Citizen science; Informal learning; Museum learning

Learning that is supported in out-of-school settings is often referred to as informal learning, casual learning, extended learning, or free-choice learning. The learner voluntarily participates in activities, with his or her level of engagement growing out of curiosity or engagement in a social group or community. In contrast to formal schooling, informal learning has the characteristics of being fluid in activity and interactions, multigenerational, and even friendship-driven. The learner is often in charge of selecting the activities, location, and co-participants in the learning situation. Activities may be sponsored by particular institutions or programs such as science centers, libraries, museums, zoos, planetariums, aquariums, community centers, schools, or commercial firms. Alternatively, they may be completely unsponsored and spontaneous, occurring in a home, garage, or online environment.

In these out-of-school...