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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

Connected Science Learning January-March 2018

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

Journal

Latest Resources

 

Web Seminar

Navigating NSTA 2026 Fall Conference: A Guide for First-Time Attendees, October 6, 2026

Headed to the NSTA National Conference in Indianapolis? Make every moment count! Join us on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 7:00–8:15 PM ET, for an interactive webinar that will help you navigate the conference with confidence, build meaningful ...

 

Web Seminar

Reviewing Proposals for NSTA Conference in Boston, September 29, 2026

Every great conference begins with great proposal reviewers. Help shape the 2027 NSTA Spring Conference in Boston. Join us on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, from 7:00–8:15 PM ET, for an interactive webinar that will equip you with the tools and g...

 

Web Seminar

Presenter Essentials: Your Guide to Conference Success, September 15, 2026

Get ready to shine at the NSTA National Conference in Indianapolis! Join us on Tuesday, September 15, 2026, from 7:00–8:15 PM ET, for an interactive webinar designed to help you feel prepared, confident, and ready to succeed as an NSTA conferen...

 

Web Seminar

Unlocking Success: A Step-by-Step Guide to NSTA Proposal Submissions, September 3, 2026

Ready to share your ideas at the NSTA Spring Conference in Boston? Join us on Thursday, September 3, 2026, from 7:00–8:15 PM ET, for an interactive session designed to help you develop and submit a successful proposal for the 2027 NSTA Spring C...

 

Web Seminar Series

Designing 3D Assessments with Generative AI: A Four-Part Professional Learning Series for Science Educators

Are your assessments capturing the rich science sensemaking already happening in your classroom? Join us on October 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th from 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm ET, to build your skills in designing 3D assessments with generative AI....

 

Web Seminar

Sponsored Web Seminar: Creep It Real: Halloween Experiments Students Won't Stop Talking About, October 20, 2026

Join us on Tuesday, October 20, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, and learn about Halloween-related activities that you can do in your classroom....

 

Web Seminar

What is El Niño and How Might It Affect Our Weather This Year, September 10, 2026

Join us on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, to learn about El Niño....

 

Web Seminar

Sponsored Web Seminar: Toss It, Walk It, Graph It: Simple Motion Experiments to Start the Year Strong, August 25, 2026

Join us on Tuesday, August 25, from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM ET, and walk away with relevant classroom activities that you can use immediately....

 

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

Four new workshops. Four powerful ways to elevate science teaching. Be the first to discover NSTA's newest professional learning experiences and find the right fit for your educators. Join us on Thursday, July 23, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM ET, for a fi...

 

Web Seminar

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

Four new workshops. Four powerful ways to elevate science teaching. Be the first to discover NSTA's newest professional learning experiences and find the right fit for your 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....

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