Informal STEM Learning at Home and in Community Spaces

This insightful exploration reveals how the vast majority of children's learning happens outside the classroom, arguing that everyday environments are rich with opportunities for authentic science, technology, engineering, and math development. Author Bradley Morris moves beyond rote content knowledge to frame STEM readiness as a holistic concept encompassing genuine interest, sustained engagement, and the crucial formation of a STEM identity. The book provides a compelling case for leveraging the 80% of waking hours spent at home and in community spaces as a powerful, untapped educational resource.

What sets this work apart is its focus on the social and emotional dimensions of learning, showing how interactions with family and peers in informal settings can ignite a lasting passion for STEM subjects. It’s an essential read for parents, educators, and community leaders seeking practical strategies to transform mundane moments into meaningful scientific discovery. By shifting the focus from formal instruction to everyday curiosity, this book has the potential to fundamentally change how we cultivate the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.