Katy Dornbos
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katydornbos.bsky.social
Katy Dornbos
@katydornbos.bsky.social
HS Chem/STEM/Physics teacher. Sci. Dept chair. PAEMST 2021 finalist - Nebraska. Lover of Truth wherever it may be found.
“Which piece of glassware is best for measuring liquids?”

I have created and drawn some items for chemistry education. I’ve enjoyed making them, and hope you might find them helpful and fun for your students!

LINK: www.teacherspayteachers.com/store/kd-edu...
June 27, 2025 at 1:26 AM
Grateful to be a 2021 PAEMST Awardee.

And grateful for Dianne Epp (my chem teacher), Bob Curtright (cooperating teacher) and Jim Rynearson (mentor), past PAEMST winners who nurtured me and my love for teaching.

Completing this application remains one of the most formative professional experiences.
January 14, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Reposted by Katy Dornbos
I'm writing a book about teaching chemistry with an emphasis on particulate representations. I started about a year ago and have drafts of every chapter plus figures for about 60% of the book. This is the revised Fig. 1.1 and it's actually the first PR my students encounter.
January 2, 2025 at 9:20 PM
Helping students come to imagine our world on the atomic level.

These will be part of a “lab pack”, hoping for a launch in early 2025!
December 20, 2024 at 1:14 PM
Can you find the match(es)?
December 14, 2024 at 11:17 AM
“It is easy to see that the world is wounded, hard to see that its healing begins in our own heart.”

- Caryll Houselander
December 12, 2024 at 1:06 PM
Flame test or “firework investigation” lab🎆🎇

Great for a Friday!
December 6, 2024 at 3:12 PM
Today in homeroom, in front of the whole class (15 boys, 3 girls), I went through and said what I admire/appreciate about each of them.

And as we did some "interior work" later in the class, kids were giving authentic answers (not the norm😉).

Maybe 'being honored' frees us.
December 4, 2024 at 5:05 PM
Connecting pictures and text isn’t intuitive for some students. So…I’ve learned to be clear and simply ask them to do it.

After Thanksgiving Break, here’s what STEM students know about water purification. 👏
December 4, 2024 at 2:50 PM
Reposted by Katy Dornbos
I loved superimposing the graphs and discussing why......?
December 3, 2024 at 4:32 PM
So, elements are getting heavier…but aren’t getting bigger?!

One of my all time favorites:
Graphing Atomic Radius

Look at that prediction vs actual😍
#iteachchem #scied #EduSky
December 3, 2024 at 1:52 AM
“Experience before explanation”

Giving students a common “what” helps them explore “why”.👏👏
"How does the pH change during a titration?" Vernier's GoDirect pH sensors allowed my students to see the curve before we discuss it. #ExperienceBeforeExplanation
December 3, 2024 at 1:29 AM
Reposted by Katy Dornbos
Excited to present at #ChemEd2025 but not sure where to start? Check out our presentation strands to get an idea! Submissions for presentation proposals is OPEN NOW, at learn.mines.edu/chemed2025/sub… Spread the word! 🧪⛏#iteachchemem @coschoolofmines
November 30, 2024 at 10:49 PM
My 56 dual-credit chem students are partnering with “Know Your Well” to test private well water in our community 🙌🏼🙌🏼

I’m like 70% certain they have everything they need, and 70% certain they’ll be solving a LOT of problems on the fly in the field. And 100% certain they’ll do great.
November 26, 2024 at 10:04 PM
How do you help HS Ss grow in ownership and pride in their work?

Related: how do you provide Ss authentic ways to engage with the community (school, family, city, state)?

@aserkin.bsky.social @secaurphysics.bsky.social @martastoeckel.bsky.social @teresamarx.bsky.social @drpchemistry.bsky.social
November 26, 2024 at 4:27 PM
Reposted by Katy Dornbos
Sometimes I look at the art on my walls and think about how the idea of art may be older than the idea of walls.
November 25, 2024 at 7:16 PM
I have been working on something…for like a couple years. And am excited that it’s getting close to ready.
November 26, 2024 at 1:03 AM
Reposted by Katy Dornbos
A person on a bicycle is by far the most energy-efficient among animals and machines per distance traveled relative to body weight. The bicycle is magic.

www.jstor.org/stable/24923...
November 24, 2024 at 11:12 PM
Alright. Science Ed question:

What’s one way you assess your students that doesn’t take much of your time, and give them quick feedback?

Looking for quick, fun, effective answers!

And please tag a friend to grow the network!

@aserkin.bsky.social @wnchem.bsky.social @drpchemistry.bsky.social
November 25, 2024 at 1:17 PM
Cleaning out inventory - 5 sticker sheets remain!
$8 each or $30 for all (plus shipping).

They're shiny, durable, and fun.

✅Stocking stuffers!
✅Upcoming b-day for a science loving kid!
✅Award a "job well done" in science class!

Order here: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1F...
November 23, 2024 at 2:28 PM
Being finished ≠ Understanding

Trying to help Ss own their learning:

1) What % DONE are you w/this work?
2) What % CONFIDENT are you w/this work?

This takes humility, self-awareness, & maturity.
And it's an important skill in college, family life, etc.
November 20, 2024 at 4:58 PM
We have a big ol’ project where students Zoom with researchers/engineers. It’s awesome. And after day 1, they’re all at different spots. 🤪

This chart has helped students (and me!) immensely. Plus Ss are naturally competitive, so this public display is helpful😏
November 18, 2024 at 9:40 PM
“The task of the modern educator is not to cut down jungles, but to irrigate deserts.” - C. S. Lewis

Also pictured, my sweet 5 yo niece who “wants to be a scientist” when she grows up.

Something tells me I may be hosting a lab-themed bday party sometime soon…
November 18, 2024 at 1:11 PM
Every night in Lourdes France, there is a candlelight procession and rosary with 5,000+ pilgrims. It’s so peaceful and beautiful.

Today’s closing hymn at Mass was the same as the one we sang each night in Lourdes.

What a wonderful nod to memories this summer 💙
November 18, 2024 at 1:38 AM
Could one tire of the sunsets and sunrises this time of year? No. The correct answer is no, this is impossible.

Also, this gem:

“Even after all this time the sun never says to the earth, 'You owe me.' Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky.” - Hafez
November 17, 2024 at 9:28 PM