STEM Learning Ecosystems

Museums, libraries, schools, and many other community organizations offer programs and environments that are specially designed for lifelong learning. STEM learning ecosystems bring these organizations together support learning throughout a lifetime: at home, at school, at work, and in the community.

Informal STEM learning is fun—and important.

Research shows that informal learning settings are particularly good at sparking interest and motivation to participate in STEM activities, and at helping learners develop an identity as someone who knows about and uses STEM. Both in and out of school, learners can practice scientific reasoning, use engineering design thinking, and understand fundamental STEM concepts.

Diagram of a STEM Ecosystem showing the learner in the center surrounded by interconnection

STEM learning ecosystems create pathways for learners from initial interest through the development of an identity as a science learner, and, in some cases, pursuit of a STEM career.

AZ state library building

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We always start with the question, ‘How is this changing or helping the people that we’re ultimately looking to serve?’ Find out what the community wants and what you have, then you can find better collaboration ideas.

CHRIS GUERRA

Arizona State Library

Learning ecosystems and partnerships

Museum & Community Partnerships

Explore Science: Zoom into Nano resources are designed to facilitate new or expanded collaborations between museums and other local community partners to engage underserved audiences in learning about nanoscale science, engineering, and technology.

Learners putting together a carbon nanotube model

Development Process

NISE Network materials are informed by data and expertise and improved through use and experience. We use an iterative, collaborative development process that involves educators, subject matter experts, learners, and evaluator/researchers. Our products are designed to be flexible and adaptable, to meet the needs of our partner organizations.

Families collaborating on a project

Collaborations

NISE Network encourages partnerships among museums, universities, and other organizations that support lifelong STEM learning. By collaborating, we can leverage our complementary strengths and resources and achieve outcomes we couldn't do alone!

Working with STEM Experts Guide cover including an image of expert puring a liquid and using a strainer with a girl and her family at a museum public event

Working with STEM Experts: A Guide for Educators in Museums and Other Informal Learning Settings

Professional development guide to help informal STEM educators find, prepare, and work with STEM experts to engage with the public.

STEM Learning Ecosystems Project

The NASA SciAct STEM Learning Ecosystems project is investigating and sharing principles and practices for community-wide partnerships that center equity and create opportunities for authentic STEM engagement.

More Resources

STEM Learning Ecosystems Community of Practice (SLECoP) https://stemecosystems.org
CAISE informalscience.org What Is a STEM Learning Ecosystem?