iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 23/06/2025

Call for Submissions: Educational Designer Special Issue on "Design for Joy" What if we could systematically design educational experiences that generate genuine joy in learning? Abstracts due Aug 1, 2025 Submit here: forms.gle/YguBReMhWBcW... #EducationalDesign #JoyfulLearning

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 26/04/2025

Just found out my book "Making Sense of Sensemaking: Designing Authentic K-12 STEM Learning Experiences" is available at the AERA conference in Denver!! How exciting to see you out in the world!! @buwheelock.bsky.social @aeraedresearch.bsky.social @tcpress.bsky.social

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 25/04/2025

IT'S HERE! Just captured the magical moment of seeing "Making Sense of Sensemaking: Designing Authentic K–12 STEM Learning Experiences" in physical form for the first time. Still can't believe it's real! My book, co-published by Teachers College Press and NSTA, is now making its way into the world!

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Reposted by TJ McKenna

Boston University Wheelock College @buwheelock.bsky.social · 10/04/2025

Our faculty continue to make significant contributions in the fields of education and human development. Explore this month's scholarly achievements to learn more. Read Here: www.bu.edu/wheelock/new...

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 30/03/2025

Huge thanks to everyone who came to my NSTA session Making Sense of Sensemaking—especially for showing up to the very last slot of the conference! Grateful for the energy, curiosity, and commitment to authentic K–12 learning!! By for now Philly!!

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 28/03/2025

Just a quick train ride from DC to Philly, and now NSTA is in full swing! It’s always a joy reconnecting with colleagues and diving into all things science education. Excited for presentations starting tomorrow—especially after an energizing class with my Secondary Science Methods students tonight.

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 24/03/2025

Giving this a whirl to keep track of NARST wisdom… bsky.app/profile/did:... #NARST #NARST25

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 23/03/2025

Just in time for NARST + NSTA: I launched a production-ready NGSS Curriculum Coach—an LLM-powered, retrieval-augmented app! Streamlit-hosted, metadata-rich, and designed to support teachers with smart search, coaching prompts, and NGSS-aligned materials.

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 16/03/2025

Warner's "More Than Words" aligns with my teaching approach: writing as sensemaking, not just communication. While AI generates polished text, it can't replicate the struggle of genuine thought. In the AI era, we must emphasize writing as exploration, not performance. @biblioracle.bsky.social #AI

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 27/02/2025

Just launched an AI-powered STEM career guidance tool for Boston University students! 🎓 Uses Claude 3.7 to match personal interests and values with tailored career pathways. Helping students find their direction in STEM! Check it out: poe.com/STEMCareerCo... #AIinEducation #STEMCareers

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 11/02/2025

Join us for the 2025 Curiosity & Learning Conference at Boston University - a morning of hands-on STEAM exploration and learning. This isn't your typical conference - instead of lectures, you'll find interactive stations where you can experiment with new ideas and materials. @buwheelock.bsky.social

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 06/02/2025

Tonight, I introduced Kebbi the robot & Movia’s Robot-Assisted Instruction system to @buwheelock.bsky.social Assistive Technology class! My grant-funded research explores how to prepare preservice and inservice educators to thoughtfully integrate emerging tech like Kebbi, supporting all students.

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 31/01/2025

Excited to welcome PBS/NOVA's Ralph Bouquet to our STEM Learning course today! From teaching science in Philly to leading NOVA's education initiatives, Ralph shows how to make science accessible & engaging for all. Thank you for sharing your journey in building bridges between science & society!

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 29/01/2025

While more research on DeepSeek's development is needed, it fascinates that it learned to have "aha moments" - recognizing when its thinking needs a reset, just like humans do. This wasn't programmed, but emerged naturally, suggesting self-reflection might be fundamental to intelligence itself. #AI

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 27/01/2025

How do we break STEM stereotypes? Today, my first-year students explored self-identity vs. external perceptions. Reflecting on the "STEM person" image sparked powerful discussions on diversity, creativity, and skills beyond tech. Excited to learn more together! #STEMEducation @buwheelock.bsky.social

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 25/01/2025

Thrilled to see the Teachers College Press Spring catalog is out, featuring my book Making Sense of Sensemaking! Honored to share space with incredible works like my colleague @eveimanz.bsky.social’s Productive Uncertainty in Science Education. Check it out here: lnkd.in/gPfNJW6P

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Reposted by TJ McKenna

Boston University @bostonu.bsky.social · 19/12/2024

BU will be central to the new AI Hub announced by @massgovernor.bsky.social, fostering collaboration in AI across government, academia, and more. The hub will leverage the MA Green High Performance Computing Center for innovative and ethical AI applications statewide.

bu.edu

BU to Help Massachusetts Expand Access to Artificial Intelligence Computing

Governor announces an “AI Hub” to drive cutting-edge technology to residents, academia, and business

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 16/12/2024

Love watching future teachers discover science phenomena in their everyday lives through this NGSS Phenomena 15-day challenge. Science truly is everywhere! #ScienceEducation @buwheelock.bsky.social #ngss #phenomena

