Secondary Science Simplified ™: Recent Episodes
Rebecca Joyner, secondary science teacher
Secondary Science Simplified is a podcast specifically for high school science teachers that will help you to engage your students AND simplify your life as a secondary science educator. Each week Rebecca, from It's Not Rocket Science, and her guests will share practical and easy-to-implement strategies for decreasing your workload so that you can stop working overtime and start focusing your energy doing what you love - actually teaching! Teaching doesn't have to be rocket science, and you'll learn exactly what you need to do to simplify your secondary science teaching life so that you can enjoy your life outside of school even more. Head to itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/challenge to grab your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
Teaching physical science completely changed my perspective as an educator. It started out as the course I least wanted to teach, and somehow became the one I'd request if I ever returned to the classroom full-time! In this episode, I'm sharing why I fell in love with teaching physical science, the scope and sequence I used in my own classroom, and the big-picture goals that shaped every lesson. I'll also take you behind the scenes of the newly revamped It's Not Rocket Science® Physical Science curriculum, packed with new inquiry activities, engineering challenges, and classroom supports. Whether you're teaching physical science for the first time or looking for new ideas, this episode will leave you feeling excited and ready to make this one of your favorite courses to teach!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode247
Resources:
- Physical Science FULL YEAR Curriculum
- Physical Science curriculum on TpT (over 400 5-star reviews!!)
- Physical Science Units
- Physical Science Scope and Sequence blog post
- Supplies Spreadsheet for INRS Physical Science curriculum
- FREEBIE - Get the Physical Science Pacing Guide
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 209, Anatomy Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Anatomy the Way That I Do
- Episode 220, Biology Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Biology the Way That I Do
- Episode 232, Chemistry Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Chemistry the Way That I Do
One simple classroom tool has completely changed the way I manage my classroom, build relationships, and keep every student engaged…and it costs just a few dollars! In this episode, I'm sharing how I use popsicle sticks to create fair participation, build meaningful classroom discussions, and make sure every student feels seen. I'll walk you through how I make and use them, simple ways to reduce participation anxiety, and an alternative system from a fellow teacher that might be the perfect fit for your classroom!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode246
Resources Mentioned:
- Popsicle sticks
- RADAR posters
- RADAR Blogpost
- INRS units
- INRS Full Year Curriculum
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 141, First Day of School Tips + What I Cover in My First Units of the Year
- Episode 143, My Top 5 Favorite Teacher Hacks for the New School Year
- Episode 225, What to Do When Your Class Won’t Talk With You
The right mindset can completely change your teaching experience, and Alex Crim is proof of that. In this episode, Alex shares how switching schools, teaching high school biology and AP Environmental Science, and balancing coaching with his master's program helped him discover that connection and consistency matter more than simply covering content. We also dive into practical grading hacks, AP teaching strategies, responsible AI use, and why making science relevant can transform student engagement. His perspective is such a refreshing way to head into a new school year!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode245
Resources:
- INRS Biology Curriculum that Alex uses!
- Prime Times
- SSS Virtual PD Bundle
- Book: Teach Your Class Off
- ZipGrade
- Facebook group: National APES Teachers
- Contact Alex: acrim0033@gmail.com
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 126, Teaching AP Environmental Science with Ashton Allgood
- Episode 213, Everything You Need to Know About Teaching AP Biology with Tiffany AP Bio Penguins
- Episode 243, Creating Competition, Teaching AP, and 18 Preps with Brennan Koch of Stoich Decks
- Episode 244, Sanity-Saving Systems, Self Checks, and Starting a TA Program with Katie Dupuie
Teaching gets a whole lot easier when your classroom runs on systems instead of constant reminders! In this conversation, Katie Dupuie shares the practical routines that help her manage large classes, build student independence, and stay adaptable through every challenge teaching throws her way. From self-check assignments and streamlined grading to creative chemistry instruction and launching a teacher assistant program, Katie offers simple, actionable ideas that can help you save time, reduce stress, and create a classroom that practically runs itself!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode244
Resources Mentioned:
- Blog Post: EVERYTHING you need to know about having a high school T.A. program
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 49, Visuals, Middle School, Maternity Leave, and More with Guest Rachael Lasky
- Episode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather Bonanno
- Episode 242, Classroom Jobs, Teaching Chemistry, and AI-Generated Labs for Absences with Maggie H. The Caffeinated Chemist
- Episode 243, Creating Competition, Teaching AP, and 18 Preps with Brennan Koch of Stoich Decks
Some teachers just have a way of making you rethink how you approach your classroom, and today's guest definitely does that. With 25 years of experience in the classroom, Brennan Koch shares practical strategies for creating a culture of striving, teaching AP science, simplifying lab grading, and using games to deepen student learning. I left this conversation feeling inspired, and I think you will too!
After listening, you can head here to check out Brennan's games (use code ROCKET for 20% off!) and grab Reaction Time, a free print & play game.
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode243
Resources Mentioned:
- Brennan’s website (use code ROCKET for 20% off games!)
- Contact Brennan at stoichdecks@gmail.com.
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 137, Work/Life Balance as a Mom and AP Teacher with Guest Kimberly Leary
- Episode 142, Reflections From a First-Year AP Teacher with Guest Laura Tice
- Episode 213, Everything You Need to Know About Teaching AP Biology with Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins
- Episode 236, Teaching AP Science for the First Time? 6 Tips for Success
One of my favorite parts of the year is finally here! I'm kicking off this summer's guest interview series with Maggie from The Caffeinated Chemist, and our conversation is full of practical ideas that made me wish we taught down the hall from each other. From making chemistry more visual to creating a classroom that practically runs itself, Maggie shares practical strategies for teaching Chemistry, building student ownership through classroom jobs, using AI to create virtual labs for absent students, and simplifying classroom management with systems that save time!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode242
Resources Mentioned:
- The Virtual Lab for the Caffeinated Chemist
- Classroom Jobs and Descriptions
- Canva AI Assistant
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 201, AI Literacy for Science Teachers with Guest Amanda Bickerstaff of AI for Education
- Episode 210, 4 Ways AI Can Support You in Your Secondary Science Classroom
- Episode 232, Chemistry Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Chemistry The Way That I Do
A complicated gradebook can quickly create more work, more confusion, and more stress than it needs to. In this episode, I'm sharing the grading system I used for years to simplify grading, accurately reflect student learning, and make communication with students and parents much clearer. I'll walk you through how I organized and weighted my gradebook, managed grades efficiently, and handled student accountability without creating extra work. I also tackle a listener question about teaching in a 100% summative grading environment and share what teachers can focus on when formative work isn't graded. This conversation might just change the way you think about grading for the upcoming school year!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode241
Resources Mentioned:
- Assessments Mini-Course
- INRS units
- INRS Full Year Curriculum
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 95, How to Stop Grading Everything
- Episode 160, 4 Proven Tips to Instantly Decrease Your Grading Time
- Episode 196, Grading Game Changers: 6 Ways to Grade Differently This School Year
- Episode 206, PRIME TIMES®: Everything You Need to Know
- Episode 235, Advocating for Yourself with Admin
Do you feel like your planning period disappears before you've accomplished anything? In this episode, I share exactly how I would structure a 40-hour teacher workweek to stay productive, reduce overwhelm, and avoid bringing work home. You'll learn how a time audit can reveal where your hours are really going, plus practical strategies for time-blocking, batching grading and lesson prep, managing email, and setting boundaries that make teaching more sustainable.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode240
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD Bundle
- Balance Mini-Course
- Core Values Mini-Course
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Ep 62, 5 Ways to Instantly Make Your Planning Period More Productive
- Episode 77, 5 Myths You Might Believe About Your Work Email
- Ep 139, Sunday Scaries - How I Use Friday Planning to Prevent Them
- Episode 195, A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication With Guest Mandy Farrar
How do you make your class matter when students are far more invested in their dual credit courses? In this episode, I share why student apathy isn't necessarily a reflection of your teaching and how shifting your expectations can reduce frustration for everyone. We’ll talk about creating a classroom students want to be in, respecting their competing priorities, maintaining accountability without adding pressure, and focusing on what you can control while helping students build responsibility and resilience!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode239
Resources:
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
- Episode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic
- Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
- Episode 197, Motivating the Unmotivated - 4 Practical Tips to Help Students Care
- Episode 223, What to Do When Students Simply Won’t Do Their Work
- Episode 224, Keeping Students’ Attention Engaged – Without Killing Yourself to Do It
Department chairs are carrying far more than a title and a tiny stipend! In this episode, I’m sharing practical ways to lead your science department well without burning yourself out. I’m talking about advocating for teachers, communicating with admin, running productive meetings, organizing shared resources, and supporting new science teachers in ways that actually make a difference!
If you’re a department chair with ideas, strategies, or experiences that have worked well for your team, I’d love to hear from you! Send me an email or message me on Instagram so we can keep the conversation going.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode238
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD
- Labs When Limited (FREE virtual PD course!)
- INRS Units
- INRS Full Year Curriculum
- New Teachers Podcast Playlist (free!)
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach Matson
- Episode 229, Balancing Unrealistic Admin Expectations
- Episode 235, Advocating for Yourself With Admin
- Episode 237, End of Year Reflection - How to Know What Needs to Change
You made it to summer… or you’re so close you can taste it! In this end of year reflection episode, I’m sharing how to look back on your school year without drowning in guilt or taking responsibility for things that weren’t yours to carry. We’re talking about meaningful goals, honest feedback, burnout, boundaries, and how your current life season impacts the way you view your year. I’m also walking you through 10 reflection questions to help you identify what drained you, what energized you, and what needs to change before next school year begins.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode237
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD
- Labs When Limited (FREE!)
- INRS Units
- INRS Full Year Curriculum
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 182, End the Year Organized: Your Resources
- Episode 183, End the Year Organized: Your Classroom
- Episode 203, Who Makes up the Deficit? How to Respond When Students are Behind
If you are listening to this episode, I’m guessing you just found out you’ll be teaching AP Science for the very first time… and you’re probably equal parts excited and equal parts overwhelmed. I’ve been there! In this episode, I’m sharing the six biggest tips I wish someone had handed me before stepping into my first AP classroom, from navigating the overwhelm and letting go of perfectionism to creating a solid plan and teaching with confidence. My goal is simple: to help you feel more equipped than overwhelmed, and more excited than scared, as you step into this new role!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode236
Resources Mentioned:
- Podcast Playlist: Teaching AP Science!
