We asked the scientists at Van Andel Institute for Education, “What skills do students need if they want to become great scientists?” Their answers surprised us. They said that if students build these seven skills, they will become people who think like scientists regardless of what they do: curiosity, creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, communication, perseverance, and self-direction. In short, they’ll be lifelong learners.
Creating lessons and resources that build these skills might be just about the hardest things we do as teachers. We’re often so busy planning curriculum that bigger-picture life skills fall by the wayside. That’s why we’re really liking the Van Andel Institute’s new Educator’s Studio membership to help support academic and SEL goals.
Here are some free examples of what’s included in the VAI Educator Membership that can help build lifelong learning skills:
These quick, ready-to-use games—all 15 minutes or less!—activities, and themed mini-lessons make it easy to ignite curiosity, creativity, and critical thinking in just minutes a day. Research underscores that building these skills not only improves academic achievement but also prepares students to learn independently and adapt to new challenges, which is vital for lifelong learning and well-being.
1. For building collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and perseverance, check out the Beat the Bot activity.
Who knew you could prepare students for an AI world with no tech required?
2. For getting kids to think like engineers, try the Caps for Sale STEM lesson plan.
It’s hard to resist the fun of mixing classic monkey shenanigans with a hands-on, high-energy engineering adventure.
3. For learning to give quality feedback as your students develop these important skills, try these free Feedback Protocols.
We love these fresh formats that make feedback fun.
Wish you could have more of these easy-to-use resources to incorporate into your day?
For a limited time, you can join the VAI Educator’s Studio for just $9.99. That’s an amazing value that includes immediate access to more than 600 quality resources designed and tested by educators, with new content added regularly.