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

Web Seminar

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

Join us on Wednesday, June 18, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, for the final installment of the Advocacy in Action webinar series, featuring NSTA Policy Advisor James Brown and Hands-On Science Partnership Chair Alex Molinich. Together, they’ll e...

Web Seminar

2025 STEM Policy Landscape, June 11, 2025

Join us on Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, 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 shapi...

Web Seminar

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

Join us on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, for the first installment of the Advocacy in Action webinar series as we take an in-depth look at the newly released position statement on science teacher compensation....

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

Join us on Thursday, June 26, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to learn about the science behind extreme weather....

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....

Web Seminar

Web Seminar: NSTA Membership 101: October 6, 2025

Join us on Monday, October 6, 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....

Web Seminar

Web Seminar: NSTA Membership 101: August 4, 2025

Join us on Monday, August 4, 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....

Web Seminar

Archive: Teacher Tip Tuesday: Unlocking Success: A Step-by-Step Guide to NSTA Proposal Submissions, April 9, 2025

Ready to share your best ideas with the science education community? Whether you’re considering a session, poster, or workshop, we’ll break down the submission journey and help you craft a proposal that stands out. In this interactive se...

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