Van Andel Institute introduces digital K-12 STEM platform for teachers

CHICAGO, May 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Jerry Callahan, Ph.D., M.S., vice president of strategic projects at Van Andel Institute (VAI), will introduce NexGen Inquiry™, a not-for-profit, innovative science investigation platform for K-12 STEM teachers and students during a May 19 event from 6-8 p.m. at Chez. Darren Moore, Ph.D., associate professor and head of the Laboratory for Molecular Neurodegeneration at Van Andel Research Institute (VARI), also will discuss the future of Parkinson's disease research.

"Ninety-eight percent of teachers say they lack the digital tools they need, according to a 2014 survey by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation," Callahan said. "NexGen Inquiry™ helps teachers leverage existing curriculum with a digital solution for student-centered, inquiry-based learning. It answers the growing need for enhanced science education to build the nation's science, technology, engineering and math capacity and meet the demands of an increasingly complex and technical world."

NexGen Inquiry™ is a cloud-based, interactive science investigation organizer built by teachers for teachers. It is the result of over a decade of work with students and science educators at the Van Andel Education Institute (VAEI) Science Academy and spearheads a national effort to provide K-12 teachers the tools they need to revolutionize STEM education in the U.S. The platform will be available for a minimal fee in July 2015, but is accepting applications for a free trial for a limited time.

A self-confessed "change zealot," Callahan has more than 20 years of administrative, teaching, and startup experience, having built one of the country's first fully accredited online degree programs. He has founded and launched five companies focused on advancing science and education. Currently, Callahan is the project manager for the Van Andel Education Institute (VAEI) Science Academy's newest product, NexGen Inquiry™, a cloud-based, interactive, science-investigation organizer.

More information is available at www.nexgeninquiry.org and www.vai.org. Interviews can be arranged by contacting Beth Hinshaw Hall at 616-234-5519 or [email protected].

Van Andel Institute (VAI) is an independent biomedical research and science education organization committed to improving the health and enhancing the lives of current and future generations. Established by Jay and Betty Van Andel in 1996 in Grand Rapids, Michigan, VAI has grown into a premier research and educational institution. Learn more about Van Andel Institute or donate by visiting www.vai.org. 100% To Research, Discovery & Hope®

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SOURCE Van Andel Institute