- INRS Units
- INRS Full Year Curriculum
- Blog Post: Teaching AP Biology for the First Time
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 137, Work/Life Balance as a Mom and AP Teacher with Guest Kimberly Leary
- Episode 142, Reflections From a First-Year AP Teacher with Guest Laura Tice
- Episode 213, Everything You Need to Know About Teaching AP Biology with Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins
As the school year wraps up and end-of-year meetings approach, NOW is the moment to advocate for yourself with your admin. Yes, really! In this episode, I’m sharing why your voice matters right now as a secondary science teacher, how to clearly communicate your capacity, boundaries, and needs, and practical scripts for handling tough conversations about added responsibilities. You’ll also learn how to advocate for meaningful support, use data to strengthen your requests, and step into next year feeling lighter, clearer, and more in control.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode235
Resources Mentioned:
- INRS Units
- INRS Full Year Curriculum
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 68, Evaluating Your Teaching Contract
- Episode 69, Admin Support - WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask For
- Episode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach Matson
- Episode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change
- Episode 156, What to Do When You Are Micromanaged by Your Admin or District
- Episode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather Bonanno
- Episode 229, Balancing Unrealistic Admin Expectations
Recently, I was asked a question that stopped me in my tracks: What’s one thing you wish you’d done differently in the classroom? My first answer came fast...I thought too much of myself and carried the weight of everything on my shoulders. But the more I thought about the question, the more I realized there were several things I would do differently! In this episode, I’m sharing four regrets from my early teaching years, four things I would do differently now after years of growth (and becoming a mom), and four classroom practices I’d do again in a heartbeat.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode234
Resources Mentioned:
- INRS Units
- INRS Full Year Curriculum
- FREE podcast playlist for NEW high school science teachers
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 91, My Top 5 Classroom Management Routines and Procedures for High School Science Teachers
- Episode 130, First Year Teaching? 5 Things I Wish I Had Known
- Episode 195, A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication with Guest Mandy Farrar
- Episode 206, Prime Times® - Everything You Need to Know
Why does it feel like I start every week organized, then somehow end it with a mile-long to-do list and lesson plans that still need fixing? In this episode, I’m answering a listener’s relatable question with six practical strategies that helped me stay ahead of planning in the classroom. We’re talking batch planning, overplanning, classroom routines, pacing with confidence, protecting your planning period, and reflecting now so next year feels easier. If lesson planning always feels like a moving target, this episode will help you create systems that lighten the load!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode233
Resources Mentioned:
- INRS Units
- INRS Full Year Curriculum
- LAST CHANCE TO APPLY TO BE A GUEST!!!
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 62, 5 Ways to Instantly Make Your Planning Period More Productive
- Episode 92, 5 Ways to Have Precise Pacing and Tight Transitions in Your Secondary Science Classroom
- Episode 139, Sunday Scaries - How I Use Friday Planning to Prevent Them
- Episode 208, 5 Tips for How to Lesson Plan While Managing Constant Disruptions
Chemistry can be one of the most rewarding courses to teach, and in this episode I’m sharing why! I walk you through the scope and sequence I use in my yearlong chemistry curriculum, how I break down major topics so students build confidence step by step, and why I prioritize depth over rushing through standards. We’ll also cover the big themes that connect chemistry all year long, plus what makes my curriculum especially supportive for teachers through flexible labs, differentiation, and intentional organization.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode232
Resources:
- Chemistry FULL YEAR Curriculum
- Chemistry curriculum on TpT (see all the 5 star reviews!!)
- Chemistry Units
- Chemistry Scope and Sequence Blogpost
- FREEBIE - Get the Chemistry Pacing Guide
- Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here.
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 127, Teaching AP Chemistry with Zach Matson
- Episode 140, 5 Tips for Teaching Chemistry
- Episode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather Bonanno
- Episode 209, Anatomy Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Anatomy the Way That I Do
Caring deeply about your students can feel exhausting when you’re the only one showing up! In this episode, I share how to support a student when admin and parents aren’t involved, without taking on everything yourself. You’ll learn how to do your due diligence through consistent communication, shift your perspective with empathy, and bring in additional support when needed. Most importantly, it’s about building a strong connection with your student while protecting your time and energy, setting boundaries, and reflecting on what it means to be faithful to your role without carrying what isn’t yours.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode231
Resources Mentioned:
- Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here!
- INRS Units
- INRS Full Year Curriculum
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 70, “It Isn’t an Attack on You”: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach Matson
- Episode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change
- Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
- Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
- Episode 156, What to Do When You Are Micromanaged by Your Admin or District
- Episode 195, A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication With Guest Mandy Farrar
- Episode 229, Balancing Unrealistic Admin Expectations
It’s been awhile since we’ve tackled a hot-button topic, so we’re going there today: test retakes. I’m breaking down the real pros and cons, sharing how I decide when retakes are actually necessary, and how to structure them in a way that supports mastery without adding more to your plate. It all comes down to clear expectations, strong boundaries, and putting responsibility back on students. Plus, I’m sharing strategies from other teachers to help you manage retakes in a way that protects your time, your sanity, and your standards!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode230
Resources Mentioned:
- Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here.
- INRS Units
- INRS Full Year Curriculum
- Instagram: @biowithmrs.mac
- Instagram: @themathematicalmama
- Instagram: @apbiopenguins
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic
- Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
- Episode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather Bonanno
- Episode 197, Motivating the Unmotivated - 4 Practical Tips to Help Students Care
- Episode 202, What to Do When Your Students Fail the Test
- Episode 213, Everything You Need to Know About Teaching AP Biology with Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins
- Episode 229, Balancing Unrealistic Admin Expectations
I get asked all the time if I’ll ever go back to teaching full time, and honestly… we’ll see. I miss teaching, but I don't miss the challenge of balancing admin expectations with what’s actually realistic in the classroom! In this episode, I’m sharing what to do when those expectations start to feel overwhelming, from getting perspective and finding support to having productive conversations with admin that lead to real solutions. And if it’s still not working, we’re talking about how to protect your time, focus on what matters most, and recognize when it might be time for a change, because the right environment and leadership can make all the difference.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode229
Resources:
- Relationships mini-course
- Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here.
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 68, Evaluating Your Teacher Contract
- Episode 69, Admin Support: WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask For
- Episode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach Matson
- Episode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change
- Episode 156, What to Do When You Are Micromanaged By Your Admin or District
- Episode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather Bonanno
Labs can easily become one of the most overwhelming parts of teaching science, so in this episode, I’m breaking down how to find, fund, prep, run, and assess labs in a way that’s actually sustainable. I share simple strategies for managing materials, planning for multiple classes, keeping labs purposeful (not just checking a box), and making them work for all students. Plus, we’re simplifying grading so you can focus on what really matters and get your time back!
Want more support? Sign up for my free Labs When Limited course, and if you’ve got lab strategies that work, apply to be a guest on the podcast!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode228
Resources Mentioned:
- Labs When Limited free virtual PD course
- Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here.
- ANATOMY Supplies Spreadsheet
- BIOLOGY Supplies Spreadsheet
- CHEMISTRY Supplies Spreadsheet
- PHYSICAL SCIENCE Supplies Spreadsheet
- INRS Units
- INRS Full Year Curriculum
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Blog Post: EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Having a High School T.A. Program
- Episode 69, Admin Support - WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask For
- Episode 105, What Happened When I Stopped Assigning Formal Lab Reports
- Episode 177, Unpacking the NGSS: What High School Science Teachers Need to Know
- Episode 186, True Life: I Am a Science Teacher Who Hates Labs
- Episode 222, What to Do With Fast Finishers - Managing Different Students’ Paces
The final stretch of the school year can feel heavy, especially if you’re not sure the year turned out the way you hoped. In this episode, I offer a Quarter 4 pep talk and a mindset shift to help you finish strong. I talk about redefining what success looks like, embracing seasons of survival when needed, and focusing on small moments that still make a BIG impact with students. I also give you permission to stop doing time-draining tasks, try something new in your classroom, and bring a little more fun into these final weeks!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode227
Resources Mentioned:
- Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here.
- Ecosystem in a Bottle
- End of year project packs
- Reviewing for standardized tests
- Biology scope and sequence
- Prime Times Bell Ringers
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episodes 12, Combating Senioritis Part 1: Getting Students Outside and Changing Up Lecture
- Episode 13, Combating Senioritis Part 2: Using Student-Centered Activities
- Episode 14, Combating Senioritis Part 3: Saving the Best for Last
- Episode 15, Teaching Seniors, AP Biology, and MORE with Diana Price
- Episode 18, What to Do After End of Year Testing with Students
- Episode 72, Review Strategies for EOC, Benchmark, and AP Exams
- Episode 165, How Naming What Matters Most Can Change the Rest of Your School Year
- Episode 218, 3 Things to Stop Doing This Semester
- Episode 220, Biology Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Biology the Way That I Do
- Episode 226, What to Do When You’ve Lost Your Spark in Teaching
Spring might bring renewed energy, but sometimes the spark for teaching is still missing. In this episode, I share what to do when you’ve lost your passion for teaching or feel the weight of teacher burnout. I walk through four steps I call the 4 Rs: remember, reflect, reinforce, and reconsider to help you identify what’s draining your energy, reconnect with what brings you joy, and rebuild teacher motivation. And if the spark still isn’t there, we’ll also talk honestly about whether it might be time to rethink your role, your school, or how to enjoy teaching again in this season!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode226
Resources Mentioned:
- Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here.
- Core Values mini-course
- Search podcast episodes by topic!
- CTFAR Model
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 42, What to Do if You Hate What You Teach
- Episode 65, Considering Changing Schools? 10 Questions to Think Through
- Episode 66, Tips for Teaching at a Public School vs. a Private School
- Episode 67, Considering a Teacher Career Change with Guest Daphne Gomez, The Teacher Career Coach
- Episode 68, Evaluating Your Teacher Contract
- Episode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change
- Episode 181, What to Do When Your Job Feels Stale (or Maybe Even Boring)
You may have read the title of this episode and thought, “Wow, I cannot relate. My problem is getting my students to quiet down!” But if you’re facing a roomful of crickets, this one’s for you. I share my experience with nearly-silent classes and the five strategies I use to get even the quietest students talking. We’ll also talk about building trust through real relationships, shifting classroom culture (even mid-year), and creating consistent, low-pressure opportunities that help students grow in confidence and face-to-face communication skills.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode225
Resources Mentioned:
- Podcast Episodes about Student Apathy
- Culture Mini-Course
- Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here.
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 41, 4 Practical Tips for Building Relationships with Your High School Students
- Episode 134, Prioritizing Relationships Over Being Right
- Episode 224, Keeping Students’ Attention Engaged - Without Killing Yourself to Do It
“I’m pouring everything I have into keeping my students engaged… and I’m completely drained, but nothing is changing.”
If that thought has been running through your head, you are not alone. In this episode, I challenge the belief that student disengagement is a personal failure and walk you through three essential mindset shifts before sharing six practical, low-energy strategies you can implement right away. From simple relationship builders and pacing your block with intention to minimizing Googling, increasing student choice, and making science feel relevant, you’ll leave with realistic ways to keep their attention, without sacrificing yourself in the process!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode224
Resources Mentioned:
- Podcast Episodes about Student Apathy
- Freebie: Anatomy of a Class Period Cheat Sheet
- Core Values Mini-Course
- Relationships Mini-Course
- Shop INRS full year curriculum bundles
- Complete INRS units
- YouTube
- Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here.
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 35: Competency, Classroom Management, Teaching Chemistry and MORE with Guest Zach Matson
- Episode 64: How to Re-Engage Apathetic Students (and Manage Your Own Apathy!)
- Episode 70: “It Isn’t an Attack on You”: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach Matson
- Episode 71: “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach Matson
- Episode 123: What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
- Episode 127: Teaching AP Chemistry With Zach Matson
When students flat-out refuse to work, it can feel impossible to stay in control. In this episode, I tackle what you can actually do when encouragement isn’t enough and resistance takes over. Instead of focusing on controlling students, I share the three levers you can control (clear expectations, consistent reinforcement, and meaningful follow-through), plus how to reset your classroom culture when things go off the rails. You’ll also hear my take on maximizing in-class work time, using humor to shift energy, and protecting your own peace while holding students accountable.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode223
Resources Mentioned:
- Podcast Episodes about Student Apathy
- Culture Mini-Course
- Shop INRS full year curriculum bundles.
