STEM
Making Sense of Science
TJ McKenna suggests asking students—who often struggle to see STEM in their everyday lives—“How far away from your TV will a remote control still work?” Sometimes, their investigation sends them backing out of the house and down the street to find an answer. Eve Manz recommends melting chocolate chips to spark conversations about the state […]
Screen Time That Teaches and Inspires
In one episode of Lyla in the Loop, titular character Lyla learns a handful of increasingly complicated magic tricks from her elderly neighbor, Miss Emmaline. Back home in her room, Lyla, accompanied by her sidekick, Stu, tries to figure out how Miss Emmaline made her feet “levitate” behind a blanket. Keeping the key principles of […]
Creating Opportunities Where STEM Learning Comes to Life
On a crisp October morning during the first day of Massachusetts STEM Week, the William Monroe Trotter K–6 School brought its spirit of curiosity and discovery to Boston University. The day started as early 70 students from the Trotter School filled the BU Wheelock lobby, joined by BU undergraduates from ED 350: Sensemaking in STEM […]
Celebrating a Decade of Igniting Hearts and Minds
When curiosity meets community, magic happens—and our 10th Annual Curiosity and Learning Conference proved that in spades. This wasn’t just another educational event—it was a celebration, a milestone, and pure inspiration wrapped up in one incredible day that left everyone buzzing with new ideas and renewed passion for learning. Throughout the day, literacy wove through […]
BU Wheelock Faculty Promoted to Senior Lecturer
Two faculty members were recently promoted for their significant contributions to BU Wheelock and Boston University and beyond. Greg Benoit in the Mathematics Education program, and Ariel Tichnor-Wagner in the Educational Policy Studies program, were promoted to senior lecturers. In addition, they are affiliated with two of BU Wheelock’s research centers, the Earl Center for […]
How Big Questions Can Spark Science Learning
How do clouds float? And how do planes fly through them? Curiosity about everyday questions such as these can become a powerful catalyst for learning about science. Sensemaking in light of this uncertainty can empower students and transform classrooms into places of scientific exploration. By learning how to leverage sensemaking in light of uncertainty, educators […]