Amplifying Informal Science Learning: Rethinking Research, Design, and Engagement

This collection explores the broad landscape of current and future out-of-school science learning environments. Written by leading experts and innovators in informal science learning, these thoughtful and critical essays examine the changing nature of informal institutions such as science museums, zoos, nature centers, planetariums, aquaria, and botanical gardens and their impact on science education. The book examines the learning opportunities and challenges created by community-based experiences including citizen science, makerspaces, science media, escape rooms, hobby groups, and gaming. Based on current practices, case studies, and research, the book focuses on four cross-cutting themes – inclusivity, digital engagement, community partnerships, and bridging formal and informal learning – to examine how people learn science informally. The book will be of interest to STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) educators – both in and out of school – designers of science and experiential education programs, and those interested in building STEM learning ecosystems in their communities.

Table of Contents:
PART I: Exhibits and Informal Science Learning 1. Transforming Learning Landscapes: A Radical Model for Informal Science Learning 2. What About AIDS? The Case of the National AIDS Exhibit Consortium and its Traveling Exhibition 3. Designing for Diversity 4. Origin of Interactive Science Centres and the Status of Science Centres in the Middle East 5. Helping Young Children Make Conceptual Connections in a Science Museum 6. How Planetariums Offer Diverse Opportunities to Engage a Broad Audience in STEM 7. Now it’s Africa’s Turn: The Status and Potential of Science Centres and Informal Science Education Initiatives on the ‘Bright Continent’ 8. Teachers as Designers: Learning by Exhibit Prototyping PART II: Engaged with Earth Stewardship 9. Salmon Camp: The Design of an Immersive Science Education Program for Native American Youth 10. Cultivating Sustainability: Youth Food Systems & STEM Learning 11. Wild Hearts: Exploring the Connection between STEM Learning and Conservation Psychology in Zoos and Aquariums 12. Out-of-School Science Education Institutions for Sustainability 13. Informal Learning through Citizen Science: Authentic, Meaningful, Impactful 14. From School-based Citizen Science to Transition-driven Activism with the Community 15. Where You Stand and Why You Stand There: Cultural Competency as a Lens for Understanding Climate Change in the Minds of Rural Pennsylvania Fairgoers PART III: Places and Spaces for Informal Science Learning 16. Libraries are for Science 17. Night Skies and Butterflies: Leisure Science Activities and STEM Interests 18. Chemical Escape Rooms: Bridging the Gap between Formal and Informal Science Learning 19. STEM Applied Learning Programme: Infusing the Formal with the Informal 20. Equitable Access to Making through Public Libraries 21. The Street Code Project: Computational Literacy and the Performing Arts 22. Bridging Informal Science Learning with Schools: The Open Schooling Model 23. Benefits of Engineering Beyond the School Day: Insights from Research 24. Digitally-Mediated Learning Modalities for Computational Thinking: Promises and Challenges for Informal STEAM Learning 25. Outdoor and Outreach: Informal Science Education Outside the Four Walls of Science Centers PART IV: Rethinking Informal Science Learning 26. Creating Awareness of the Challenges of Cross-Cultural Communication in Informal Science Settings Through an Indigenous Lens 27. On-Ramps to Where? 28. Fostering Youth STEM Identities Through Social Network Connections in Informal Science Settings 29. Speculative Design for STEM Learning 30. Limiting Claims about Museums, STEM, and Social Issues 31. The Virtuous Cycle of Affect, Engagement, and Learning 32. Data Narratives for Action: Innovative Approaches to Data Collection and Reporting to Tell the Story of Informal Science Learning 33. Should Science Centres Evict STEM? The 1960s Dream for Peace, Beauty, and Awe versus Cold War Pragmatism and Problem-solving 34. Reflections on 50 Years in the Science Center Profession