Play holds a key role in informal learning, which differs from more structured styles of formal instruction

associated with educational institutions. As such, various organizations like children’s museums and
non-profits such as the National Center for Science Education are investigating ways to use play as an
aspect of interest development in science, as well as using play to promote science learning behavior
and explore scientific contexts and concepts. Furthermore, while people often think of play in relation to
young children, it is also an effective teaching aid for any age level. Even so, play and informal learning
are sometimes valued less than formal instruction.