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 Series

Learning that Lasts: Meaningful STEM Experiences that Build Durable Skills: A Topic Study for K-12 Educators

Join us for a four-part webinar series, scheduled on September 10, 17, 24 and October 1, from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM ET, to deepen your understanding of STEM learning experiences that build durable skills....

Web Seminar

First Look at NSTA’s Newest Professional Learning Experiences, July 23, 2026

Join us on Thursday, July 23, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ET, for a first look at four new professional learning offerings designed to support science and STEM educators.  NSTA’s newest offerings include:...

Web Seminar

First Look at NSTA’s Newest Professional Learning Experiences, July 9, 2026

Join us on Thursday, July 9, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, for a first look at four new professional learning offerings designed to support science and STEM educators.  NSTA’s newest offerings include:...

Web Seminar

Snowfall Measurement Science: In Support of Aviation Winter Operations, November 12, 2026

Join us on Thursday, November 12, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to learn about snow measurement science....

Web Seminar

Lab Safety Considerations for Pre-Service and In-Service Secondary Science/STEM Teachers, March 8, 2027

Secondary Pre-Service and In-Service Teachers! Join us on Monday, March 8, 2027, from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM ET to learn about safety considerations for the science laboratory....

Web Seminar

Lab Safety Considerations for Pre-Service and In-Service Elementary Science/STEM Teachers, February 22, 2027

Elementary Pre-Service and In-Service Teachers! Join us on Monday, February 22, 2027, from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM ET to learn about safety considerations for the elementary classroom....

Member Web Seminar

Building Wonder with Text Sets: Tools for Inquiry Rich Classrooms, September 16, 2026

Join us on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:15 PM ET, for another installment of Book Beat Live!...

Web Seminar

Explore Leadership Opportunities: 2027 NSTA Nominations Session, September 23, 2026

Join us on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, 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.Curious about serving in an NSTA leadership role? Join us for an overvie...

Web Seminar

Don’t Hide Your Passion: Let It Shine with an NSTA Teacher Award, October 14, 2026

Join us on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to learn about learn about the various NSTA award categories, eligibility criteria, and the application process. Your passion for teaching deserves to be recognized. In this session...

Web Seminar

Sponsored Archive: Web Seminar: Solve the Case: Bring Forensic Science into Your Chemistry Class, April 29, 2026

What if your students could identify an arsonist, investigate a poisoning, and analyze crime scene evidence—all using chemistry techniques they're already learning? Join Vernier chemistry expert Nüs Hisim and Trendsetter educators Anne Lav...

Web Seminar

Archive: Presenter Essentials: Your Guide to Conference Success, March 4, 2026

This webinar is designed to help conference presenters feel prepared, confident, and ready to succeed while aligning with NSTA’s learner-centered, evidence-based approach to professional learning. The session will address essential conference l...

Web Seminar

Archive: Making the Most of Attending an NSTA Conference - Anaheim 2026, March 24, 2026

In this web seminar participants will learn:...

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