{"id":88432,"date":"2026-05-06T15:10:54","date_gmt":"2026-05-06T19:10:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/?post_type=bu-article&#038;p=88432"},"modified":"2026-05-07T12:16:58","modified_gmt":"2026-05-07T16:16:58","slug":"a-conference-that-is-itself-curious","status":"publish","type":"bu-article","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/news\/articles\/2026\/a-conference-that-is-itself-curious\/","title":{"rendered":"A Conference That Is Itself Curious"},"content":{"rendered":"\t<div class=\"wp-block-editorial-leadin news-block-editorial-leadin is-style-text-over-image has-media has-media-focus-center-middle has-text-position-x-center has-dark-theme\">\n\t\t<div class=\"container-lockup\">\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-leadin-media\">\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<img width=\"4898\" height=\"3265\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026110.jpg\" class=\"has-background-opacity has-background-opacity-50\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026110.jpg 4898w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026110-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026110-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026110-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026110-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026110-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026110-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026110-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026110-992x661.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026110-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026110-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026110-1984x1323.jpg 1984w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026110-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026110-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 4898px) 100vw, 4898px\" \/>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"container-words-outer\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"container-words-inner\">\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"wp-prepress-tag\">STEM<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"head\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<strong>A Conference That Is Itself Curious<\/strong>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"deck\">Inside Curiosity and Learning, where learning about STEM unfolds in real time\u00a0<\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n\t<\/div>\n\n\t\n<div class=\"wp-prepress-component-metabar news-prepress-layout-metabar\">\n\t<div class=\"wp-prepress-component-metabar-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-prepress-component-metabar-date\">May 6, 2026<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-prepress-component-metabar-comments\">\n\t\t\t<a href=\"#comments\" class=\"wp-prepress-component-comment-counter label has-no-comments\"><span class=\"wp-prepress-component-comment-counter-zero\"><span>0<\/span><\/span><\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-prepress-component-metabar-credits\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<ul data-credit-type=\"By\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/news\/authors\/tj-mckenna\/\">TJ McKenna<\/a><\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"wp-prepress-component-metabar-share js-bu-prepress-share-tools\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"icon-twitter\"><span>Twitter<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"icon-facebook\"><span>Facebook<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"icon-action\"><\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\t\n\n\n<p>In one corner of the 17th floor of BU\u2019s Duan Family Center for Computing &amp; Data Sciences, a three-year-old was holding a baby chick in cupped hands, learning that warm and alive feel the same way. Two tables over, a grandmother, retired from her own research career, leaned into a microscope display and watched a single drop of Charles River water bloom into a community of organisms she had not known was there. A few feet from her, a child was gripping a lime wired to an Arduino-based micro-controller board, his mother holding his other hand, the current passing through both of them as they pressed onto fruits and leaves and made a song together. She wrote about it afterward and said she could feel the energy moving between them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignleft size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026037-1500x1000.jpg\" alt=\"Three women wearing name tags chat and smile together near a table with flowers and supplies.\" class=\"wp-image-88447\" width=\"393\" height=\"262\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026037-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026037-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026037-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026037-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026037-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026037-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026037-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026037-992x661.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026037-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026037-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026037-1984x1323.jpg 1984w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026037-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026037-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 393px) 100vw, 393px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This was Saturday morning at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/news\/curiosity-learning-conference\/\">Curiosity and Learning Conference<\/a>, year 11. If you walked the room and paid attention to what people were doing rather than what they were looking at, every table was the same. People were noticing, and then wondering, and then asking, and then following the thread of their wondering, and then getting surprised by where it led. It did not matter whether the surface activity was a baby chick or a math game or a wind tunnel\u2014the shape of what people were doing was identical at every station. Same posture. Same face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Here is what was happening underneath all of it:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>In another corner of the room, the Boston Area Reggio Inspired Network (BARIN), set up a 10&#215;10 white tent and filled it with white furniture and 3,000 polka dot stickers. By the end of the morning, you could not tell the chairs from the floor.<\/li><li>Greenfield Community College drove a wind tunnel two hours east from western Massachusetts so they could spend a Saturday watching paper helicopters lift off in front of a five-year-old.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Peter Holden, director at STARBASE Academy at Hanscom Air Force Base, ran a station called Crash-Test Creativity, which involves strapping eggs into student-built protective designs and dropping them from height. One of the designs on the test track had been built by an AI given the same rules as the kids. The point was not which design won\u2014it was the conversation that followed.<\/li><li>Cambridge Ellis School brought silkworms at different stages of their life cycle, and Bedford Science Center brought baby chicks at theirs, so families could watch how a creature changes from one form into another.