2022 Annual Report

K-12 Education
Of course, not all teachers are ready to implement full project-based learning units,
so VAI supports all teachers by helping them infuse higher-level thinking skills into
activities they are likely already doing. Blue Apple Timely Topics address relevant
content with a series of free, 15-minute mini-lessons that are easy-to-implement for
teachers and highly motivating for students. The mini-lessons, which include topics
like “Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month” and “Classroom Community,” have been
downloaded more than 5,000 times by educators in over 40 countries.
Field Trips & More
Science doesn’t happen only in the classroom — some of the best learning
experiences come from stepping out into the real world. VAI Field Trips immerse
students and teachers in thinking and acting like scientists. Students get the
opportunity to conduct unique, grade-specific investigations and participate in
hands-on discovery. There are more than 40 different programs available, each
uniquely designed to provide an engaging and educational experience. Coming out
of the pandemic, teachers have been particularly interested in field trips. VAI
hosted more than 2,500 students for field trips in 2022, an increase of 50% over
the previous year.
Thousands of students have visited our classrooms in downtown Grand Rapids over
the years, but our intrepid team of educators also visit Michigan communities and
beyond through Curiosity on Wheels. This customizable event brings hands-on, funfilled
STEM investigations to students in their own community. Curiosity on Wheels
delivers experiences that are as memorable as they are educational, creating lively
events for students, teachers and families.
High school students with an interest in science have the opportunity to collaborate
with VAI researchers with VAI’s High School Journal Club. This intensive and
impactful program brings students, teachers and VAI scientists together to engage
in scientific discourse. Students emulate the practice of VAI scientists, collaborating,
reading, analyzing and presenting scientific journal articles in formats easily applied
to the classroom.
FOR FAMILIES
Summer Camps
Science doesn’t disappear when summer vacation starts. Through our VAI Summer
Camps, students can attend unique camps celebrating science, engineering and
robotics. The demand for these weeklong, affordable camps was at an all-time high,
so VAI doubled up on many camp offerings, meeting with a total of 305 students
in 2022 compared to 168 in 2021! Camp themes included fossils, space exploration,
learning about the Grand River ecosystem, renewable energy, and many more.
Afterschool Cohort
For students looking to stay engaged beyond classes, the Afterschool Cohort
program encourages students to think and act like scientists and engineers. They
conduct investigations using real scientific tools, engaging with science at an
intrinsic level. Topics include biodiversity, human health and human innovation. Best
of all? There is no cost to participate in the program — tuition is covered by VAI’s
generous donors.
VAI hosted more than 2,500 students for field trips in 2022,
an increase of 50% over the previous year.
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