Informal Science LearningInformal l

Informal Science Learning
Informal learning has been defined as the learning taking place outside the classroom
(Maarschalk 1988; Tamir 1990). A variety of activities alternative to the traditional schooling
have received attention in educational settings as a way to promote student learning and develop
science literacy (Robelen 2011). Considering that a large portion of school time is currently
spent on mathematics and literacy, informal learning environments embody a huge potential for
science learning (National Research Council 2009). The Academic Competitiveness Council
reported that informal education is one of the important elements of the US educational system,
which may help raise the number of citizens literate in STEM (U.S. Department of Education
2007). Informal education is also seen as a fundamental pipeline for increasing interest,
understanding, and appreciation toward STEM (National Science Board 2007).