- Complete INRS units
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
- Episode 156, What to Do When You Are Micromanaged By Your Admin or District
- Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
- Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (and 6 Surprising Results)
Fast finishers can throw your whole class off pace when you’re already feeling behind. In this episode, I share how to manage fast finishers during notes, practice, labs, projects, and tests without adding more to your plate. I explain why differentiating notes is worth the effort, how to create a “no idle hands” classroom culture, and simple ways to give early finishers meaningful work. These are practical systems I used in my own classroom to reset expectations, keep students engaged, and work smarter, not harder, for the rest of the school year!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode222
🔗 Resources Mentioned:
- Shop INRS full year curriculum bundles
- Complete INRS units
- Project Packs
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
🎧 Related Episodes:
- Episode 166: How to Use Your Students to Work Smarter Rather Than Harder
- Episode 169, Differentiating for Higher Achieving Students (That Isn’t Just Extra Work)
- Episode 170, Differentiating for Lower Achieving Students (Without Lowering the Bar)
- Episode 171: Differentiating Within One Class Period (And How to Not Make it Obvious)
- Episode 172, Content-Specific Differentiation Tips
- Episode 219: Study Guides for High School Science Classes
- Episode 221: Pacing Panic - What to Do When You Are so Far Behind Where You Thought You’d Be
Pacing panic hits hard this time of year, and if you’re feeling behind (again), this episode is for you. I revisit the ever-relevant issue of pacing, helping you assess whether you’re truly behind or just holding yourself to unrealistic expectations. We look at the real math behind instructional time, the role of grace for both you and your students, and practical strategies like time audits, prioritization, and letting go of what doesn’t matter most. Consider this your permission slip to breathe, reassess, and move forward with confidence...chicken-head intact!
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode221
Resources Mentioned:
- Shop INRS full year curriculum bundles
- Complete INRS units
- Labs When Limited free virtual PD course (with lab audit included!)
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 92, 5 Ways to Have Precise Pacing and Tight Transitions in Your Secondary Science Classroom
- Episode 116, Behind Schedule? What to Do and How to Prevent It in the Future
- Episode 147, Content Coverage - How to Get Through All the Standards
- Episode 202, What to Do When Your Students Fail the Test
- Episode 203, Who Makes up The Deficit? How to Respond When Students Are Behind
Biology has always been my first love, and this episode felt like the perfect moment to come back to it! In this episode, I share the thinking behind my biology scope and sequence, why order matters so much, and the structures, experiences, and connections students need to truly understand biology. I also dig into my biggest sequencing hot takes and give an inside look at what makes my It’s Not Rocket Science® biology curriculum intentionally designed, practical, and effective.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode220
Resources Mentioned:
- Biology FULL YEAR Curriculum
- Biology curriculum on TpT (see all the 5 star reviews!!)
- Biology Units
- Biology Scope and Sequence Blogpost
- Get the FREE Biology Pacing Guide!
- Strategize Your Sequence
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 60: Teaching with Packets - What They Are, Why I Love Them, and How to Use Them
- Episode 80: Strategizing Your Sequence: Curriculum Design Part 1
- Episode 179: Unpacking the NGSS: Phenomena and Storylines
- Episode 194: The Importance of Inquiry-Based Learning - And How to Implement It Practically
- Episode 209: Anatomy Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Anatomy the Way That I Do
Something I realized early in my teaching career is that most students have absolutely no clue how to prepare for tests! That's why I'm diving into how intentional study guides can actually teach students how to study, not just what to study. I walk through my system for planning study guides alongside units, lessons, and assessments so they serve as clear roadmaps from day one (not last-minute cramming tools). You’ll hear how I break units into concepts, build in time for students to work on guides as they learn, keep them flexible and student-driven, and motivate kids who think guides are busy work. Plus, I give my honest take on grading, accountability, and using AI as a support.
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode219
Resources:
- How I Do Study Guides in High School Science
- Shop INRS full year curriculum bundles.
- Complete INRS Units
- How to Write a GREAT Study Guide Help Sheet
- Study Guide Example
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 60: Teaching with packets: What They Are, Why I Love Them, and How to Use Them
- Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (and 6 Surprising Results)
- Episode 159, My Top Tips for Helping Students Learn and Retain Dense Topics in Your Science Classes
- Episode 174, 7 Ways to Teach Your Students to Use AI Productively
- Episode 214, Practical Scientific Inquiry Teaching Strategies
I’ve sat through a lot of professional development over the years, and I don’t remember a single one that ever took something off my plate - it was always more! That’s why this episode exists: to simplify your workload by doing less of what isn’t actually serving you or your students. I share three things to consider stopping for a semester and explain why habits that feel productive often create more stress, more grading, and less meaningful learning. We also talk boundaries and time protection so you can test what happens when you finally take something off your plate!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode218
Resources:
- Winter science freebies
- SSS Virtual PD Course Bundle
- Core Values Mini-Course
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 77, 5 Myths You Might Believe About Your Work Email
- Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)
- Episode 116, Behind Schedule? What to Do and How to Prevent It in the Future
- Episode 139, Sunday Scaries - How I Use Friday Planning to Prevent Them
- Episode 199, How to Not Take Work Home (in your head, or in reality) This School Year
Mid-year is when the cracks start to show - expectations fade, routines get sloppy, and classroom management feels heavier than it should. In this episode, I share why you can reset classroom management at any point in the year and walk you through the mindset shift, conversations, and practical steps that make a mid-year reset actually work. We’ll talk about identifying your biggest classroom pain points, clearly communicating new expectations, and consistently reinforcing procedures so they stick!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode217
Resources:
- Winter Science FREEBIES
- Culture Mini-Course
- SSS Virtual PD Course Bundle
- SSS Podcast Episodes by Topic
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 35, Competency, Classroom Management, Teaching Chemistry, and MORE with Guest Zach Matson
- Episode 91, My Top 5 Classroom Management Routines and Procedures for High School Science Teachers
- Episode 93, Simple Strategies for Classroom Management
- Episode 133, Using Refrains When Teaching
The “new year, fresh start” energy feels exciting, but can also be overwhelming! This episode cuts through the noise with a refreshingly simple approach to goal setting. Instead of complicated systems, you’ll focus on just two questions: what you want to do more of this year and what you want to do less of, both personally and in your science classroom. We’ll talk about prioritizing yourself, identifying energy and time drains, getting specific with your goals, and making small, flexible shifts that actually stick. By the end, you’ll have a clear, manageable direction for the semester...and maybe even the motivation to reset alongside your science team!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode216
Resources Mentioned:
- Shop INRS full year curriculum bundles.
- Complete units
- Winter science freebies
- Core Values Mini-Course
- SSS Virtual PD Course Bundle
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 55, Goal Setting for the New Year - A Different Approach
- Episode 56, Scheduling Rest - Why You Need to And How to Do It
- Episode 111, Priorities and Boundaries in the New Year
- Episode 165, How Naming What Matters Most Can Change the Rest of Your School Year
It's time to hear the top episode of 2025, and it’s easy to see why this was a crowd favorite! I’m joined by high school chemistry and physics teacher Amanda Farrar, who shares her system for parent communication. She uses an intentional, data-driven approach that builds trust, lowers stress, and keeps the focus on student growth. From practical email scripts and real classroom stories to handling tough parent moments and using AI to save time, this episode is full of ideas you can try right away to make parent communication a whole lot easier!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode215
Resources Mentioned:
- Take the 2026 SSS Podcast Survey!
- Be a guest in 2026 on the SSS podcast.
- Secondary Science Simplified virtual PD course
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 70, It Isn’t an Attack on You: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach Matson
- Episode 90, Classroom Management Philosophy for Secondary Science Teachers
- Episode 91, My Top 5 Classroom Management Routines and Procedures for High School Science Teachers
- Episode 93, Simple Strategies for Classroom Management
Our second most-listened-to episode of 2025 dives into inquiry-based teaching and why it’s essential, even when students push back. I break inquiry down into practical, classroom-ready strategies, explain why students struggle if they’ve only experienced passive “sit and get” learning, and share ways to make inquiry part of your classroom culture. Plus, I give my thoughts on the 5E model, three simple steps to get started immediately, and a big THANK YOU for being part of this community as we head into a new year!
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode214
Resources Mentioned:
- 2026 SSS Podcast Survey
- Be a guest in 2026 on the SSS podcast!
- INRS First Biology Unit
- INRS First Anatomy Unit
- INRS First Chemistry Unit
- INRS First Physical Science Unit
- ALL INRS Complete Units
- FREE: What is Life? Inquiry Activity
- Where to find POGILs
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 47, 2 Ways That Learning Happens and How to Create a Classroom Culture That Fosters It
- Episode 64, How to Re-Engage Apathetic Students (And Manage Your Own Apathy!)
- Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
- Episode 141, First Day of School Tips + What I Cover in My First Units of the Year
- Episode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic
- Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
As we continue our end-of-year countdown, week three highlights one of 2025’s top episodes featuring Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins, an AP Biology teacher with 13 years of experience and a passion for creating free, high-impact review resources. In this conversation, Tiffany shares how her popular account began, her commitment to equity and access in AP prep, and practical strategies for simplifying labs, FRQs, grading, and student motivation. From managing double-block content to keeping assignments authentic in the age of AI, she offers encouraging tips for teachers feeling stretched thin!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode213
Resources Mentioned:
- Take the 2026 SSS Podcast Survey
- Be a guest in 2026 on the SSS podcast!
- AP Bio Penguins
- 396 Page Review Guide
- AP Bio CED
- AP Bio Penguins Instagram
- AP Bio Penguins YouTube
- Become an AP Reader
- AP Review Notebook
- Blank Files for Review Notebook
- National AP Bio FB Group
- BioInteractive
- Learn.Genetics
- Never Work Harder Than Your Students and Other Principles of Great Teaching, by Robyn R. Jackson
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 125, Teaching AP Biology with Guest Beth Hines
- Episode 98, 5 Tips for Teaching Biochemical Reactions in Your Biology Class
- Episode 34, Teaching Biology – 4 Things NOT to Do
- Episode 15, Teaching Seniors, AP Biology, and MORE with Diana Price
- Mistakes Teachers Make When Teaching Biology
In December, we’re airing the top five most-played episodes of the year - and this conversation with Macee Huseman easily earned its spot! As a one-woman science department juggling six preps and three kids at home, Macee balances a heavy workload while still staying sane. We dig into everything from engaging students across multiple science subjects to using labs, routines, and even candy to spark curiosity. She also shares practical strategies for classroom management, grading, handling varied math skills, and prepping labs without the overwhelm!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode212
Resources Mentioned:
- Take the 2026 SSS Podcast Survey
- Be a guest in 2026 on the SSS podcast!
- INRS Biology Curriculum – FULL YEAR Bundle
- INRS Physical Science (IPC) Curriculum – FULL YEAR Bundle
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 125, Teaching AP Biology with Guest Beth Hines
- Episode 176, Teaching AP Biology, Exam Review, FRQ Prep, and More with Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins
- Episode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather Bonanno
- Episode 191, Engaging Students, Serving ELLs, and Teaching Earth Science with Becca of Science Lessons That Rock
- Episode 200, Ask Me Anything! Going Over Work, NGSS, Labs, And More!
