With input from the STEM Active Learning Community Partners Working Group, we have been putting a lot of thought into a definition of quality that we can use in our work with informal and out-of-school time programs offering STEM. Here is what we have come up with so far:
"Quality informal STEM integrates science, technology, engineering, and math by providing meaningful opportunities set in a relevant context for youth to develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills, inquiry, and creativity through engaging, hands-on and inter-generational activities and programming. Quality programming is distinguished by authentic and appropriate active engagement in purposeful activities in an environment that is conducive to learning, curiosity, and experimentation, and provides youth with opportunities to build positive relationships, reflect, and connect their learning to the broader world."
