Informal STEM Learning
Informal STEM learning refers to lifelong learning in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) that takes place across many settings and experiences outside of the formal K-12 classroom.
What is Informal STEM Learning?
People of all ages engage with science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) in a variety of ways throughout their lives. A significant portion of this learning occurs in informal settings and through experiences outside the traditional formal K–12 classroom.
This type of informal learning is also commonly referred to as lifelong learning, out-of-school-time (OST) learning, or free-choice learning.
The field of informal STEM education (ISE) experiences, settings, and programs include:
- Afterschool, out-of-school time, and youth-serving programs
- Citizen and community science
- Games, interactive media, and technology enhanced learning
- Libraries
- Making, tinkering, hobbies, crafts, and clubs
- Media (television, film, radio, podcasts)
- Museums, science centers, and planetariums
- Nature centers and outdoor learning
- Public engagement programs, community events, science festivals
- University and college outreach programs
- Zoos, aquariums, and botanic gardens (sometimes referred to as living collections)
These informal STEM learning experiences are voluntary, learner-driven, and often hands-on allowing people of all ages to explore STEM concepts in ways that feel relevant and enjoyable.
Key Publications from the
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine (NASEM) and National Research Council (NRC) reports listed below synthesize research-based evidence on informal STEM learning, science communication, and science literacy; PDFs can be downloaded at no cost.
Informal STEM Learning
- National Research Council. 2009. Learning Science in Informal Environments: People, Places, and Pursuits. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/12190.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/12190/learning-science-in-informal-environments-people-places-and-pursuits - National Research Council. 2010. Surrounded by Science: Learning Science in Informal Environments. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/12614.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/12614/surrounded-by-science-learning-science-in-informal-environments
National Research Council. 2015. Identifying and Supporting Productive STEM Programs in Out-of-School Settings. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/21740.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/21740/identifying-and-supporting-productive-stem-programs-in-out-of-school-settings - National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. Learning Through Citizen Science: Enhancing Opportunities by Design. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/25183.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/25183/learning-through-citizen-science-enhancing-opportunities-by-design - National Research Council. 2011. Learning Science Through Computer Games and Simulations. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/13078.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/13078/learning-science-through-computer-games-and-simulations - National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2026. The Status of Informal Science and Engineering Education: Proceedings of a Convocation (2026).Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/29291.
https://www.nationalacademies.org/publications/29291
Learning Science
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2018. How People Learn II: Learners, Contexts, and Cultures. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/24783.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/24783/how-people-learn-ii-learners-contexts-and-cultures - National Research Council. 2000. How People Learn: Brain, Mind, Experience, and School: Expanded Edition. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/9853.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/9853/how-people-learn-brain-mind-experience-and-school-expanded-edition - National Research Council. 2014. STEM Learning Is Everywhere: Summary of a Convocation on Building Learning Systems. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/18818.|
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/18818/stem-learning-is-everywhere-summary-of-a-convocation-on-building
Science Communication
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2017. Communicating Science Effectively: A Research Agenda. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/23674.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/23674/communicating-science-effectively-a-research-agenda - National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2016. Effective Chemistry Communication in Informal Environments. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/21790.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/21790/effective-chemistry-communication-in-informal-environments - National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2016. Communicating Chemistry: A Framework for Sharing Science: A Practical Evidence-Based Guide. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/23444.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/23444/communicating-chemistry-a-framework-for-sharing-science-a-practical-evidence - National Academy of Sciences. 2014. The Science of Science Communication II: Summary of a Colloquium. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/18478. https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/18478/the-science-of-science-communication-ii-summary-of-a-colloquium
- National Academy of Sciences. 2018. The Science of Science Communication III: Inspiring Novel Collaborations and Building Capacity: Proceedings of a Colloquium. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/24958.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/24958/the-science-of-science-communication-iii-inspiring-novel-collaborations-and - Lindenfeld, L., Besley, J.C., Zheng, X., Dudo, A., & Newman, T.P. (2025). Science Communication for Scientists: Linking Strategy with Creativity, Practice, and Respect (1st ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003493938 (Open Access)
Science Literacy and Skills
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2016. Science Literacy: Concepts, Contexts, and Consequences. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/23595.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/23595/science-literacy-concepts-contexts-and-consequences - National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2021. Call to Action for Science Education: Building Opportunity for the Future. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/26152.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/26152/call-to-action-for-science-education-building-opportunity-for-the - National Research Council. 2012. Education for Life and Work: Developing Transferable Knowledge and Skills in the 21st Century. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/13398.
https://nap.nationalacademies.org/catalog/13398/education-for-life-and-work-developing-transferable-knowledge-and-skills
Resources
- Informalscience.org
The resource library is a crowdsourced and searchable database of thousands of informal STEM learning project descriptions, research materials, and evaluation reports
https://informalscience.org/repository/ - Informal STEM Learning and Science Communication Project Planner
https://informalscience.org/project-planner/ Understanding Science
Teaching and learning about the nature and process of science
https://undsci.berkeley.edu/
Science Communication Resources
Professional Learning
NISE Network professional learning resources and tools to help improve the STEM engagement practices and skills of educators and scientists.
Professional Learning for Educators List
NISE Net has many resources designed specifically for informal educators. These include training materials for our educational products, tools and guides related to engaging public audiences in learning about current science, and information about developing and strengthening collaborations.
Professional Learning for Scientists List
NISE Net creates resources designed specifically for scientists. These include tools and guides on science communication, methods for engaging the public, and ways to enhance collaborations.