Learning to Teach Science: Elementary Teacher Candidates Facilitate Informal STEM Events

ABSTRACTFacilitating successful informal STEM learning experiences is essential for building knowledge and comfort with STEM content for children and teachers alike. Informal learning experiences are by nature hands-on and interdisciplinary and provide play-based, real-world, authentic learning experiences. This article describes what elementary teacher candidates learn about teaching science from facilitating a STEM event within school settings and outside regular school hours. The article also presents implications for elementary-teacher education.