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 08/12/2024

Excited to share Jennifer Cohen’s Sensemaking in STEM project! She created a children’s book that uses roller coasters 🎢 to explain gravitational illusions, making physics fun and relatable. Check it out: 📖 #STEMEducation #PhysicsForKids drive.google.com/file/d/1Nmi_... @buwheelock.bsky.social

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 08/12/2024

Hit the sheets and threw some stones tonight! My delivery was solid, but my draws didn’t find the house😔. They made me the skip and our team hurried hard - a bonspiel to remember! 🥌 #SWEEP #CurlingLife #HurryHard

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 07/12/2024

Excited to share another incredible student project from Sensemaking in STEM! Iris Ren's beautiful visual exploration of computer graphics combines art and CS, using storytelling + illustration to make complex concepts feel accessible. This is what STEM education should be! @buwheelock.bsky.social

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 06/12/2024

Next up is Scarlett’s project from Sensemaking in STEM! As a @newenglandaquarium.bsky.social interpreter, she created a stunning collage-based book on sustainable seafood. Her work is already a hit and I’ll be printing hard copies for the aquarium’s new reading corner! @buwheelock.bsky.social

drive.google.com

What Do Sharks Eat.pdf

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 06/12/2024

🌟 Excited to share Carolina’s project from Sensemaking in STEM! Her work on Sensemaking in High School Mathematics highlights innovative ways to engage students, connect abstract math to real-world contexts, and promote deeper understanding. 🔗 sensemakinghsmath.my.canva.site

sensemakinghsmath.my.canva.site

Sensemaking in STEM

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 05/12/2024

Submitted our proposal for the MA Science Performance Assessment Ambassador Program—a $1,240,000 initiative to support educators & advance equitable science education statewide. The project brings together Dr. Sara Cooper & Vivayic to provide innovative tools for science assessments.

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 02/12/2024

Excited to share a chapter I co-authored with Sarah Michaels in Contemporary Issues in Equity, Democracy, and Public Education! We reframe the STEM "leaky pipeline," advocating sensemaking and equity to foster inclusion, diversity, and belonging in STEM learning spaces. @buwheelock.bsky.social #STEM

taylorfrancis.com

Democratizing STEM | 23 | Developing a Culture of Sensemaking | Thomas

This chapter explores the concept of the "leaky pipeline" in K-12 STEM education, highlighting the loss of students, particularly those from

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 26/11/2024

On nights and weekends I lead a cancer charity foundation who has raised and donated over $100,000 to the Smilow Cancer Center. Tonight was one of our favorite events, our Holiday Wreath Class #charity #cancercharity #nonprofit #findacure lindsayslegacyfoundation.org

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 25/11/2024

🦋catchup! Earlier this year, I hosted the Curiosity & Learning Conference at @buwheelock.bsky.social, celebrating innovative teaching practices, interdisciplinary approaches, & curiosity-driven learning. Wonderful educators & researchers shared strategies to inspire meaningful student engagement!

youtu.be

2024 Curiosity & Learning Conference

YouTube video by Wheelock College, Boston University

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Recently sent the manuscript for my book, Making Sense of Sensemaking: Designing Authentic K–12 STEM Learning Experiences, to Teachers College Press! Years in the making, shaped by many insights and countless conversations. Can’t wait to share it in a few months! #STEMEducation #Sensemaking

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Reposted by TJ McKenna

Sean Carroll @seanmcarroll.bsky.social · 22/11/2024

A weird aspect of the echo-chamber discourse is the implicit assumption that one’s social media experience isn’t supposed to be enjoyable. I prefer it when it is. (Differing opinions are absolutely enjoyable when they are interesting and constructive.)

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 23/11/2024

Wrapped up our Sensemaking today with water gels! Students connected science to life. Also a touching note from a student I’ve worked with since 1st grade: "Thank you for letting me be my own scientist.." This is why we teach – to nurture curiosity and empower young minds.

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

Lindsay’s Legacy Foundation is proud to donate $25,000 today to Smilow Cancer Center, bringing our total contributions to over $100,000. We also created a ton of craft kits for patients facing extended stays. A big thank you to our community for helping us bring hope and support to those in need.

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

Last Friday in STEM: Celebrating curiosity & creativity! We explored sensemaking through a culturally expansive lens, STEM-rich tinkering, & a “Plants are Up to Something” exhibit. Plus, Bernoulli’s principle + TP mummification 😎 and a flood-resilient city Ed-tech challenge in Science Methods!

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 19/11/2024

Just received Multisolving by Elizabeth Sawin, Director of the Multisolving Institute! Perfect timing as we explore scale in STEM education and create inclusive environments. Sawin’s message: our toughest challenges are best solved together. Let’s break silos in STEM, equity, and beyond! #STEM

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TJ McKenna @tjscience.bsky.social · 11/11/2024

BU Wheelock Magazine gave our Center for STEM Professional Learning at Scale & the Curiosity & Learning Conference mentions in this piece about STEM for ALL!!! Wish there was more space to highlight all the great collaborators across each project - but we'll have to save that for the full feature!!

bu.edu

STEM Achievement for ALL | Wheelock College of Education & Human DevelopmentBoston University Masterplate

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