Educational researchers, scholars, theoreticians, and practitioners define, interpret, and study
out-of school science education in various ways. Some use the term informal, while others prefer
free-choice, outdoor education, everyday learning or lifelong learning. Preferences reflect theory,
settings and practice, but regardless of the terminology, all researchers who are engaged in
learning that occurs outside of schools are convinced that a wide range of environments—
structured and unstructured—afford various types of engagement and learning. Learning science
in such environments has receivedmuch attention in the past two decades with increased focus for
school-aged children on the role of connecting in-school and out-of-school time. In addition to
children though, researchers and practitioners also investigate and support the learning of families,
older youth and adults.