Van Andel Education Institute's (VAEI) Science Academy is a nonprofit academic institution that offers educational programs for elementary and middle school students and teachers, as well as local community members. The Science Academy is dedicated to advancing and promoting science education and increasing the number of students who choose to pursue careers in science or science-related fields.
Our programs build on the expertise of Van Andel Research Institute’s world-renowned scientists and Van Andel Education Institute’s expertise in curriculum and instruction. We hope to expand our programs to include high school students and teachers, and to ultimately have a national impact on science education.
Student and Community Programs
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Out-of-School-Time Cohort Program
Groups of students learn to think and act like scientists over the course of three years. They ask questions such as "What type of substrate does a pill bug prefer?" and "What is the effect of caffeine on a zebra fish?". Then the students use the tools of science to find the answers. |
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Science On Saturday
Students and the adults in their lives experience science together in these one-day community programs held throughout the year. |
Teacher Programs
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Classroom Science Investigations
Teachers learn alongside their students in this unique professional development program tailored to each teacher's self-identified needs. Not only do teachers learn methods that will help them in the classroom, but their students experience hands-on learning that engages them so they are excited to learn more. |
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Partners for Sustainable Innovation
This professional development initiative brings teachers and workforce partners together to determine how the requirements for current and future life science careers can be integrated into the classroom in an engaging way. |
Why Science?
The Academy responds to the national need for stronger science and technology education to strengthen the United States’ world position in these areas. (more information)
Videos
The videos below will allow you to get more information about our programs by seeing participants in action and hearing from our staff.
Videos require at least Windows Media Player 
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