Informal science education supports people of all ages and walks of life in exploring science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Informal science education helps people awaken and pursue interests, build knowledge, and develop an understanding of the scientific process. CAISE Sparks highlight some of the ways informal science education is making a difference in people's lives—from awe-inspiring films and online games to memorable exhibitions and citizen science projects.
The National Science Foundation (NSF) issued a new solicitation May 21 for grant applications under its Informal Science Education (ISE) program. The NSF ISE program supports "innovation in anywhere, anytime, lifelong learning, through investments in research, development, infrastructure, and capacity-building for STEM learning outside formal school settings." It is part of NSF's Division of Research on Learning in Formal and Informal Settings. The division's grant programs "are central to NSF’s strategic goals of Learning and Discovery, helping to cultivate a world-class, broadly inclusive STEM workforce, expanding the scientific literacy of all citizens, and promoting research that advances the frontiers of knowledge."
NSF ISE solicitation | FAQs about the solicitation | Current grants