December is here, and we’re kicking off the month by bringing back your most-loved, most-listened-to episodes of Secondary Science Simplified to make the holiday chaos feel a little lighter! This week’s replay dives into practical, high-impact ways to differentiate for high achievers - without busywork or burnout. You’ll learn how to craft more challenging assessments, build a classroom culture that fosters autonomy and peer support, and weave in student choice, inquiry, and meaningful extensions that keep advanced learners truly engaged.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode211
Resources Mentioned:
- Take the 2026 Secondary Science Simplified Podcast Survey!
- Be a guest in 2026 on the SSS podcast.
- It’s Not Rocket Science® Complete Units
- Biology Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- Chemistry Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- Anatomy Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- Physical Science Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- PBL Packs
- Culture Mini Course
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 29, Student-Centered Pedagogy: What It Is
- Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)
- Episode 168, Differentiation In Your Science Classroom – Simple Tips to Decrease Overwhelm
- Episode 170, Differentiating for Lower Achieving Students (Without Lowering the Bar)
AI may be getting better every day, but it’s still not coming for my job anytime soon - because, well…it struggles with science! While it can’t write a reliable test or answer key, it can make day-to-day teaching easier in some surprisingly helpful ways. In this episode, I’m sharing four new strategies for using AI alongside the It’s Not Rocket Science® curriculum (or any curriculum you’re working with). These tools won’t replace great teaching, but they can definitely feel like a tiny assistant taking tedious tasks off your plate.
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode210
Resources Mentioned:
- Shop INRS full year curriculum bundles.
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Shop my TPT Store
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 154, AI and ChatGPT with Guest Mitch Wieland
- Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and MORE with Guest Alyse of Keystone Science
- Episode 173, 9 Quick Ways to Use AI to Simplify Your Life as a Teacher
- Episode 174, 7 Ways to Teach Your Students to Use AI Productively
Anatomy holds a special place in my heart, and in this episode, I share how I teach it and why I designed the It’s Not Rocket Science® Anatomy curriculum the way I did. I focus on sparking curiosity, weaving in three big themes, and prioritizing breadth over depth (hot take!). You’ll hear how this hands-on, student-centered curriculum engages learners with discovery stations, model-building, and real-world skills, all designed to make students fall in love with the human body.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode209
Resources Mentioned:
- Anatomy FULL YEAR Curriculum
- Anatomy Units
- Anatomy Discovery Stations Bundle
- Anatomy Scope and Sequence Blog Post
- FREE - Get the Anatomy Pacing Guide
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 36, Teaching Anatomy: 5 Tips for the Best Year Ever!
- Episode 80, Strategizing Your Sequence: Curriculum Design Part 1
- Episode 99, How to Teach the Nervous and Endocrine Systems in Your Anatomy Class
- Blog Post: 5 Reasons It’s Not Rocket Science® Anatomy Curriculum Rocks!
Are constant disruptions messing up your perfectly planned weeks? You’re not alone! When I taught at small schools in particular, it often felt like every week held a new disruption. Between spirit weeks, fire drills, and field trips, I sometimes wondered if I’d ever get a “normal” week with my students! In this episode, I'm sharing five practical tips for lesson planning that will keep learning moving even when weeks don’t go as planned.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode208
Resources Mentioned:
- Desktop Paper Calendar
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 51, 5 Alternatives to Traditional Midterm Exams
- Episode 116, Behind Schedule? What to Do and How to Prevent It in the Future
- Episode 149 Teaching on a Block Schedule - Why It’s Not as Bad as You Think
- Episode 152, Absences - How to Deal With Them
- Episode 185, When Is Preparation Worth It, and When Is It a Pipe Dream?
No matter how far we are into the school year, those dreaded surprise parent emails can still hit your inbox, often full of big emotions and even bigger accusations. In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most challenging parts of teaching: handling combative parents with confidence and professionalism. I’m sharing six practical strategies (plus two important warnings) to help you stay calm, protect your peace, and respond in ways that preserve relationships without sacrificing your boundaries.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode207
Resources Mentioned:
- Relationships Mini Virtual PD Course
- INRS Full Year Curricula
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 70, “It Isn’t an Attack on You”: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach Matson
- Episode 114, How to Bounce Back After You Mess Up
- Episode 195, A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication With Guest Mandy Farrar
- Episode 202, What to Do When Your Students Fail the Test
Today’s the day! I’m finally doing a deep dive into my number one classroom procedure: PRIME TIMES®. I share the origin story, why they’re essential for classroom management and formative assessment, and practical strategies for making them work in any secondary science classroom. You’ll learn how to overcome common challenges like missing papers, time limits, absences, and accommodations, plus tips for adapting Prime Times® to fit your schedule and students’ needs. This episode is your complete guide to implementing a simple five-minute routine that can transform your classroom!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode206
Resources Mentioned:
- Prime Times® in my resource shop
- Prime Times® on TpT
- My favorite utility cart
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)
- Episode 152, Absences - How to Deal With Them
- Episode 205, A Cell Phone Policy for High School Students
- Prime Times®: The Secondary Classroom Procedure You Can’t Live Without
Cell phone policies are one of the most debated topics for secondary teachers, and for good reason! They’re tough to get right. In this episode, I’m sharing my honest experiences with different approaches, what’s worked (and what’s totally failed), and the key factors to consider before setting your own rules. We’ll talk about how your personality, classroom values, and admin support all play a role, plus why engaging, purposeful learning is the best deterrent to constant phone use. You’ll also get practical tips for setting expectations, building student buy-in, and using phone moments to teach digital responsibility...so that managing phones feels more doable and a lot less stressful.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode205
Resources:
- Secondary Science Simplified episodes by topic
- Culture PD Mini-Course
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 69, Admin Support - Why You Need to Ask, How to Ask, and What to Ask For
- Episode 89, Classroom Management in a Post-COVID World with Guest Casey O.
- Episode 92, 5 Ways to Have Precise Pacing and Tight Transitions in Your Secondary Science Classroom
- Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)
Once the school year is in full swing, meeting every learner’s needs can feel impossible, especially when it comes to supporting English learners. In this episode, I sit down with Risa Woods from Every Teacher for a conversation that’s equal parts practical and encouraging. Together, we dig into common misconceptions about who English learners are, why translation isn’t always the answer, and how focusing on academic language can be a total game-changer. Risa shares simple, actionable strategies that make a real difference. This episode is your reminder that serving every student doesn’t require a million new lesson plans - just small, intentional steps that truly work!
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode204
Resources:
- Risa's Instagram
- Risa's website
- AI tool: ChatGPT
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and More with Guest Alyse of Keystone Science
- Episode 168, Differentiation in Your Science Classroom - Simple Tips to Decrease Overwhelm
- Episode 171, Differentiating Within One Class Period (And How to Not Make it Obvious)
- Episode 172, Content-Specific Differentiation Tips
- Episode 191, Engaging Students, Serving ELLs, and Teaching Earth Science with Becca of Science Lessons That Rock
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
One of the toughest realities for teachers is realizing that your students are already behind before the year even begins. That’s exactly what we’re tackling in this episode. Last week, we talked about how to handle things when students fail a test at the end of a unit, but this week, I’m flipping the script (thanks to another great listener question!) and asking: what do you do when you realize that your students don’t have the background knowledge or skills they need to be successful in your class? I share how to respond when you realize students are starting the year behind, how to decide what’s your responsibility versus theirs, ways to get practical support from colleagues and tools like AI, and more.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode203
Resources Mentioned:
- INRS Complete Units
- Balance PD Course
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 69, Admin Support - WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask For
- Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students
- Episode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic
- Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Raise your hand if you've been called “the mean teacher” for holding firm on test policies! In this episode, we dive into what to do when students fail a test, from deciding on retakes or corrections to analyzing trends in student performance and reteaching where needed. You’ll hear practical tips for breaking down assessments by concept, setting up your gradebook to support real learning, and keeping clear boundaries that help students succeed without sacrificing your sanity.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode202
Resources:
- Assessments virtual PD course
- INRS complete units
- NEW: Secondary Science Simplified episodes by topic
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 103, Authentic Assessments: How to Ass Students in a Way That Actually Matters
- Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
- Episode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic
- Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
AI is everywhere right now, and if you’ve been feeling both curious and overwhelmed, you’re not alone! In this episode, I’m joined by Amanda Bickerstaff, a former high school biology teacher and co-founder of AI for Education, for a conversation about AI in the classroom. We explore why AI literacy is becoming a core skill for both teachers and students, how it’s reshaping traditional assignments like lab reports, and the surprising ways it can actually spark more creativity and inquiry. Amanda also shares practical strategies for science teachers, from lesson inspiration to formative assessments. If you’ve ever wondered how to make AI work for you, this episode will leave you feeling excited for what’s ahead!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode201
Resources:
- AI for Education
- An Essential Guide to AI for Educators: FREE 2 hour course
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Connect with Amanda:
- YouTube
- TikTok
- Twitter/X: @AIforEducation
- Twitter/X: @Amanda_AIforEd
Related Episodes:
- Episode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science Classes
- Episode 154, AI and ChatGPT with Guest Mitch Wieland
- Episode 173, 9 Quick Ways to Use AI to Simplify Your Life as a Teacher
- Episode 174, 7 Ways to Teach Your Students to Use AI Productively
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Can you believe it?! We’ve officially hit the 200th episode of Secondary Science Simplified AND crossed over 200,000 listens — what a milestone! I’m so grateful for every teacher who tunes in and makes this community so special. To celebrate, I’m bringing back one of my favorite formats: an “Ask Me Anything” episode where I answer your top questions about classroom culture, student engagement, meaningful labs, department dynamics, NGSS overload, and more.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode200
🥳 Help me celebrate 10 years of INRS by:
- Following me on Instagram
- Following me on TpT
- Leaving a review for the SSS podcast on Apple
Resources Mentioned:
- Culture Virtual PD Mini-Course
- FREE Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- RADAR: A Problem Solving Technique for Students
- Working on a Team at a High School: 4 Tips for Success
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
Related Episodes:
- Episode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach Matson
- Episode 92, 5 Ways to Have Precise Pacing and Tight Transitions in Your Secondary Science Classroom
- Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)
- Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
- Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
- Episode 156, What to Do When You Are Micromanaged by Your Admin or District
- Episode 162, 5 Essential Teacher Hacks for High School and Middle School Science Teachers
- NGSS Series: Episode 177, Episode 178, Episode 179, Episode 180
- Episode 189, True Life: I Grade Everything and Because of It, I Have No Life
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Work-life balance…it’s the unicorn we’re all chasing, isn’t it? In this episode, I’m sharing the practical strategies and mindset shifts that have helped me finally keep work at work. From being ruthless about what you grade, setting up overflow days, and maximizing your planning period, to outsourcing tasks and shifting classroom culture, you’ll walk away with realistic habits to lighten your load. Plus, I’ll share simple boundary-setting tools and reframes to protect your mental space, so you can stop carrying school home in your bag—or in your head—and start enjoying more of your life outside the classroom.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode199
Resources:
- Secondary Science Simplified episodes by topic
- Balance virtual PD course
- Assessments virtual PD course
- Everything You Need to Know About Having a High School T.A. Program
- Prime Times
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 47, 2 Ways That Learning Happens and How to Create a Classroom Culture That Fosters It
- Episode 62, 5 Ways to Instantly Make Your Planning Period More Productive
- Episode 69, Admin Support - WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask For
- Episode 120, How to Cut Your Grading Time in Half
- Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
- Episode 189, True Life: I Grade Everything and Because of It, I Have No Life
- Episode 196, Grading Game Changers: 6 Ways to Grade Differently This School Year
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
It’s September, which means it’s time for your annual pep talk, teacher friend! In this episode, I’m sharing the one message every secondary science teacher needs to hear as the school year kicks off. We’ll talk about the unique challenges you face, why boundaries and clarity matter, and how to model humanity and humility in your classroom. Plus, I’ll walk you through a simple exercise to brain dump your goals, assess your current season, and limit your priorities this year so you can let go of perfection, embrace grace, and actually enjoy teaching!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode198
Resources:
- Secondary Science Simplified episodes by topic
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 38, A Beginning of the Year PEP TALK
- Episode 53, School Counselor Partnerships, Life Hacks, and Laughter with Guest Lauren Tingle
- Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
- Episode 165, How Naming What Matters Most Can Change the Rest of Your School Year
- Episode 166, How to Use Your Students to Work Smarter Rather Than Harder
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
August is wild because some of you are squeezing out those last drops of summer, while others are already knee-deep in grading. Wherever you are on that back-to-school spectrum, one thing is for sure: at some point this year, you’ll be staring down an unmotivated student (or ten!). In this episode, I’m sharing four practical tips to boost engagement, starting with a mindset check to make sure you’re not working harder than your students when it comes to caring. From highlighting course requirements and essential science skills to drawing real-world, cultural, and cross-curricular connections, these strategies will help make your class more relevant and meaningful!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode197
Resources:
- It’s Not Rocket Science® Complete Units
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 64, How to Re-Engage Apathetic Students (and Manage Your Own Apathy!)
- Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
- Episode 131, End-of-Year Resource Audit
- Episode 145, How to Build Resilience in Post-Pandemic Students
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Grading doesn’t have to take over your nights and weekends! In this episode, I’m sharing six practical grading game changers that helped me simplify my workload without lowering my standards. You’ll learn how to define your grading philosophy, reduce what you collect, give meaningful feedback faster, and keep students engaged, even when you're not grading everything. Plus, I’m breaking down how strategies like Prime Times and constant vigilance can make daily assessment and classroom management easier than ever!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode196
Resources:
- Prime Times
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 4, Engaging Students In the First 5 Minutes of Class
- Episode 95, How to STOP Grading Everything
- Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)
- Episode 97, 6 Grading Tips That Changed My Life
- Episode 189, True Life: I Grade Everything and Because of It, I Have No Life
- Episode 194, The Importance of Inquiry-Based Learning - And How to Implement it Practically
- Episode 195, A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication With Guest Mandy Farrar
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Confession time: I’ve been gatekeeping this conversation with Mandy Farrar because it’s that perfect for the start of the school year. Mandy, a high school chemistry and physics teacher, shares her simple yet highly effective system for parent communication, built from her own early struggles and refined into a clear, repeatable process. From starting the year with positive outreach to using email templates and data-driven language for tough conversations, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to make parent communication feel manageable and meaningful!
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode195
Resources:
- Secondary Science Simplified virtual PD course
- Mandy's Instagram: @chemwithfarrar
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 70, It Isn’t an Attack on You: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach Matson
- Episode 89, Classroom Management in a Post-COVID World with Guest Casey O’Hearn
- Episode 90, Classroom Management Philosophy for Secondary Science Teachers
- Episode 91, My Top 5 Classroom Management Routines and Procedures for High School Science Teachers
- Episode 93, Simple Strategies for Classroom Management
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Back-to-school season is the perfect time to breathe new energy into your classroom, and one of the most powerful ways to do that is through inquiry-based learning. In this episode, I’m sharing why inquiry matters, why students often push back against it, and how you can scaffold it to feel less intimidating for everyone. I’ll break down what inquiry actually means, offer my honest take on the 5E instructional model, and give you five simple, actionable strategies to help you make inquiry the norm—not the exception—starting from day one.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode194
Resources:
- INRS First Biology Unit
- INRS First Anatomy Unit
- INRS First Chemistry Unit
- INRS First Physical Science Unit
- ALL INRS Complete Units
- FREE: What is Life? Inquiry Activity
- Where to find POGILs
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 47, 2 Ways That Learning Happens and How to Create a Classroom Culture That Fosters It
- Episode 64, How to Re-Engage Apathetic Students (And Manage Your Own Apathy!)
- Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
- Episode 141, First Day of School Tips + What I Cover in My First Units of the Year
- Episode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic
- Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
What if you could hit pause after your first year of teaching and really process what just happened? That’s exactly what we’re doing in this episode with Cienna Domke. Cienna just wrapped up her first year teaching high school biology and chemistry in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and y’all—she brought the honesty, humility, and wisdom that only comes from walking through the fire and making it to the other side! From classroom management wins and tough parent conversations to lab day chaos and setting boundaries with grading, Cienna shares what worked, what didn’t, and how she’s planning to grow next year.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode193
Resources:
- Biology Curriculum - FULL YEAR Bundle
- Chemistry Curriculum - FULL YEAR Bundle
- Secondary Science Simplified ® Course Bundle
- Cienna’s email: ciennadomke24@gmail.com
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 27, How the Secondary Science Simplified Course Helped This New Teacher With Guest Rachel Carter
- Episode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather Bonanno
- Episode 191, Engaging Students, Serving ELLs, and Teaching Earth Science with Becca of Science Lessons That Rock
- Episode 192, Teaching Biology, Managing 6 Preps, and EOC Review with Macee Huseman
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
What would you do if you were the entire science department at your school? That’s the reality for my guest, Macee Huseman, a powerhouse high school science teacher from Texas who juggles six preps, engaging labs, and family life with incredible grace. In this episode, Macee shares her best tips for staying organized, keeping students engaged, and finding balance in a demanding teaching role. From managing cell phones and mixed-ability classes to prepping for the end-of-year exam and embracing the power of “no,” this conversation is full of practical takeaways for any secondary science teacher!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode192
Resources:
- INRS Biology Curriculum - FULL YEAR Bundle
- INRS Physical Science (IPC) Curriculum - FULL YEAR Bundle
- Connect with Macee: macee.huseman@nazarethisd.net
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 125, Teaching AP Biology with Guest Beth Hines
- Episode 134, Teaching Biology - 4 Things NOT to Do
- Episode 176, Teaching AP Biology, Exam Review, FRQ Prep, and More with Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins
- Episode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather Bonanno
- Episode 191, Engaging Students, Serving ELLs, and Teaching Earth Science with Becca of Science Lessons That Rock
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to make earth science engaging and hands-on, this episode is for you! I’m joined by Becca from Science Lessons That Rock, a veteran teacher with over 15 years of experience and a passion for turning abstract concepts into meaningful, accessible learning experiences. Becca shares creative ways to teach everything from planetary distances to landforms using simple, affordable materials—plus practical tips for lab prep, grading, and boosting student engagement.
We also talk about supporting ELLs, teaching in Title 1 schools, and building classroom buy-in. Whether you’re new to earth science or just need some fresh inspiration, you’re going to love getting to learn from Becca. I’ve known her online for nearly a decade, and I’m so excited you get to know her now, too!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode191
Resources:
- Climate Change Ice Core Lab
- Igneous Crystal Size Lab Activity | Rock Cycle Experiment
- Landforms Stop Motion Video Project
- Rewordify
- Vocaroo
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Connect with Becca:
- Instagram: @sciencelessonsthatrock
- Website
Related Episodes:
- Episode 126, Teaching AP Environmental Science with Ashton Allgood
- Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and More with Guest Alyse of Keystone Science
- Episode 189, True Life: I Grade Everything and Because of It, I Have No Life
- Episode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather Bonanno
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Have you ever met a teacher who just gets it—who knows how to challenge students, meet them where they are, and do it all with purpose and empathy? That’s exactly who you’ll hear from in this episode. I chat with Heather Bonanno, a high school chemistry teacher from Pennsylvania who recently returned to the classroom after a five-year break.
Heather shares how she navigates 40-minute class periods, makes chemistry relevant through real-world connections, and uses labs to spark inquiry from day one. We also dive into her flexible approach to grading, classroom management tips, and strategies for keeping students engaged, even when the content gets tough. This episode may be about teaching chemistry on the surface, but trust me, it’s so much more than that!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode190
Resources Mentioned:
- Chemistry Curriculum - FULL YEAR BUNDLE
- Chemistry Bell Ringers or Exit Slips - FULL YEAR BUNDLE
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 35, Competency, Classroom Management, Teaching Chemistry and More with Guest Zach Matson
- Episode 127, Teaching AP Chemistry with Zach Matson
- Episode 140, 5 Tips for Teaching Chemistry
- Episode 186, True Life: I Am a Science Teacher Who Hates Labs
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
If grading has taken over your life, this final episode in the True Life Teacher Confession series is here to help. I’m unpacking the hidden costs of grading everything, challenging the belief that every assignment needs a grade, and sharing mindset shifts and practical strategies to help you reclaim your time. From setting clear grading boundaries to building a classroom culture where students stay accountable without constant grading, this episode is your first step toward a more sustainable teaching life!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode189
Resources:
- Culture Mini-Course
- Secondary Science Simplified Bundle
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 64, How to Re-Engage Apathetic Students (And Manage Your Own Apathy!)
- Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
- Episode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic
- Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
- Episode 160, 4 Proven Tips to INSTANTLY Decrease Your Grading Time
- Episode 187, True Life: I’m Drowning
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
“Help! I teach a course with a high-stakes test that I do not care about at all, but I need to care about it. How can I make myself care?” If you've ever felt this way, this episode is for you. In this True Life: Teacher Confessions episode, I'm sharing what to do when you're stuck teaching a test-heavy course but feel totally unmotivated by the exam itself. I’ll give you permission to care less and practical strategies to help you care more if you need to—like embedding test prep into your weekly rhythms with FRQ Fridays, bellringer questions, review days, and more.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode188
Resources Mentioned:
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 60, Teaching with Packets - What They Are, Why I Love Them, and How to Use Them
- Episode 72, Review Strategies for EOC, Benchmark, and AP Exams
- Episode 185, When is Preparation Worth It, and When Is It a Pipe Dream?
- Episode 186, True Life: I’m a Science Teacher Who Hates Labs
- Episode 187, True Life: I’m Drowning
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Are you juggling multiple preps across several grade levels, trying to run labs every week, and still show up for your family? Feeling overwhelmed by unrealistic admin expectations and a lack of student accountability? If it all feels like too much, that’s because it is too much. In this "true life" episode, I’m talking about what it really means to teach inside a broken system, why so many teachers are feeling burned out, and practical ways to keep showing up—without losing yourself in the process.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode187
Resources Mentioned:
- Balancing Multiple Preps Podcast Playlist
- Secondary Science Simplified course
- Labs When Limited Free Mini-Course
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 69, Admin Support - WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask For
- Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
- Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
- Episode 156, What to Do When You Are Micromanaged by Your Admin or District
- Episode 185, When Is Preparation Worth It, and When Is It a Pipe Dream?
- Episode 186, True Life: I Am a Science Teacher Who Hates Labs
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Do you find yourself absolutely dreading lab days? If so, you’re in good company. I’m kicking off a new series of Teacher True Life Confessions, and today’s episode is inspired by several of you who were brave enough to admit that you HATE lab days. I’m sharing why labs feel so overwhelming and practical ways to make them less chaotic and more effective. You’ll learn how to select labs for quality over quantity, build in breathing room, train your students for smoother experiences, and simplify grading!
