NASA’s Universe of Learning is a science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) learning program that provides resources and experiences related to NASA astrophysics. NASA’s Universe of Learning collaborates with ASTC and Smithsonian Affiliations to develop and test sustainable models of innovative STEM learning for informal learning institutions. The Universe of Learning team connects the public to the data, discoveries, and experts that span NASA’s Astrophysics missions.
ASTC is proud to have partnered with NASA’s Universe of Learning from 2016—2025 to fund ASTC members to develop astrophysics education projects and programs. These replicable projects were designed to:
- Strengthen science learning and literacy
- Enable inquisitive learners to discover the universe for themselves in innovative, inclusive, and accessible ways
- Enhance and broaden the portfolio of astrophysics learning assets available to educators.
Learn More
NASA’s Universe of Learning provides a range of ready-to-go programming to add to your events and activities. These projects and tools are based on academic research, educational best practices, and astronomy data that you can use with a range of learners in person or online. Explore the Resource Catalog to find activities for learners, videos and posters, professional learning webinars, and much more – use the filter bar to find resources that suit your audience, product type, or theme.
Our Awardees
The science centers and museums who have received support from NASA Universe of Learning are leaders in their communities, partnering with community organizations and regional networks to increase STEM engagement through NASA’s Universe of Learning network. Through this co-creation and inclusion of broader perspectives, the network aims to achieve impactful astrophysics programming that is innovative, inclusive, accessible, and relevant to broader audiences.
- Adler Planetarium | Chicago, Illinois
- Ann Arbor Hands-On Museum and Leslie Science & Nature Center | Ann Arbor, Michigan
- Bay Area Discovery Museum | Sausalito, California
- C. Bates Museum | Hinckley, Maine
- Carnegie Science Center | Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Children’s Creativity Museum | San Francisco, California
- EcoExploratorio | San Juan, Puerto Rico
- Emerald Coast Science Center | Walton Beach, Florida
- ¡Explora!, Albuquerque | New Mexico
- Exploration Place | Wichita, Kansas
- ExplorationWorks | Helena, Montana
- Gateway to Science | Bismarck, North Dakota
- International Museum of Art and Science | McAllen, Texas
- Kidspace Children’s Museum, Pasadena | California
- Kopernik Observatory & Science Center | Vestal, New York
- Living Arts and Science Center | Lexington, Kentucky
- Maryland Science Center | Baltimore, Maryland
- McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center | Concord, New Hampshire
- Mid-America Science Museum | Hot Springs, Arkansas
- Museum of Discovery and Science | Fort Lauderdale, Florida
- Museum of Flight | Seattle, Washington
- Museum of Innovation and Science | Schenectady, New York
- Museum of Life and Science | Durham, North Carolina
- Museum of Science | Boston, Massachusetts
- Muskogee STEAM Center | Muskogee, Oklahoma
- Oregon Museum of Science and Industry | Portland, Oregon
- Orlando Science Center | Orlando, Florida
- Pacific Science Center | Seattle, Washington
- Palouse Science Center | Pullman, Washington
- Pensacola MESS Hall | Pensacola, Florida
- Reading Public Museum | Reading, Pennsylvania
- Rochester Museum & Science Center | Rochester, New York
- Schiele Museum of Natural History and Planetarium | Gastonia, North Carolina
- Science Central | Fort Wayne, Indiana
- Science Museum of Virginia | Richmond, VA
- Science Play-Space Initiative | Mount Vernon, Ohio
- Sciencenter | Ithaca, New York
- South Dakota Discovery Center | Pierre, South Dakota
- Tellus Science Museum | Cartersville, Georgia
- The Discovery: Terry Lee Wells Nevada Discovery Museum | Reno, Nevada
- The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art and Technology | Newark, Ohio
- Tucson Children’s Museum | Tucson, AZ
- University of Montana spectrUM Discovery Area | Missoula, Montana
- Virginia Living Museum | Newport News, Virginia
2024 Call for Proposals
The Informal Learning Network is currently offering competitive funding to informal learning institutions! The goal of this funding opportunity is to foster co-creation and inclusivity, reducing barriers to participation and expanding access to scientific knowledge about the universe.
Successful applications will:
- Implement projects that utilize NASA’s Universe of Learning resources creatively.
- Focus on inclusivity, aiming to reduce barriers to STEM learning experiences.
- Foster meaningful collaborations that enhance participant engagement and learning.
This opportunity offers two funding tiers, Launchpad and Voyager, to address the specific needs of both new and returning participants. This reflects our commitment to fostering both the initiation and deepening of astrophysics-themed learning collaborations. Launchpad is specifically designed for new applicants who seek to leverage the resources of NASA’s Universe of Learning and offers up to $5,000 in project funding. Voyager is designed for organizations that have previously received support from NASA’s Universe of Learning and offers up to $10,000 in project funding.
Application Due Date: Thursday, August 1, 2024
Get Involved
The Informal Learning Network of NASA’s Universe of Learning is a collaboration of museums and cultural institutions affiliated with ASTC and the Smithsonian who are learning together to create and imagine learning resources and experiences to successfully engage diverse local audiences in the exploration of the cosmos. We seek to enhance and broaden the Informal Learning Network’s portfolio of astrophysics learning assets through co-creation and the inclusion of broader perspectives to reduce barriers to participation. Through expanding the network, NASA and its partners aim to achieve impactful astrophysics programming that is innovative, inclusive, accessible, and relevant to broader audiences.
Contact
For more information about ASTC and NASA’s Universe of Learning, contact programs@astc.org.