Van Andel Institute for Education (VAI Education) is dedicated to sparking interest in STEM and cultivating essential skills for future success. Through dynamic learning experiences, VAI Education empowers students to become confident problem-solvers and critical thinkers, preparing them for future careers in STEM fields.
One of VAI Education's innovative programs, Curiosity on Wheels, is a mobile STEM event that brings hands-on science to K-12 students across the region. This event-based program immerses students in real-world challenges, encouraging them to think and act like scientists, all while having fun science experiences they'll never forget. By actively engaging students in the learning process, Curiosity on Wheels bridges learning gaps and fosters a deeper understanding of STEM concepts.
A few of our students shared:
" I learned a lot and now I want to be a scientist!"
" My favorite part was that I felt like an actual scientist!"
" I learned more about what goes into being a scientist, which was helpful because now I want to go into science."

Research from Harvard University, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), underscores the power of active, participatory learning. Curiosity on Wheels exemplifies this approach, delivering better outcomes than traditional lectures.
Through programs like Curiosity on Wheels, VAI Education is committed to sparking curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in every classroom, empowering students to reach their full potential. Additional hands-on science experiences provided by VAI Education include:
" After-School Cohort (Gr. 4-7)
" Classroom Field Trips (Gr. K-12)
" Science Parties (Gr. K-8)

To learn more about these and other programs for K-12 educators, please contact VAI Education at 616.234.5528 or visit VAIeducation.org.