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode186
Resources:
- Labs When Limited Free Course
- Labs Virtual PD Mini-Course
- Secondary Science Simplified Course Bundle
- Ecosystem in a Bottle
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 74, My #1 Way to Simplify Future Lab Days
- Episode 105, What Happened When I Stopped Assigning Formal Lab Reports
- Episode 131, End of Year Resource Audit
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Feeling torn between getting ahead on lesson plans and fully embracing summer break? That’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode. Inspired by a thoughtful listener question, I’m sharing a realistic and flexible approach to summer planning for teachers that helps you make progress and prioritize rest. You’ll hear tips for setting intentional goals, deciding when it’s actually worth planning ahead, and how to give yourself permission to recharge—without the guilt. Whether you’re a planner, a napper, or a little of both, this episode will help you find your summer balance!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode185
Resources Mentioned:
- INRS Complete Units
- Labs When Limited
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 80, Strategizing Your Sequence: Curriculum Design Part 1
- Episode 182, End the Year Organized: Your Resources
- Episode 183, End the Year Organized: Your Classroom
- Episode 184, End the Year Organized: Your Management
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
In this final episode of the “End Your Year Organized” series, we’re wrapping up by reflecting on the classroom management methods you used this year. I’m walking you through six simple but powerful reflection questions to help you evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and how to set yourself up for a smoother classroom experience next year.
We’ll look at the difference between whole-class and individual behavior challenges, and I’ll share tips for improving routines, building stronger relationships, and being more intentional with your approach. Thinking through your classroom management methods now will make a big difference for your future self!
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode184
Resources Mentioned:
- Classroom Management Spotify Playlist
- Core Values Mini-Course
- Relationships Mini-Course
- Culture Mini-Course
- Secondary Science Simplified Virtual PD Bundle
- Subscribe on YouTube
- Follow me on TpT(and leave a review to score credits!)
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 35, Competency, Classroom Management, Teaching Chemistry, and MORE with Guest Zach Matson
- Episode 41, 4 Practical Tips for Building Relationships with Your High School Students
- Episode 134, Prioritizing Relationships Over Being Right
- Episode 182, End the Year Organized: Your Resources
- Episode 183, End the Year Organized: Your Classroom
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Feeling buried in classroom clutter? Let’s fix that, before summer break hits! Last week, we talked all about organizing your digital and paper teaching resources so you’re not digging through chaos next school year. This week, we’re shifting the focus to classroom organization at the end of the school year—because let’s be real, your physical space needs a reset just as much as your files do.
Using a simple four-step system inspired by The Home Edit—edit, categorize, contain, and maintain—I’ll walk you through how to declutter your classroom starting with your teacher desk and working outward to key areas like the front of the room, filing cabinets, storage cabinets, and closets.
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode183
Resources Mentioned:
- Classroom Reset Challenge
- Labs When Limited Free Sample Mini-Course
- Labs Mini-Course
- Secondary Science Simplified PD Course Bundle
- 12-pack of 6-quart storage containers
- Subscribe to my YouTube channel
- Follow me on TPT
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 22, Ending the Year Strong by Resetting Your Classroom
- Episode 23, Ending the Year Strong By Setting Summer Rocks and Boundaries
- Episode 75, End of Year Classroom CLEANOUT Without the FREAKOUT
- Episode 182, End the Year Organized: Your Resources
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Feeling overwhelmed by a mountain of digital files, paper stacks, and half-used lab materials? In this kickoff episode of the “End the Year Organized” series, I’m sharing practical strategies to help you wrap up the school year with intention and clarity. From organizing your digital and paper resources to maintaining your systems and auditing what needs improvement, you’ll get a high-level overview of how to end the year strong—and set yourself up for a smoother start next fall.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode182
Resources Mentioned:
- 3 Ring Binder Pouches
- Oldie but goodie video of my binder organization
- Labs When Limited Free Course
- Virtual Color Consult
- Episode 80, Strategizing Your Sequence: Curriculum Design Part 1
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 23, Ending the Year Strong By Setting Summer Rocks and Boundaries
- Episode 75, End of the Year Classroom Cleanout Without the Freakout
- Episode 131, End-of-Year Resource Audit
- Episode 132, End-of-Year Personal Reflection - 6 Questions to Ask Yourself
- Episode 138, Serving Future You - How to Work Smarter, Not Harder
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Teaching can feel like driving on autopilot - same route, same scenery, same old routine. So what happens when that journey starts to feel monotonous and uninspiring? In today’s conversation, I dive deep into a feeling that every teacher experiences at some point: boredom. Whether you're an AP Biology teacher counting down to exam day or a Earth Science instructor trudging through yet another semester of the same curriculum, staleness can creep into even the most passionate teacher’s classroom.
I've been there, teaching multiple sections of general biology, repeating the same lessons over and over again, semester after semester. That's why I'm sharing eight practical strategies to reignite your teaching spark when your job feels stale. They worked for me, and I know they can work for you too! From considering a new course prep to collaborating with colleagues, investing in fresh resources, and shifting towards more student-centered approaches, these tips are designed to help you break out of your educational rut and rediscover the joy of teaching.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode181
Resources Mentioned:
- INRS PD Courses
- Labs When Limited Virtual PD Course (free!)
- Core Values Mini-Course
- Teach the Class Project
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 29, Student-Centered Pedagogy: What It Is
- Episode 30, Student-Centered Pedagogy: Why Make the Shift
- Episode 31, Student-Centered Pedagogy: How to Do It
- Episode 32, Student-Centered Pedagogy: One Way to Start
- Episode 72, Review Strategies for EOC, Benchmark, and AP Exams
- Episode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change
- Episode 153, How to Make Boring Topics More Engaging
- Episode 166, How to Use Your Students to Work Smarter Rather Than Harder
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Over the past few episodes, we’ve been diving into all things NGSS, and it’s time to wrap up the series with someone who’s not only in the classroom but has been using the NGSS for the last decade! The Next Generation Science Standards are all about helping our students think and act like real scientists, and in this episode, I’m joined by Christina Agurcia of Make Them Think to break down how to actually make that happen in your classroom.
Christina has been working with NGSS since 2015, and she brings a refreshing, practical perspective on what these standards really mean for science educators. We unpack the why behind NGSS, including how Science and Engineering Practices and Crosscutting Concepts can shift your classroom from passive to powerful. Christina shares how these elements help students think more critically, make cross-disciplinary connections, and engage with science in a way that mirrors what scientists actually do.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode180
Resources:
- Be on the podcast!
- The Wonder of Science
- Bozeman Science
- Phenomena for NGSS
- Skype a Scientist
- A Framework For K-12 Science Education
- Phenomenon-Driven Storylines
- 3D Molecular Designs
- BronxZoo Teacher PD Courses
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Connect with Christina:
- Instagram: @makethemthinktpt
- TPT Store
- Make Them Think Newsletter
- Email: makethemthink@tpt.page
Related Episodes:
- Episode 179, Unpacking the NGSS: Phenomena and Storylines
- Episode 178, Unpacking the NGSS: SEPs and CCCs
- Episode 177, Unpacking the NGSS: What High School Science Teachers Need to Know
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Ever feel like your students are just going through the motions - memorizing facts without really connecting to what they're learning? I think we can all agree that we want our students to be able to apply their learning to real world context! That’s why I’m diving into two of my absolute favorite NGSS concepts in this episode: phenomena and storylines.
I’ll explain the different types of phenomena, how they tie into storylines, and why giving students a role in the process transforms engagement. Plus, I’m sharing practical tips to start small and make these strategies work with what you’re already doing.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode179
Resources:
- Antibiotic Resistance Lab
- INRS Complete Units
- Ecosystem in a Bottle Project
- Using Phenomena to Teach the NGSS
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 178, Unpacking the NGSS: SEPs and CCCs
- Episode 177, Unpacking the NGSS: What High School Science Teachers Need to Know
- Episode 153, How to Make Boring Topics More Engaging
- Episode 107, NGSS and Standards-Based Grading with Guest Boni Hamilton
- Episode 106, Standards-Based Grading, Citizenship Grades, Motivation and MORE with Guest Jennica Harrison
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
In part two of our NGSS series, we’re diving into its three-dimensional nature —specifically, SEPs (Science and Engineering Practices) and CCCs (Crosscutting Concepts). You’ll hear my take on what they are and how you can practically teach them. Plus, I’ll share plenty of ideas for assessing them beyond traditional tests!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode178
Resources Mentioned:
- Culture Mini Course
- Photosynthesis Relay Activity
- Neuron Communication and Signal Transmission Inquiry Activity
- Female Cycle Inquiry Activity
- Secondary Science Simplified® Virtual PD Course Bundle
- Episode 177, Unpacking the NGSS: What High School Science Teachers Need to Know
- Episode 173, 9 Quick Ways to Use AI to Simplify Your Life as a Teacher
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 176, Teaching AP Biology, Exam Review, FRQ Prep, and MORE with Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins
- Episode 107, NGSS and Standards-Based Grading with Guest Boni Hamilton
- Episode 106, Standards-Based Grading, Citizenship Grades, Motivation and MORE with Guest Jennica Harrison
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Navigating the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, I break down the three pillars of NGSS as I see them. I also share what I love about NGSS, where I think it falls short, and practical strategies to help you implement it in a way that works for you and your students. Whether you’re new to NGSS or looking to refine your approach (or even if you aren't in an NGSS state!), this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to make small, impactful changes in your science classroom.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode177
Resources Mentioned:
- Human Impact Sustainability Project: An Investigation of Carbon Footprints
- All INRS units that come with NGSS Alignment Guides
- Lessons Mini-Course
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes;
- Episode 158, How to Not Feel Like You Are Teaching to the Test
- Episode 147, Content Coverage - How to Get Through All of the Standards
- Episode 116, Behind Schedule? What to Do And How to Prevent It In the Future
- Episode 107, NGSS and Standards-Based Grading with Guest Boni Hamilton
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
AP Biology comes with big challenges—pacing, labs, and preparing students for that exam. But today’s guest, Tiffany from AP Bio Penguins, is here to help! Tiffany shares her best strategies for structuring class time, simplifying labs, and making test prep less stressful, all while keeping students engaged. She also reveals her advice for grading smarter (not harder!) and creating free, accessible resources to support all learners. Whether you're a seasoned AP Bio teacher or tackling the course for the first time, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you teach with more confidence. Don't forget to check out the resources linked below, and happy Cinco de Bio! 🎉
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode176
Resources Mentioned:
- AP Bio Penguins
- 396 Page Review Guide
- AP Bio CED
- AP Bio Penguins Instagram
- AP Bio Penguins YouTube
- Become an AP Reader
- AP Review Notebook
- Blank Files for Review Notebook
- National AP Bio FB Group
- BioInteractive
- Learn.Genetics
- Never Work Harder Than Your Students and Other Principles of Great Teaching, by Robyn R. Jackson
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 125, Teaching AP Biology with Guest Beth Hines
- Episode 98, 5 Tips for Teaching Biochemical Reactions in Your Biology Class
- Episode 34, Teaching Biology - 4 Things NOT to Do
- Episode 15, Teaching Seniors, AP Biology, and MORE with Diana Price
- Mistakes Teachers Make When Teaching Biology
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Whether we like it or not, teaching students to take notes is an important part of being a high school teacher! Is that an unpopular opinion? Maybe, but I still stand by it! Beyond just understanding the content, strong note-taking skills set students up for success in life, no matter where their future takes them.