&nbsp;<\/li><li>STEM From Dance set up a hula hoop physics lab where people recorded their spin times and learned about torque through their own bodies.&nbsp;<\/li><li>Worcester Head Start built Da Vinci bridges out of popsicle sticks and tested them under egg-load until they failed, which was the most useful part.<\/li><li>Mass Audubon taught map-making to four-year-olds.&nbsp;<\/li><li>BioBus projected live water from Scarborough Pond onto a big screen until an entire community of organisms became visible at once.&nbsp;<\/li><li>The BU Microbiome Initiative folded paper microscopes out of cardstock and let people examine the world that lives on their own skin.&nbsp;<\/li><li>A Worcester Head Start station dissected, sorted, and rebuilt flowers as art.<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"alignright size-large is-resized\"><img loading=\"lazy\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026114-1500x1000.jpg\" alt=\"Child at a table for a hands-on bridge-building design activity with craft materials.\" class=\"wp-image-88450\" width=\"443\" height=\"295\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026114-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026114-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026114-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026114-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026114-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026114-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026114-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026114-992x661.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026114-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026114-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026114-1984x1323.jpg 1984w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026114-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026114-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 443px) 100vw, 443px\" \/><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>There were also AI demos that made educators laugh and made educators argue, sometimes at the same time. AI.M Academy ran a real-time American Sign Language recognition station, with kids signing letters and the model catching them, while a Wrong Answer Wall filled up alongside it with sticky notes documenting the moments the AI was confidently and beautifully wrong. Researchers from BU&#8217;s Psychological &amp; Brain Sciences Department demonstrated the video games they use to study curiosity in fMRI experiments.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I have not yet mentioned the Science of Mindful Eating, or self-portraits made from natural materials at the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/childrens-center\/\">BU Children&#8217;s Center<\/a>, or robots and color-sensor coding from RASTIC, or Brain Healthy data tracking from Boston College. I also haven\u2019t mentioned the 55 math games in English, Spanish, Portuguese, and Haitian Creole that EDC was giving away free, or ScratchJr for early childhood social emotional learning, or BU&#8217;s GLOBE Mission Earth on weather and heat island effect and plant growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The range was the point. Early childhood centers next to research labs, Reggio-inspired preschool teachers next to robotics engineers, all of them in the same room on Saturday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Holding the whole morning together were nine student volunteers from BU Wheelock: Emelia Frost, Gia Kim, Madeline Skopicki, Anna Arutyunyan, Shania Lee, Nora Ledeczi, Zaozao (Annie) Lin, Therese Lee, Rebecca Smits. Curiosity and Learning does not happen without them. The conference is, in many ways, also for them, as education students from across the college&#8217;s programs, from elementary education to STEM learning to global citizenship to educational design for transformative social futures. They were practicing the craft of leading discourse-rich conversations with families they had just met, networking with community partners and table leaders from across the region and watching how master practitioners draw a question out of a four-year-old.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>STARBASE director Peter Holden told me afterward about a child who worked at his table for a long time building her own project. &#8220;She apologized that she had to leave,&#8221; he said, &#8220;but wanted me to know she would have stayed if she could.&#8221; That is what this kind of learning does to kids: they lose track of time and ask if they can come back. It is the clearest signal we have that something real is happening, and it is the kind of moment every educator I know is trying to design more of.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The conference was not about curiosity\u2014it was itself curious. As Danielle Scanlon, a Worcester educator, puts it, this is a glimpse of what learning looks like when curiosity leads. There is a difference, and you can read it on people&#8217;s faces before they have words for it, in the way the eyebrows lift and the head tilts toward whatever just happened, all of it arriving before the questions catch up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery columns-3 is-cropped\"><ul class=\"blocks-gallery-grid\"><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/Curiosity-Learning-Conference-04252026-McKenna-1500x1000.jpg\" alt=\"T.J. McKenna standing in front of a BU Wheelock drop back speaking to conference attendees.\" data-id=\"88490\" data-full-url=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/Curiosity-Learning-Conference-04252026-McKenna.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-mckenna\/\" class=\"wp-image-88490\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/Curiosity-Learning-Conference-04252026-McKenna-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/Curiosity-Learning-Conference-04252026-McKenna-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/Curiosity-Learning-Conference-04252026-McKenna-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/Curiosity-Learning-Conference-04252026-McKenna-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/Curiosity-Learning-Conference-04252026-McKenna-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/Curiosity-Learning-Conference-04252026-McKenna-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/Curiosity-Learning-Conference-04252026-McKenna-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/Curiosity-Learning-Conference-04252026-McKenna-992x661.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/Curiosity-Learning-Conference-04252026-McKenna-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/Curiosity-Learning-Conference-04252026-McKenna-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/Curiosity-Learning-Conference-04252026-McKenna-1984x1323.jpg 1984w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/Curiosity-Learning-Conference-04252026-McKenna-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/Curiosity-Learning-Conference-04252026-McKenna-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026010-1500x1000.jpg\" alt=\"A woman points to a screen while talking while child listens.\" data-id=\"88469\" data-full-url=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026010.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/curiosityconference_apr252026010\/\" class=\"wp-image-88469\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026010-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026010-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026010-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026010-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026010-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026010-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026010-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026010-992x661.