Making Sense of Sensemaking: Designing Authentic K-12 STEM Learning Experiences

TJ McKenna, Ph.D. is a STEM sensemaking expert and educational consultant leading professional development, workshops, and transformative K–12 learning experiences. He is a Clinical Assistant Professor at Boston University, where he directs the Center for STEM Professional Learning at Scale.

Looking for engaging and actionable professional learning support for your school, district, or education community? Work with TJ McKenna to craft a keynote, on-site workshop, webinar, or multi-day engagement to reach your STEM sensemaking goals this school year. As the author of Making Sense of Sensemaking: Designing Authentic K–12 STEM Learning Experiences, TJ brings research-backed strategies aligned with the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS).

TJ also speaks and consults at the intersection of AI and education — not as a futurist, but as a builder and researcher. He designed the NGSS AI Coach used by educators across the country, leads Boston University's graduate programs in AI and Education, and was one of 60 scholars selected globally for the University of Cambridge's Workshop on Educational Dialogue Alongside Artificial Intelligence. His keynotes help schools move past the hype to the question that matters: how do we adopt new tools while protecting the thinking that learning requires?

Here's How We Can Work Together

Keynote Speaker Kick off your next event with stories — and strategies — for purposeful STEM sensemaking. Designed to connect to conference and professional learning day themes that emphasize student-centered approaches to science education, including what sensemaking looks like in the age of AI.

Presentations & Workshops Designed to meet the goals of your next in-service professional development day or education conference. Concurrent sessions (60–90 minutes), half-day and full-day workshops, or back-to-back days at your next event. All workshops include models, pedagogical strategies, and tangible examples that can be implemented immediately.

Virtual Webinars & Series A virtual option for schools looking to focus on one STEM sensemaking topic in a 60–90 minute webinar, or to dive deeper in half- or full-day virtual workshops. Options for a series in weekly or monthly rotations, with rubrics for assessing STEM learning experiences.

Long-Term Engagement For schools and districts seeking an extended partnership over a semester or school year. Includes a hybrid model of virtual and on-site engagements, coaching and demonstration lessons, and advisement on developing teacher capacity for sensemaking.

Virtual Coaching One-on-one support for teachers and educational leaders looking for a partner in planning and reflection around STEM sensemaking goals. Options for regular meetings or office hours throughout the school year.

Book Study Jump into a conversation around Making Sense of Sensemaking, or explore the NGSS Phenomena library together with your group. Options for a kick-off event, Q&A, or a guided study that incorporates disciplinary core ideas, crosscutting concepts, and science and engineering practices.

TRANSFORM STEM EDUCATION WITH SENSEMAKING

Making Sense of Sensemaking: Designing Authentic K-12 STEM Learning Experiences distills the research-backed framework from Phenomena for NGSS—a resource that has reached over 5 million educators worldwide—into actionable strategies for creating more engaging, student-centered STEM classrooms. Written by Dr. TJ McKenna, this essential resource bridges theory and practice with actionable strategies for implementing phenomena-based instruction that fosters curiosity and critical thinking.

Ready to bring these practices to your team? Dr. McKenna offers keynotes, workshops, and professional development sessions that help educators design authentic learning experiences, build collaborative classroom cultures, and align instruction with NGSS standards. From 60-minute presentations to multi-day institutes, these sessions provide hands-on tools for creating the "aha moments" that make science learning meaningful.

Perfect for: K-12 science teachers, university methods instructors, professional development providers, administrators, and informal educators seeking to transform how STEM is taught and learned.

Available formats: Virtual sessions year-round, in-person workshops, summer institutes, and administrator training programs.

Contact  tmckenna@bu.edu

Book Details

Target Audience

  • K-12 science teachers

  • University STEM Methods Instructors

  • Informal science educators

  • STEM education program directors

  • Professional development providers

  • School-based and District Administrators

  • Home School Leaders, Montessori Schools, Reggio Emilia Approach

Key Topics & Angles for Media

  • Sensemaking as a transformative approach to STEM education

  • The critical role of STEM education in today's learning landscape

  • Creating authentic learning experiences in science classrooms

  • Supporting science methods instructors in teacher preparation

  • Bridging research and practice in STEM education

  • Scaling effective STEM education practices

  • NSTA's role in supporting quality science education

  • The impact of NGSS Phenomena on science education

  • Innovation in teacher professional development




Testimonials & Expert Reviews

"Everyone teaching science needs this book on sensemaking! TJ's friendly, storytelling narratives show how to foster students' sense of wonder and curiosity about the world. His strategies provide much-needed support for teaching sensemaking lessons that can bring joy, play, and discovery to science learning. Experienced and beginning teachers will appreciate TJ's tools for creating energizing science lessons that engage learners in making sense of their worlds." ― Christina Schwarz, Professor and Associate Chair for Graduate Education, Michigan State University

"McKenna highlights a dynamic system of resources and classroom practices that support those wonderful 'aha' moments for students. He illustrates how to choose authentic and complex phenomena for young learners to foster meaningful dialogue, encourage the use of diverse scientific practices, and sustain a collaborative classroom culture focused on revising ideas over time." ― Mark Windschitl, Professor of Science Education, University of Washington, and author of Ambitious Science Teaching

"This book takes readers from initial introductions to the importance of sensemaking through creating classroom cultures; designing learning experiences; and thinking about supportive pedagogies, assessment, and teacher professional learning. I am grateful to see this book available as a resource for teachers who aspire to engage learners deeply in meaningful science teaching and learning." ― Todd Campbell, Department Head and Professor, University of Connecticut

Synopsis

Making Sense of Sensemaking: Designing Authentic K–12 STEM Learning Experiences dives deep into the art and science of sensemaking—exploring how educators can design authentic and engaging STEM experiences that foster curiosity and critical thinking in students. The book provides actionable frameworks, real-world examples, and strategies for K-12 teachers to create collaborative classrooms where students actively construct knowledge and develop problem-solving skills.

  • Bridges research and practice with actionable frameworks

  • Provides concrete strategies for implementing sensemaking in any learning environment

  • Based on 20 years of classroom experience and research

  • Endorsed by leading experts in science education

  • Supports both new and experienced educators

  • Applicable across formal and informal learning settings

 

Headshot: Thomas “TJ” McKenna, PhD

Contact Information

Dr. Thomas "TJ" McKenna Email: tmckenna@bu.edu  

Location: Boston University Wheelock College of Education & Human Development 

Website: BU Wheelock Staff Profile https://www.bu.edu/wheelock/profile/thomas-mckenna/

Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tjscience/ 

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