Van Andel Institute for Education

Van Andel Institute for Education Van Andel Institute for Education—the education division of Van Andel Institute—is dedicated to creating

In the early planning stages of Van Andel Institute, Co-Founder Betty Van Andel was intent on including education as an integral part of the Institute’s mission. After all, the life-changing scientific breakthroughs of tomorrow will be discovered by the students of today. Since the founding of VAI for Education, influential experts in scientific research and academia have worked diligently to shar

e the inquiry-based philosophy of VAIE’s science education and teacher development programs. The hallmark of VAIE’s inquiry-based philosophy is that students learn science best not just by memorization, but by actually thinking and acting like scientists. VAIE’s methods provide teachers and students with a meaningful, engaging learning experience and a sound understanding of scientific principles aimed at creating classrooms where curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking thrive!

💚 If we had to describe VAI Educator’s Studio in four(ish) words, they'd be: engaging, thought-provoking, time-saving, a...
06/11/2026

💚 If we had to describe VAI Educator’s Studio in four(ish) words, they'd be: engaging, thought-provoking, time-saving, and inspiring.

We're so grateful to hear how educators and instructional coaches are using these resources to support meaningful learning in their classrooms.

✨ And we're here for you, too. Join VAI Educator’s Studio at https://vaieducation.org/for-educators/membership-home/

School's out for the summer! ☀️Here at VAI for Education, we're saying goodbye to field trip season and HELLOOOO to summ...
06/10/2026

School's out for the summer! ☀️

Here at VAI for Education, we're saying goodbye to field trip season and HELLOOOO to summer camps! 🎉

It's not too late to register! If your child loves STEM, this is a perfect way to spend the summer.

Learn more about our available camps at:
https://vaieducation.org/for-families/summer-camps/

🎉 Congratulations to this month's Caught Being Awesome winner, Brittany Steffes, of Grand Rapids University Preparatory...
06/05/2026

🎉 Congratulations to this month's Caught Being Awesome winner, Brittany Steffes, of Grand Rapids University Preparatory Academy!
Grand Rapids University Prep Academy / Grand Rapids Public Schools

According to her peers, Brittany goes the extra mile for her students. Starting from her room which is bright, colorful, and has fun seating. Lesson plans and learning are coordinated to a tee. She has a passion for teaching and getting students where they need to be.

Well done, Brittany 🥇🏆

***If you know a teacher who’s creating a classroom where curiosity, creativity and critical thinking thrive, we’d love to celebrate them! Nominate at bit.ly/2WiQvjm

☀️📚 Summer reading doesn’t have to feel like homework.The right books can spark curiosity, fuel imagination, and keep st...
06/04/2026

☀️📚 Summer reading doesn’t have to feel like homework.

The right books can spark curiosity, fuel imagination, and keep students engaged long after the school year ends.

👉 Swipe through a few of our favorite summer reading recommendations for students, from heartwarming classics to science-inspired stories and unforgettable adventures.

❗️ Bonus: Pair summer reading with our Books to Builds projects for hands-on STEM activities inspired by each story.
Comment for the link below! 👇

What books are on your students’ summer reading list? Let us know below!

5 reasons Science on the Grand feels different ✨1️⃣ Practical, educator-led sessions you can use right away2️⃣ Inspiring...
06/03/2026

5 reasons Science on the Grand feels different ✨

1️⃣ Practical, educator-led sessions you can use right away
2️⃣ Inspiring keynotes that challenge and energize your teaching
3️⃣ Hands-on field experiences inside real biomedical research labs
4️⃣ Breakfast, lunch, snacks, happy hour, and prizes — because teachers deserve it 🎉
5️⃣ A downtown Grand Rapids STEAM walk that turns the city into your classroom 🚶‍♀️

Join us July 13–14 in Grand Rapids for two days of discovery, connection, and classroom inspiration. Plus, bring your admin for free!* 🙌

Learn more at VAIeducation.org/SOTG

💛 This simple yet impactful activity is the perfect way to wrap up the school year!Give students the chance to reflect o...
06/02/2026

💛 This simple yet impactful activity is the perfect way to wrap up the school year!

Give students the chance to reflect on their classmates, share encouraging words, and leave with meaningful reminders of the impact they’ve had on one another all year long.

Try it with your class and let us know how it goes!

Explore more activities like this one at https://VAIeducation.org/for-educators/about-educators-studio

⭐️ FREE Daily SEL Activities! ⭐️Make the last few weeks of school extra meaningful with 15-minute (or less!) SEL activit...
05/28/2026

⭐️ FREE Daily SEL Activities! ⭐️

Make the last few weeks of school extra meaningful with 15-minute (or less!) SEL activities your students will actually look forward to.

💡 Choose from versions for K–2, 3–5, and 6–8.

Try them out with your class and let us know which activity becomes their favorite!

🔗 https://vaieducation.org/for-educators/games-activities -sel-activities

05/27/2026

Two days. Big inspiration. Classroom-ready ideas. 🚀

Join us at Science on the Grand STEAM Conference for hands-on K–8 learning around AI, STEM challenges, inquiry, creativity, storytelling, escape rooms, hydroponics, real-world problem solving, and more. 🔬🤖🎨

This isn’t sit-and-get PD — it’s practical, energizing, and built for today’s classrooms. Plus, Michigan teachers can earn 11 SCECHs!

Ready to re-energize your teaching? ✨

Head to VAIeducation.org/SOTG

Honoring the sacrifice of our heroes this Memorial Day with gratitude and remembrance in our hearts.
05/25/2026

Honoring the sacrifice of our heroes this Memorial Day with gratitude and remembrance in our hearts.

Address

216 N Division Avenue
Grand Rapids, MI
49503

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

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