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026010-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026010-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026010-1984x1323.jpg 1984w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026010-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026010-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026080-1500x1000.jpg\" alt=\"Three women conversing across a table.\" data-id=\"88468\" data-full-url=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026080.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/curiosityconference_apr252026080\/\" class=\"wp-image-88468\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026080-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026080-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026080-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026080-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026080-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026080-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026080-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026080-992x661.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026080-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026080-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026080-1984x1323.jpg 1984w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026080-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026080-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026052-1500x1000.jpg\" alt=\"Two women smiling while tabling with several people on the other side.\" data-id=\"88466\" data-full-url=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026052.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/curiosityconference_apr252026052\/\" class=\"wp-image-88466\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026052-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026052-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026052-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026052-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026052-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026052-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026052-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026052-992x661.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026052-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026052-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026052-1984x1323.jpg 1984w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026052-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026052-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026077-1500x1000.jpg\" alt=\"A table with poster that says &quot;The Great Scribble Debate: Maker vs Machine&quot;\" data-id=\"88465\" data-full-url=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026077.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/curiosityconference_apr252026077\/\" class=\"wp-image-88465\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026077-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026077-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026077-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026077-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026077-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026077-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026077-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026077-992x661.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026077-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026077-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026077-1984x1323.jpg 1984w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026077-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026077-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026132-1500x1000.jpg\" alt=\"A man conversing with a woman at the Curiosity and Learning Conference 2026.\" data-id=\"88462\" data-full-url=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026132.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/curiosityconference_apr252026132\/\" class=\"wp-image-88462\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026132-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026132-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026132-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026132-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026132-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026132-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026132-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026132-992x661.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026132-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026132-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026132-1984x1323.jpg 1984w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026132-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026132-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026120-1500x1000.jpg\" alt=\"A woman leaned over table to carefully place an insect on another person's hand.\" data-id=\"88457\" data-full-url=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026120.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/news\/articles\/2026\/a-conference-that-is-itself-curious\/curiosityconference_apr252026120\/\" class=\"wp-image-88457\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026120-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026120-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026120-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026120-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026120-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026120-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026120-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026120-992x661.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026120-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026120-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026120-1984x1323.jpg 1984w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026120-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026120-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026112-1500x1000.jpg\" alt=\"A woman holds a structure made out of cardboard taped together.\" data-id=\"88464\" data-full-url=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026112.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/curiosityconference_apr252026112\/\" class=\"wp-image-88464\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026112-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026112-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026112-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026112-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026112-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026112-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026112-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026112-992x661.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026112-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026112-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026112-1984x1323.jpg 1984w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026112-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026112-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026136-1500x1000.jpg\" alt=\"A woman participates in activity using a syringe while one other watches from behind and another in front.