When it comes to teaching these skills, there are plenty of options: typing, doodle-based notes, interactive notebooks…the list goes on! I’ve tried them all, and hands down, Cornell notes are my favorite. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly why I love the Cornell note taking method and how you can use it in your secondary science classroom.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode175
Resources Mentioned:
- Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
- Episode 6, Engaging Students in Lecture
- How to Use Cornell Notes in High School Science
- The Cornell Note Taking System
- Otter.ai
- https://otter.ai/Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 168, Differentiation in Your Science Classroom - Simple Tips to Decrease Overwhelm
- Episode 163, What I Wish I Knew in my First Year of Teaching High School Science: 5 Simple Tips
- Why I Don’t Use Interactive Notebooks in my Secondary Classroom and What I Use Instead
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Is AI the future of learning or just another way for students to cut corners? In this episode, we’re talking all about how to help students use AI in a way that actually benefits their learning - without letting it do all the thinking for them. Instead of banning AI or ignoring it, we need to teach students how to use it as a tool for things like communication, skill practice, and test review. When used the right way, AI can be so helpful, but only if students know how to use it responsibly!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode174
Resources Mentioned:
- Episode 173, 9 Quick Ways to Use AI to Simplify Your Life as a Teacher
- Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and More with Guest Alyse of Keystone Science
- Episode 154, AI and ChatGPT with Guest Mitch Wieland
- Episode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science Classes
- AI for Education
- Magic School
- Diffit
- Otter.ai
- Google Translate
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 160, 4 Proven Tips to INSTANTLY Decrease Your Grading Time
- Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
- Episode 110, How to Manage a Classroom of Apathetic Students
- Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Imagine having a virtual assistant to help with lesson plans, assessments, and student feedback. AI can make that a reality! In this episode, I’m sharing nine practical ways to use AI to streamline your workload, from generating transcripts to creating choice boards and assessments. You’ll hear quick examples, plus my favorite tools (including one that makes test reviews a breeze!). But AI isn’t perfect, and it’s definitely not a replacement for real teachers—so how can we use it wisely? Let’s dive in and explore how to make AI work for you, not the other way around!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode173
Resources Mentioned:
- Magic School
- Otter.ai
- Diffit
- Google Translate
- AI for Education
- Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and More with Guest Alyse of Keystone Science
- Episode 154, AI and ChatGPT with Guest Mitch Wieland
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 162, 5 Essential Hacks for High School and Middle School Science Teachers
- Episode 160, 4 Proven Tips to INSTANTLY Decrease Your Grading Time
- Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
- Episode 62, 5 Ways to Instantly Make Your Planning Period More Productive
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
In the final episode of our differentiation series, I’m sharing practical strategies for implementing content-specific differentiation. Whether you teach biology, chemistry, anatomy, or physical science, you’ll learn how to prioritize key concepts, adjust instruction for CP and honors students, and simplify your approach using built-in supports from It’s Not Rocket Science®. Plus, I’ll help you determine which topics deserve the most focus so you can confidently tailor your lessons to best support your students!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode172
Resources:
- It’s Not Rocket Science® Complete Units
- Biology Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- Chemistry Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- Anatomy Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- Physical Science Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 168, Differentiation in Your Science Classroom – Simple Tips to Decrease Overwhelm
- Episode 169, Differentiating for Higher Achieving Students (That Isn’t Just Extra Work)
- Episode 170, Differentiating for Lower Achieving Students (Without Lowering the Bar)
- Episode 171, Differentiation Within One Class Period (And How to Not Make it Obvious)
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Are you juggling a dozen different learning needs in one class period? You’re not alone! Differentiation can seem daunting, especially when you’re trying to support all students without making it obvious. In the fourth episode in our differentiation series, I’m sharing practical, low-stress strategies to help you meet diverse student needs…without doubling your workload or drawing unwanted attention to differences.
We’ll talk about simple ways to adjust instruction, activities, labs, and more, so that differentiation feels seamless in your mixed level classes. Plus, I’ll share creative strategies for assessments, engaging fast finishers, and fostering a supportive classroom culture where students feel confident in their learning. Whether you’re balancing multiple levels of credit or just a wide range of abilities, these small tweaks can make a big difference.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode171
Resources Mentioned:
- Its Not Rocket Science ® Complete Units
- Biology Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- Chemistry Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- Anatomy Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- Physical Science Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- PBL packs
- Start of a blog series on stations
- Relationships mini-course
- Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and More with Guest Alyse of Keystone Science
- Episode 154, AI and Chat GPT with Guest Mitch Wieland
- Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)
- Episode 60, Teaching with Packets - What They Are, Why I Love Them, And How to Use Them
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 168, Differentiation in Your Science Classroom - Simple Tips to Decrease Overwhelm
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Struggling to support lower-achieving students without lowering the bar? In this episode, I share nine practical strategies for using scaffolding and intentional support to help all students reach their full potential. These tips aren’t about making things easier but about making learning more accessible and meaningful. By making small, intentional shifts in your teaching, you can create a classroom where students feel capable, motivated, and confident in tackling the content!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode170
Resources:
- Complete Units
- Lessons Mini-Course
- Culture Mini-Course
- Genetic Disorder Research Project
- Elemental Superhero Project
- How to do Study Guides
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 92, 5 Ways to Have Precise Pacing and Tight Transitions in Your Secondary Science Classroom
- Episode 168, Differentiation in Your Science Classroom - Simple Tips to Decrease Overwhelm
- Episode 169, Differentiating for Higher Achieving Students (That Isn’t Just Extra Work)
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
In last week’s episode, I talked through practical ways to meet your students’ diverse needs without burning out. When it comes to planning, It’s common to put the majority of your energy into on-grade level classes or students who are struggling. But I know you want to serve your high achieving students just as well! In the second episode of our differentiation series, I’m sharing five strategies to help these students thrive without just giving them extra work.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode169
Resources:
- Complete Units
- Biology Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- Chemistry Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- Anatomy Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- Physical Science Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- PBL Packs
- Culture Mini Course
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 29, Student-Centered Pedagogy: What It Is
- Episode 30, Student-Centered Pedagogy: Why Make the Shift
- Episode 31, Student Centered Pedagogy: How to Do It
- Episode 32, Student-Centered Pedagogy: One Way to Start
- Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And Surprising Results)
- Episode 168, Differentiation In Your Science Classroom - Simple Tips to Decrease Overwhelm
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Differentiation in your science classroom doesn’t have to feel overwhelming! In this episode, I share practical strategies to meet your students’ diverse needs without burning out. By shifting your mindset and focusing on sustainable practices, you can create an inclusive environment that supports all learners, from struggling students to high achievers.
We dive into three key steps to simplify differentiation. Start by seeking support from colleagues, resources, and tools - don’t go at it alone! Focus on one area to improve, like differentiated notetaking options, and keep your plans flexible to address students’ needs in the moment. Small, proactive changes can make a big difference over time.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode168
Resources:
- Complete Units
- Biology Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- Chemistry Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- Anatomy Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- Physical Science Curriculum Full Year Bundle
- Core Values Mini-Course
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 166, How to Use Your Students to Work Smarter Rather Than Harder
- Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and MORE with Guest Alyse of Keystone Science
- Episode 151, Ask Me Anything! Part 2: Differentiated Instruction, Difficult Conversations, Work/Life Balance, and More!
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Teaching comes with relentless demands. Stress levels are high, burnout feels all too familiar, and breaks never seem long enough! These challenges take a serious toll on mental health, making it crucial for educators to learn effective strategies to manage it. That’s where today’s guest, Dr. Hayley Watson, comes in!
In this episode, Dr. Watson dives into practical and straight forward strategies designed to support teacher mental health. She shares actionable techniques to help teachers care for their well-being while also providing tips for fostering mental health awareness among students.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode167
Resources:
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Connect with Dr. Hayley Watson:
- Open Parachute Website
- Finding the Words: Empowering Struggling Students through Guided Conversations by Dr. Hayley Watson
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 161, Relief for the Burdened Teacher: How to Deal With Caring More Than Your Students Do
- Episode 144, 4 Ways Having “No Rules” Has Changed My Life (And Could Change Your School Year)
- 4 Must Do Teacher Self-Care Tips
- 5 Strategies for Surviving Second Semester
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Teachers are always balancing a mountain of responsibilities while trying to create more time for themselves and their families. Finding the perfect work/life balance and mastering time management can feel like a never-ending challenge. But what if the key to working smarter, not harder, is already sitting in your classroom?
In this episode, I’m sharing how to harness the unique strengths and skills of your students to lighten your workload and make your classroom run more efficiently. I’ll walk you through seven specific ways to work smarter, not harder with their help. From encouraging creativity and fostering critical thinking to completing service hours while benefiting the classroom, these strategies empower your students while simplifying your tasks!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode166
Resources Mentioned:
- Teach the Class! Midterm or End of Year Review Project
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 165, How Naming What Matters Most Can Change the Rest of Your School Year
- Episode 138, Serving Future You - How to Work Smarter, Not Harder
- Everything You Need to Know About Having a High School T.A. Program
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
If you’ve been wondering where your “new year, new you” pep talk was, well you’re getting it in this episode! I love taking the opportunity to reflect, plan, dream, and set goals all year, but especially at the start of the new year. And while I usually have a list of things you can do to start the year off on the right track, this year I’m sharing ONE specific new year challenge. This challenge has the power to transform how the rest of your school year goes. Are you ready for it? It’s naming what matters most.
This concept, introduced by Kendra Adachi, has become a cornerstone of how I approach both my personal and professional life. I’ve touched on this idea before on the podcast, but it’s so powerful that I keep coming back to it. In today’s episode, I’m diving deeper into why this principle is so crucial for achieving work-life balance and how you can apply it in your own life.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode165
Resources Mentioned:
- Core Values Mini-Course
- Virtual PD Course Bundle
- Kendra Adachi’s book, The PLAN: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius
- The Lazy Genius Collective
- The Lazy Genius Podcast
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 164, My Top Tips for Kicking Off a New Semester
- Episode 137, Work/Life Balance as a Mom and and AP Teacher With Guest Kimberly Leary
- Episode 57, Living and Working in Your Current Season
- Episode 55, Goal Setting For the New Year – A Different Approach
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Happy New Year, teacher friends! Can you believe we’re kicking off the FOURTH year of this podcast? Let’s celebrate with a super practical and helpful episode. As the new semester begins, it’s the perfect opportunity to start fresh with a new group of students to make meaningful changes with the same class. In this episode, I’m sharing my top tips to help you hit the ground running this semester.
Whether you’re welcoming back familiar faces or meeting new ones, how you start this semester sets the tone for the months ahead. Your approach will depend on your goals and what you want to accomplish, so I’ve tailored specific strategies to fit different schedules. I’m also sharing recommendations for what to do on the very first day back to set yourself up for success.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode164
Resources:
- Virtual PD Courses for Teachers
- Winter Science Freebies
- FREE Biology Curriculum Pacing Guide
- FREE Chemistry Curriculum Pacing Guide
- FREE Anatomy & Physiology Curriculum Pacing Guide
- FREE Physical Science Curriculum Pacing Guide
- Heredity Unit
- Transport Unit
- Stoichiometry Unit
- Matter Unit
- Matter Lab Station Activity
- Waves Unit
- It’s Not Rocket Science Complete Units
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 143, My Top 5 Favorite Teacher Hacks for the New School Year
- Episode 141, First Day of School Tips + What I Cover in My First Units of the Year
- Episode 120, How to Cut Your Grading Time in Half
- Episode 60, Teaching with Packets - What They Are, Why I Love Them, and How to Use Them
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
As we wrap up 2024, it’s only fitting to revisit the most popular episode of the year! Both new and experienced teachers are constantly searching for ways to make their classroom routines easier and more effective. I learned so many valuable lessons during my first few years of teaching, so in today’s replay episode, I’m sharing five things I wish I had known as a first-year high school science teacher.
