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INFORMAL LEARNING
NETWORK
Adapt NASA resources in innovative ways to better suit your local
audience.

NASA’s Universe of Learning collaborates with the Association of Science and Technology
Centers (ASTC) and Smithsonian Affiliations to develop and test sustainable models
of innovative STEM learning for informal learning institutions. To establish the Informal
Learning Network this partnership created and implemented professional development
experiences with the informal education community. These experiences draw on science
directly from NASA Astrophysics, and continue to support informal education institutions in
developing innovative STEM learning models. Recordings of these professional
development webinars are available here.

As a result of this professional development experience, over 40 informal learning institutions

from across the U.S. have developed and tested program models for their audiences, utilizing
NASA Astrophysics resources in their efforts to make STEM learning more accessible and
engaging. These program models include but are not limited to: one day science festivals and
events; year long after school programs for teens; STEAM programming for early learners. 

The informal learning institutions are working to share their program models with the wider
informal learning community. Their resulting program models are collected here for other
informal learning sites to download and adapt for their local audiences. These resources are
free to use and may be adjusted in any way desired.

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To enhance and broaden the portfolio of astrophysics learning assets the Informal Learning
Network is expanding support for communities traditionally underserved in STEM and STEAM
programming. Members of the network are now leaders within their communities,
spearheading regional networks that help to increase the community of organizations
participating in NASA's Universe of Learning. Through this co-creation and inclusion of
broader perspectives the network hopes to achieve impactful astrophysics programming that
is innovative, inclusive, accessible, and relevant to broader audiences.

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FEATURED RESOURCES

After School Programming: Intro to Astronomy:

Pinhead Institute
At the Pinhead institute an introduction to astronomy was
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At the Pinhead institute, an introduction to astronomy was
incorporated into a variety of after-school programs,
including a weekly two-hour after-school program for
participants in third through sixth grade.

Tactile Explorations of Extrasolar Objects: Science

Central
This tabletop activity by Science Central uses 3D printed
representations of objects beyond the Solar System to give
participants a sense of the scale of extrasolar objects and

allow participants with low vision or tactile learning styles to

have the opportunity to learn more about astronomy.

VIEW ALL PROGRAM MODELS

LOCATIONS
The Informal Learning Network partners with informal learning venues across the United
States. The map below illustrates locations of venues that participate with the Informal
Learning Network.

Informal Learning Network

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Informal Learning Network
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the map on the Informal Learning Network's Google MyMap 

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