\" data-id=\"88461\" data-full-url=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026136.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/curiosityconference_apr252026136\/\" class=\"wp-image-88461\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026136-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026136-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026136-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026136-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026136-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026136-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026136-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026136-992x661.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026136-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026136-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026136-1984x1323.jpg 1984w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026136-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026136-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026013-1500x1000.jpg\" alt=\"People participating in activity using syringes.\" data-id=\"88470\" data-full-url=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026013.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/news\/articles\/2026\/a-conference-that-is-itself-curious\/curiosityconference_apr252026013\/\" class=\"wp-image-88470\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026013-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026013-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026013-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026013-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026013-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026013-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026013-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026013-992x661.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026013-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026013-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026013-1984x1323.jpg 1984w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026013-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/CuriosityConference_Apr252026013-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1500\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-1500x1500.jpg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"88489\" data-full-url=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group.jpg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/default-2\/\" class=\"wp-image-88489\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-1500x1500.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-600x600.jpg 600w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-150x150.jpg 150w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-768x768.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-1536x1536.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-826x826.jpg 826w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-344x344.jpg 344w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-529x529.jpg 529w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-682x682.jpg 682w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-1032x1032.jpg 1032w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-1321x1321.jpg 1321w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-688x688.jpg 688w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-1058x1058.jpg 1058w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-1364x1364.jpg 1364w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-1652x1652.jpg 1652w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-1000x1000.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-500x500.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-1200x1200.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-300x300.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-550x550.jpg 550w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group-710x710.jpg 710w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-group.jpg 1728w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><li class=\"blocks-gallery-item\"><figure><img loading=\"lazy\" width=\"1500\" height=\"844\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-1500x844.jpeg\" alt=\"\" data-id=\"88487\" data-full-url=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026.jpeg\" data-link=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/default\/\" class=\"wp-image-88487\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-1500x844.jpeg 1500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-900x506.jpeg 900w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-768x432.jpeg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-1536x864.jpeg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-2048x1152.jpeg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-1200x675.jpeg 1200w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-500x281.jpeg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-992x558.jpeg 992w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-1920x1080.jpeg 1920w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-1000x563.jpeg 1000w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-1984x1116.jpeg 1984w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-1628x916.jpeg 1628w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-1600x900.jpeg 1600w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-1366x768.jpeg 1366w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-1280x720.jpeg 1280w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/05\/curiosity-learning-conference-04252026-854x480.jpeg 854w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1500px) 100vw, 1500px\" \/><\/figure><\/li><\/ul><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><em>TJ McKenna is the program director for BU Wheelock\u2019s&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/degree-program\/ai-education\/\"><em>AI &amp; Education program<\/em><\/a><em>&nbsp;and a clinical assistant professor of&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/degree-program\/science-education\/\"><em>science education<\/em><\/a><em>. He directs the&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.stemlearningcenter.org\/\"><em>Center for STEM Professional Learning at Scale<\/em><\/a><em>, and is the associate director of educator engagement and impact at BU\u2019s&nbsp;<\/em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/hic\/centers-initiatives-labs\/ai-and-education-initiative\/\"><em>AI &amp; Education Initiative<\/em><\/a><em>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\t<aside class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories is-style-card has-three news-block-editorial-relatedstories\">\n\t\t<h3 class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-title\">Related<\/h3>\n\t\t<ul class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/02\/Blog-2.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"Close-up of a computer screen showing code in an editor with an \u201cAI Actions\u201d menu open and \u201cFind Problems\u201d highlighted.\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/02\/Blog-2.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/02\/Blog-2-900x506.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/02\/Blog-2-1500x844.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/02\/Blog-2-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/02\/Blog-2-1536x864.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/02\/Blog-2-1200x675.