Curiosity and Learning Conference

Curiosity and Learning Conference 2026: Hands-On STEAM Education at Boston University

Transform your teaching through curiosity-driven, hands-on learning

The Curiosity and Learning Conference is a STEAM education un-conference designed for educators who want to strengthen student engagement, incorporate phenomena-based learning, and make classroom experiences more joyful and interactive. Hosted by Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, this one-of-a-kind professional development event centers curiosity as a driver for thinking, problem-solving, and disciplinary learning.

What makes this conference different

Participants do not sit and listen — they create, test, build, explore, and collaborate. The day includes:

  • Interactive learning stations featuring hands-on science, engineering, andtools used over the projector arts integration
  • Live demonstrations and maker activities that can be adapted for multiple grade levels
  • Direct engagement with BU Wheelock faculty and local STEM education experts
  • Research-based instructional strategies grounded in David and Frances Hawkins and Reggio Emilia principles of child-led inquiry, documentation of thinking, and the environment as a teacher
  • Networking with classroom teachers, museum educators, family childcare providers, and community partners

Whether you teach in early childhood, elementary, middle school, or high school settings, you will leave with practical ideas you can use immediately to foster student curiosity and inquiry.

Event Details

Date: Saturday, April 25, 2026
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Location: Boston University Faculty of Computing & Data Sciences, 17th Floor
665 Commonwealth Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts
(Overlooking the Charles River)

Register now

Tickets are available through Eventbrite (click here). Space is limited.

Present at the conference

We are seeking educators, university partners, and STEM organizations to host exploration tables. Share an activity, phenomenon, design challenge, or hands-on demonstration.

Sign up to lead a table:
https://forms.gle/pw986o9ET1dppus76

Why educators value this conference

Past attendees report that this event:

  • Sparks new ideas for lessons, labs, and creative projects
  • Builds professional networks and connections
  • Supports NGSS and inquiry-based pedagogy
  • Reinforces equitable and inclusive design for curiosity-driven learning
  • Recharges professional energy through hands-on play and problem solving

Photos from our 2025 Curiosity and Learning Conference

For more information about the Curiosity and Learning Conference, contact: TJ McKenna, tmckenna@bu.edu