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Press Release 09-003
Learning Science in Informal Environments
New report from National Research Council examines science learning outside of school
January 14, 2009
Anyone who has visited a science museum, gone on a nature walk, or watched a science program on public television knows that one need not be in a classroom or lecture hall to learn about science. Indeed, opportunities to be immersed in science present themselves to people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, in a myriad of locations. Through its Informal Science Education program, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has funded these kinds of learning opportunities for decades. The field of informal science education has grown tremendously in recent years, and NSF's interest in evaluating the effectiveness of projects and practices has contributed to a growing body of knowledge about informal learning. Against this backdrop, NSF provided funding to the National Research Council (NRC) to pull together existing research about informal learning to advance the field and help practitioners create more effective informal learning experiences. "Informal learning is a field that is maturing after a period of rapid expansion," said David Ucko, deputy division director for NSF's Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings. "Whether we're talking about science museums, television and radio programs, large-format films or citizen science projects, opportunities for informal learning are available to people all over the country. This is an excellent moment to synthesize the research that's been done and help researchers and practitioners build on it and share their knowledge and experience." More information on the NRC study, as well as ordering information, is available at http://www8.nationalacademies.org/onpinews/newsitem.aspx?RecordID=12190.
-NSF-
Media Contacts
Maria C. Zacharias, NSF (703) 292-8454 mzachari@nsf.gov
Program Contacts
David A. Ucko, NSF (703) 292-5126 ducko@nsf.gov
Related Websites
Center for Advancement of Informal Science Education: http://caise.insci.org/
Strange Matter Exhibit schedule: http://www.strangematterexhibit.com/where.html
The National Science Foundation (NSF) is an independent federal agency that supports fundamental research and education across all fields of science and engineering. In fiscal year (FY) 2009, its budget is $9.5 billion, which includes $3.0 billion provided through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. NSF funds reach all 50 states through grants to over 1,900 universities and institutions. Each year, NSF receives about 44,400 competitive requests for funding, and makes over 11,500 new funding awards. NSF also awards over $400 million in professional and service contracts yearly.
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