Katie Budrow

a group of men are standing in a hallway with the words `` welcome back '' written on the bottom . Alt: a group of men are standing in a hallway with the words `` welcome back '' written on the bottom .

Hey, would anybody be interested in a Bluesky #sblchat? It would probably have to be a slow chat to start …

We are always teaching.

They are always learning.

Drinking bird toy sips water out of a beaker in a science classroom.

I bought a drinking bird.

We are studying physics, and I thought it was just be a funny cute thing to have on my desk. It turned into a slew of questions and experimentation to figure out how Filipe actually works. We still have way more questions than answers.

Oh, and yes, we named him Filipe.

If leaders are serious about ending war, women need a seat at the table.

Global data, 1989-2011: When women are involved in agreements, peace is 35% more likely to last 15+ years.

Men alone shouldn’t decide the fate of nations. Gender balance is especially vital with high stakes and hot tempers.

Totally. January has infinite days. Or at least way more than 31.

I also didn’t have the heart to remind my sixth grade scientists that tomorrow is also. Still. January.

Exact conversation I had with my sixth graders today. We ended up at the conclusion that January is actually six months and will take no further questions on the topic.

Nearly 5 years after schools closed, the nation gets a new report card There's some good news in math, mostly bad news in reading and lots of questions about why students are still struggling.

"... and the results show, in stark detail, what teachers and researchers have long understood: That poverty and performance are deeply connected."

Making progress against poverty will help education. Big time.

#scienceofed #edusky

a drawing of a dog holding a heart shaped balloon Alt: a drawing of a dog holding a heart shaped balloon and dancing

Me: Wait!

6th graders: They don't love you like I love you. Wait, they don't love you like I love you.

#iteachscience #iykyk #sixthgradersarethebest

Graduated cylinder with a pride flag and a trans flag sits in a middle school science classroom.

Showing off this little bit of student-created art.

Title: Science is for Everyone

a cartoon character with a scarf around his neck is looking at the camera ALT: a cartoon character with a scarf around his neck is looking at the camera

“Mrs. Budrow, your outfit is giving Gru today.”

I mean, she’s not wrong …

Now think about this for teachers. For students. For schools.

Pink leopard print handmade card sits on a teacher desk in a science room. The card reads, “May your coffee be strong and your students be calm!”

First day of 2025 with students is in the books! Even found this little inspiration (gift from a former student) tucked inside a book (thought I had lost it).

For the record, it was, and they were. ☕️ ☺️

If a kid believes in Santa, let them believe in Santa. Mathematicians still believe in imaginary numbers.

Card reads, “Just sharing a little jolly with you!” Underneath, in green marker, a student has written, “Thank you so much for being a amazing teacher! Hope you have fun Cell-berating the holidays!”

Always sweet when students think to bring you something. However, I’m all about the cards.

I’m also all about a good science pun.

Oooh, I like team.

Though team instantly defaults my brain to adults. When including kids in the convo (and we should be including kids in the convo), I’m back to preferring community.

Is a nissefriend like the American Secret Santa? Or more like Elf on the Shelf? I have a collection of nisse (spent time in Norway) but am unfamiliar with the entire term.

God Jul!

I have been saying this for years. I don’t want to work in a family. I want to be part of a community. One that has a common goal and honors each person’s unique contributions.

Moon Cycle Circle GIF Alt: Moon cycle GIF moving rapidly in a perfect circle without an earth or a sun.

Me: Ok scientists, what’s wrong with this picture?

Student: Well, first thing - that’s not a picture, that’s a gif.

Well played.

Yep. Basically, that’s what I did. “If we can’t get work completion to where it needs to be, we will have to go to everything being scored (and averaged). Is that what you actually need?”

Granted, sixth graders are pretty pliable. It was a bit of a bluff, but I would have done it if needed.

They were never fully on board. But there was an improvement. Plus we kept the conversation going, which helped.

I hear ya.

(If you will, imagine my Wisconsin accent coming out along with a good slow head nod).

Have you asked the students what they think of a change? I had a group like that a few years ago. When I offered up an alternative, I got a lot of pushback followed by an increase in engagement.

Students Owning the Assessment Process Through Rubric Creation Ah, rubrics.  The favored tool for assessment by teachers.  Loved for their wonderful detail and their range of performance levels, rubrics are a great way to communicate expectations to students. …

Students making our Astronomy Model Rubric today, and I overhear, “Well, it definitely should not be a pizza.”

Excellent point, sixth graders. Excellent point.

Also, if you are curious how we do it …

katiebudrow.wordpress.com/2015/10/08/s...

Possibly! I’m pretty far into the book but am very interested in the “fair shake through a critical lens” aspect. Would love hearing from the panel too.

Fascinating. Also, way more solo readers than I would have guessed (though that would have been my pick as a student). Love it. Thanks for sharing!

Curious what your approximate percentages were like (knowing that they can switch strategies). I mentally log this in my own class with video vs article. Right now, article wins with about 60% using them for primary learning.

Throw in an interactive though, and that throws everything off.

I Am A Scientist The stories of real-world scientists for the next generation of leaders in world-shaping fields, because every student deserves a chance to see themselves in science.

Are you familiar with I Am A Scientist? I use a lot of their stuff for my own students. I also weave in other scientists too, like @afroherper.bsky.social, using a similar format.

www.iamascientist.info

Mrs. Budrow, can you follow my dog’s YouTube channel?

Yes, yes I can.

We do. We run a (slightly) modified schedule and use Google Meets.

Staff and families have to be notified of the possibility of e-learning before dismissal the day before. Earlier this year, a thunderstorm knocked out power to several of our schools, and we just had a regular emergency day.

Impostor syndrome: “I don't know what I'm doing. It's only a matter of time until everyone finds out."

Growth mindset: "I don't know what I'm doing yet. It's only a matter of time until I figure it out."

The highest form of self-confidence is believing in your ability to learn.