us on Thursday, August 21, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to learn about why we refer to the monarch butterflies as "amazing." From their miraculous multi-generation annual migration to their role as pollinators to their importance as an i...

Web Seminar

Web Seminar: NSTA Membership 101: December 1, 2025

Join us on Monday, December 1, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 6:45 PM ET, for this installment of the NSTA bimonthly Membership Orientation Series, NSTA Membership 101, where we will dive into the variety of benefits available to NSTA members....

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