The National Academies Press has published a several hundred-page paper called “Learning Science in Informal Environments: People, Places, and Pursuits” (2009). It explores the various facets of science learning outside the classroom and uses research to determine which approaches are most effective. The Committee on Learning Science in Informal Environments was established to examine the potential of non-school settings for science learning.

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The Center of Science and Industry (COSI) in Columbus, Ohio offers summer camps, grade-specific theme days, live science shows, demonstrations, 300 interactive exhibits, and more. For teachers, COSI offers professional development workshops, an annual Teacher Resource Fair, class materials, and discounts on admission and membership.

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The MIT Museum in Cambridge, Massachusetts offers exhibits, guided tours, workshops, special events, and contests, as well as opportunities to team up with scientists and MIT grads. Through the various programs, students can explore robotics, programming, structural engineering, geometry, DNA, video conferencing technology, and Rube Goldberg Machines.

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Want to offer your students a hands-on science experience, but lack access to a well-equipped lab? Try a field trip to a science center. Across the country, science centers and museums are working to provide the kind of interactive experiences that enliven classroom learning.

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At the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond, visitors will find interactive learning and activities at the exhibits: Science Unplugged, Bioscape, Electriworks, Newton in SpacE: bodies in motion, Space Gallery, Virginia Tech Solar House, and the Virginia Tech Solar House. Visitors also will soon be able to visit the green roof project atop the IMAX theater. Museum programs include visiting exhibitions, educational programming, overnight adventures, lectures, demonstrations, live theater and summer camps. Teacher should check the Website for the labs and demonstrations, outreach, and other school program offerings.

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The National Science Teachers Association maintains a list of hundreds of free resources for science teachers, updated regularly. Some types of resources include full educational and interactive websites, podcasts, online demonstrations, stories for students, mobile device applications, videos, lesson plans, activities, networking opportunities with other teachers and scientists, data on state standards, special reports, social networking, nature guides, career bios and aids, learning tools, forums, databases, glossaries, games, and more.

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The Cooper Hewitt Museum’s online exhibit, “Design for the Other 90%,” highlights the efforts of engineers and others from all over the globe to devise cost-effective ways to increase access to food and water, energy, education, healthcare, revenue-generating activities, and affordable transportation for those who most need them. The Website serves as an excellent resource for teachers and students, and links to several related lesson plans and a teacher forum. A free traveling exhibit is visiting Washington, D.C. through September 6, 2010 at the National Geographic.