Van Andel Institute for Education's (VAI) 2021 Virtual Summer Camps are now open for registration. Following the success of last year's model, students will once again have the opportunity to think and act like scientists while exploring a wide range of STEM lessons for all ages and grades. Not only that, but these virtual camps are designed to get their students up, moving, and away from the screen!

"This year we are excited to build upon our virtual experience from last summer", says VAI instructor Jon Oosterman, "My goal is to create an experience so immersive, collaborative, and exciting that students forget they participating virtually."

VAI teachers will connect with students throughout the day via technology while also presenting engaging activities designed to get kids up and active. Students will be away from the screen, immersed in fun, and best of all, making new friends!

The registration price for each camp is $60, with the exception of Biotech Explorers, which is $100 due to the cost of materials. For more information on VAI's Summer Camps, including their dates and times, please visit vaei.org

We at VAI hope everyone remains safe and healthy, and we look forward to working with you all this summer!

VAI's 2021 Summer Camps include:

Grades 2-3
Can you Dig it?: Explore the amazing world of fossils from the comfort of your own home. Think and act like a true paleontologist as you collaborate (virtually) with new friends, make your own fossils, create a fossil sandwich, and participate in a unique fossil dig!
Sense-ational Animals: Join us as we explore the amazing world of animal senses. Each morning meet a resident VAI animal and learn about their extraordinary eyes, fantastic feelers, and other sense-ational senses. Learn how animals use their senses to survive in their environment and use what you learn to design your own new animals with amazing abilities!

Grades 4-5
Animal Survivor: In this virtual experience, investigate the world of animal adaptations and the habitats they live in! Each morning you will be introduced to a resident VAI animal and will conduct observational studies to learn more about that species.
Girl Scouts: Journey Through a Life in Space: Did you know that virtually every female astronaut has been a Girl Scout? Join us for a week of exploration to learn what it's like to live and work in space. Earn your Space Science Investigator badge as you discover how the human body works differently in space, gain an understanding of the dangers associated with space travel, learn about what robots can do for humans in space, and much more!

Grade 4-6
What's in Our Water? Exploring the Grand River: Ever wonder, "what's in our water?" Well now you can find out! Investigate this question as you collect, test, and analyze local water samples. Examine possible sources of contamination in our waterways. Build your environmental expertise as you explore ways to improve our water quality. Learn from environmental experts to better understand how all our water is connected - and how crucial it is to keep it clean!

Grades 6-8
Crime Scene Forensics: Catching a Criminal: Explore and learn what it takes to be a crime scene forensic scientist. Study different techniques used to analyze a crime scene, determine who is ultimately responsible for committing different crimes, and participate in hands-on investigations focusing on fingerprinting, DNA analysis, and more! Talk with an actual crime scene forensic scientist to learn more about this exciting career and be ready to put your skills to the test and solve a crime on the last day of camp!
Power Up: Energizing Our Future: Discover different types of renewable energy. Design a car powered by alternative energy; make a machine that transfers energy to complete a task; use solar energy to cook a marshmallow. Now more than ever, energy needs to be renewable. Through hands-on investigations, learn how alternative energies can be used to power the future.
Hogwarts in Grand Rapids: The Science Behind the Magic: Calling all witches and wizards! Grab your brooms, or use your Floo powder, and travel to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry - Van Andel style! Immerse yourself in the world of Harry Potter as you get sorted into houses, make a magic wand, and attend courses such as Potions, Caring for Magical Creatures, History of Magic, and Broomstick Flying! Use your newfound knowledge to compete in the all new Triwizard Tournament at the end of the camp.

Grades 6-9
Mission to Mars: Explore the science, engineering, and technology needed to complete a mission to Mars. Learn about the red planet and why scientists are so interested in learning more about it. Build and test a rocket that will travel into space! Design a Crew Exploration Vehicle (CEV) to bring your crew back from space. Learn about coding and its role in space exploration and learn to code your own program.

Grades 9-12
Biotech Explorers: Explore the world of biotechnology from the comfort of your own home! Discover and perform lab techniques (including DNA extraction, gel electrophoresis, ELISA protocol, and more) used in research facilities around the world. Each morning you will learn about a new biotechnology technique used by professionals and run a simulation of that technique.