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/02\/Blog-2-500x281.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/02\/Blog-2-992x558.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/02\/Blog-2-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/02\/Blog-2-1628x916.jpg 1628w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/02\/Blog-2-1600x900.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/02\/Blog-2-1366x768.jpg 1366w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/02\/Blog-2-1280x720.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2026\/02\/Blog-2-854x480.jpg 854w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article-category\"><span>AI &amp; Education<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/news\/articles\/2026\/bu-wheelock-launches-new-graduate-program-ai-education\/\" class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article-title-link\">BU Wheelock Launches Graduate Programs in AI and Education<\/a><\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article-date\">February 17, 2026<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"5760\" height=\"3840\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2025\/06\/123A5550.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2025\/06\/123A5550.jpg 5760w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2025\/06\/123A5550-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2025\/06\/123A5550-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2025\/06\/123A5550-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2025\/06\/123A5550-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2025\/06\/123A5550-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2025\/06\/123A5550-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2025\/06\/123A5550-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2025\/06\/123A5550-992x661.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2025\/06\/123A5550-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2025\/06\/123A5550-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2025\/06\/123A5550-1984x1323.jpg 1984w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2025\/06\/123A5550-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2025\/06\/123A5550-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 5760px) 100vw, 5760px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article-category\"><span>STEM<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/news\/articles\/2025\/celebrating-a-decade-of-igniting-hearts-and-minds\/\" class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article-title-link\">Celebrating a Decade of Igniting Hearts and Minds<\/a><\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article-date\">June 26, 2025<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-list-item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<article class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<figure class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article-image\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img width=\"2560\" height=\"1707\" src=\"\/wheelock\/files\/2024\/05\/123A2457-1-scaled.jpg\" class=\"attachment-post-thumbnail size-post-thumbnail wp-post-image\" alt=\"two women smile while engaging at a station at the curiosity &amp; learning conference\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2024\/05\/123A2457-1-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2024\/05\/123A2457-1-900x600.jpg 900w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2024\/05\/123A2457-1-1500x1000.jpg 1500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2024\/05\/123A2457-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2024\/05\/123A2457-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2024\/05\/123A2457-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2024\/05\/123A2457-1-1200x800.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2024\/05\/123A2457-1-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2024\/05\/123A2457-1-992x661.jpg 992w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2024\/05\/123A2457-1-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2024\/05\/123A2457-1-1000x667.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2024\/05\/123A2457-1-1984x1323.jpg 1984w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2024\/05\/123A2457-1-450x300.jpg 450w, https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/files\/2024\/05\/123A2457-1-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article-content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article-category\"><span>Blog<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<h4 class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article-title\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/news\/articles\/2024\/inspiration-flows-at-curiosity-and-learning-conference\/\" class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article-title-link\">Inspiration Flows at Curiosity and Learning Conference<\/a><\/h4>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"wp-block-editorial-relatedstories-article-date\">May 20, 2024<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t<\/aside>\n\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In one corner of the 17th floor of BU\u2019s Duan Family Center for Computing &amp; Data Sciences, a three-year-old was holding a baby chick in cupped hands, learning that warm and alive feel the same way. Two tables over, a grandmother, retired from her own research career, leaned into a microscope display and watched a [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":25648,"featured_media":88436,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"bu_prepress_billboard":"","_bu_prepress_primary_term":"STEM","_bu_prepress_primary_term_manual":""},"tags":[7220,7236,7045,7148,7167,7166,4962],"bu-publication":[6614],"magazine-article-category":[],"magazine-topic":[],"news-article-category":[6739,6661,6741,6664,6645,6776],"news-topic":[6725,6936],"bu_edition":[],"media_type":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-article\/88432"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-article"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/bu-article"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/25648"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=88432"}],"version-history":[{"count":24,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-article\/88432\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":88543,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-article\/88432\/revisions\/88543"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/88436"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=88432"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=88432"},{"taxonomy":"bu-publication","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu-publication?post=88432"},{"taxonomy":"magazine-article-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/magazine-article-category?post=88432"},{"taxonomy":"magazine-topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/magazine-topic?post=88432"},{"taxonomy":"news-article-category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-article-category?post=88432"},{"taxonomy":"news-topic","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/news-topic?post=88432"},{"taxonomy":"bu_edition","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/bu_edition?post=88432"},{"taxonomy":"media_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/wheelock\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media_type?post=88432"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}