Each of these five tips are lessons that I learned the hard way. I sacrificed a lot of my own personal time, didn’t set clear boundaries, took on too many tasks which made me feel overwhelmed, and tried to do it all on my own. If you’re a new teacher, or even a veteran teacher, I don’t want that for you!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode163
Resources:
- Virtual PD Courses for Teachers
- FREE Labs When Limited Mini-Course
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 129, 4 Things I Learned From Other Teachers That Changed How I Teach
- Episode 117, How to Prep for a Long-Term Substitute Who Doesn’t Teach Science
- Episode 91, My Top 5 Classroom Management Routines and Procedures for High School Science Teachers
- Episode 77, 5 Myths You Might Believe About Your Work Email
- Episode 39, Organization Tips for Your Science Classroom
- Episode 16, 5 Strategies for Pain-Free Sub Plans
- What I Wish I Had Known as a First-Year Teacher
- Why You Shouldn’t Bring Work Home – And How to Accomplish That
- 4 Must-Have High School Classroom Systems
- A Manageable and Effective System for Parent Communication
- Making Sub Plans for Secondary Science
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
We all love discovering ways to simplify our lives and make managing our classrooms easier. We’re constantly on the hunt for tips, tricks, and strategies to help everything run smoothly while saving us time and energy. That’s why this episode became the second most listened-to of 2024!
In this popular replay, I’m sharing my top five essential teacher hacks specifically designed for secondary science teachers. These game-changing strategies are simple to implement but can have a major impact on how your classroom operates and the culture you create throughout the year. I’ll walk you through each hack, showing you how to put them into action and explaining how they can improve your classroom procedures, routines, and behavior management.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode162
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers
- It’s Not Rocket Science Prime Times
- Academic Desk Calendar
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 120: How to Cut Your Grading Time in Half
- Episode 108: 5 Must-Have Routines and Procedures for Secondary Teachers
- Episode 4: Engaging Your Students in the First 5 Minutes of Class
- Start Strong: 5 Beginning of the Year Procedures to Teach
- Prime Times: The Secondary Classroom Procedure You Can’t Live Without
- My Favorite Classroom Management Strategy
- 5 Reasons You May Hate Bell Ringers – And the Solutions to Run Them Easily
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Teachers everywhere are feeling the weight of their students’ lack of motivation, and it’s no surprise this topic has resonated so strongly—it’s the third most-listened-to episode of 2024! The pressure to carry the burden of student success is exhausting and unsustainable, leaving many educators burned out and questioning their future in the profession.
That’s why now is the perfect time to rethink your approach and head into the new year with a fresh perspective. In today’s episode, I dive into why students seem to care less and share three actionable strategies to address the issue. You'll hear real examples from my experience in the classroom, including how I’ve set and reinforced expectations while giving students the responsibility to take ownership of their success.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode161
Resources:
- Balance Virtual PD Course
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 122, How to Nail Your Teacher Job Interview + 3 Mock Lesson Ideas
- Episode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change
- Episode 113, What to Do When You Have No Energy – Truths for the Classroom
- Episode 111, Priorities and Boundaries in the New Year
- Episode 57, Living and Working in Your Current Season
- Episode 56, Scheduling Rest – Why You Need To and How To Do It
- Episode 55, Goal Setting for the New Year – A Different Approach
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
We all have unique experiences, but one thing teachers all seem to share is the overwhelming challenge of grading. When I talked about ways to cut your grading time in half on the podcast earlier this year, it was clear that it was a hot topic, so let’s dive into it again! In today’s replay episode, I’m sharing the number four most listened-to episode where I provide four tips that instantly decrease your grading time.
If you think January is too late to switch things up, it’s not! The beginning of a new semester is the perfect time to rethink or redo how you approach grading. The four specific action items I share are ones I personally executed when I was in the classroom. And just a warning - they may feel drastic! But in order to provide quick and accurate grading while also allowing for more time for yourself, sometimes big changes are required.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode160
Resources Mentioned:
- Bell Ringers & Exit Slips
- Assessments Virtual PD Course
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 105, What Happened When I Stopped Assigning Formal Lab Reports
- Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)
- Episode 4, Engaging Your Students – In the First 5 Minutes of Class
- Decrease Grading Time: 4 Practical Ways to Cut Your Grading Time in Half
- Why You Shouldn’t Bring Work Home – And How to Accomplish That
- Prime Times: The Secondary Classroom Procedure You Can’t Live Without
- 5 Reasons You May Hate Bell Ringers – And the Solutions to Run Them Easily
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
It’s crazy to think that we’re nearing the end of 2024! We’ve covered so many topics this year, so I wanted to spend the last five weeks of the year replaying the top five most listened to episodes. I want to encourage you to take this opportunity to either reinforce the routines, systems, and strategies in these episodes or prioritize them starting in 2025.
In today’s episode, we’re starting with the fifth most listened to episode where I talk about how to increase student retention of content, specifically DENSE content! I not only give you encouragement and reasons why retention might be lacking in your students, but very practical tips you can easily implement in your science classes.
If you are enjoying the content in this podcast, please leave your view on Apple Podcasts! It will only take a minute and is a simple way to support this show and reach more science teachers!
➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode159
Resources Mentioned:
- Biology Curriculum
- Chemistry Curriculum
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 116. Behind Schedule? What to Do and How to Prevent It in the Future
- Episode 88. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Part 5
- Episode 87. Aligning Your Assessments: Curriculum Design Part 5
- Episode 86. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Part 4
- Episode 85. Building Out Your Backbone: Curriculum Design Part 4
- Episode 84. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Part 3
- Episode 83. Forming Your Foundation: Curriculum Design Part 3
- Episode 82. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Parts 1 and 2
- Episode 81. Analyzing Your Aims: Curriculum Design Part 2
- Episode 80. Strategizing Your Sequence: Curriculum Design Part 1
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
In teaching, there are a lot of balancing acts, but none come close to preparing your students for success while NOT teaching to the test. I hear from many of you that struggle with this, and honestly I did as well while I was teaching, but I have since adopted a few philosophies that will help minimize the pressure you feel and start prioritizing what matters most to you in your classroom.
In today’s episode, I’m sharing two main ways that you can balance “good teaching” and the pressure of getting your students prepared for the test. I discuss how each of the two ideas work off of each other and various ways they can be implemented throughout your instructional resources and activities.
➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode158
Resources Mentioned:
- Core Values Mini-Course
- Biology Exam Pack
- Physical Science Exam Pack
- Anatomy Exam Pack
- Chemistry Exam Pack
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes:
- Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and MORE With Guest Alyse of Keystone Science
- Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
- Episode 104, Using Summative Assessments to Prepare Students for Standardized Tests
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
I don’t know about you, but I love growing and learning, especially when it has anything to do with teaching science. This is exactly what happened when I interviewed Alyse of Keystone Science. Throughout our entire conversation, we discussed a wide range of topics that will help students have success in a secondary science classroom, particularly English Language Learners.
When it comes to the use of AI in the classroom, Alyse has embraced this innovative technology tool. She shares why her perspective is different and describes specific ways she utilizes it in her classroom. And since she works with many ELL students, Alyse discusses the countless possibilities that come with AI and how it contributes to their learning. Trust me when I say this episode is JAM PACKED with helpful tips!
➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode157
Resources:
- ELL Freebie
- AI Freebie
- ChatGPT
- Otter.AI
- Eduaide
- Magic School
- Diffit
- Google Translate
- Secondary Science PD Courses
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes & Blog Posts:
- Episode 154, AI and Chat GPT With Guest Mitch Wieland
- Episode 95, How to Stop Grading Everything
- Episode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science Classes
- Why I Don’t Assign Homework in High School
4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics. Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
Let’s talk about something that is all too familiar for teachers: navigating micromanagement from school administrators or districts. I’ve encountered my fair share of overbearing directives, from mandated curricula to unreasonable data tracking, and I know you have too.
I’ve heard from many of you about the struggles you face with being micromanaged when it comes to grading, classroom management, and more. Whether it’s coming from the district or your direct admin, being micromanaged never feels good. We know our students and we should be trusted to do what’s best for them!
In today’s episode, I’m sharing practical tips and strategies to try if you are being micromanaged, and when it might even be time to consider a change for the better. You’ve been warned - I run hot when it comes to this topic!
➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode156
Resources:
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes & Blog Posts:
- Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
- Episode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change
- Episode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach Matson
- Episode 69, Admin Support - WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask For
Over the past several years, one of the biggest complaints I’ve heard from teachers is the student apathy that exists in post-pandemic students. I’ve addressed this topic on the podcast before by the ways of classroom management and building resilience in students. And while those are important to tackling the problem, I want to share a new approach. So in today’s episode, I’m discussing how to get students to be active in their own learning and ways to hold them accountable!
➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode155
Resources Mentioned:
- Free Labs When Limited Audio Course
- Anatomy of a Class Period
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes & Blog Posts:
- Episode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic
- Episode 143, My Top 5 Favorite Teacher Hacks for the New School Year
- Episode 92, 5 Ways to Have Precise Pacing and Tight Transitions in Your Secondary Science Classroom
- Episode 89, Classroom Management in a Post-COVID World with Guest Casey O’Hearn
- Episode 32, Student-Centered Pedagogy: One Way to Start
- Episode 31, Student-Centered Pedagogy: How To Do It
- Episode 30, Student-Centered Pedagogy: Why Make the Shift
- Episode 29, Student-Centered Pedagogy: What It Is
- Episode 5, Engaging Your Students - Without Exhausting Yourself
If you’ve been around long enough, you know just how quickly technology changes and advances. But one of the most resourceful and useful technology tools out there is AI. AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is quickly becoming how our world plans vacations, assists us with our work demands, and even plans lessons and activities for our students. And while half of teachers are embracing this new wave of technology, the other half have concerns and are apprehensive about its capabilities.
No matter what side of the fence you’re on, there’s no denying that AI is here to stay! So why not start embracing it like my guest on today’s episode, Mitch Wieland. Mitch has adopted the idea that AI is actually more helpful than it is detrimental to education. He’s sharing different ways teachers can use AI tools to simplify their lives in the classroom and some practical tips for using it in all aspects of your teaching life. Mitch also highlights three of his personal favorite AI tools and how simple they are to use.
➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode154
Resources Mentioned:
- Magic School
- Diffit
- Chat GPT
- Prime Time Resources
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 120, How to Cut Your Grading Time in Half
- Episode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science Classes
- Prime Times: The Secondary Classroom Procedure You Can’t Live Without
Even though you may love the science discipline you teach, that doesn’t mean that you’re excited to teach every topic, let alone your students enjoying everything you teach. Unfortunately, there are certain topics that are considered boring but still need to be taught! Knowing the topics that are deemed boring for you, how can you turn those around to be more engaging for everyone involved? In today’s episode, I’m discussing two concerns when it comes to approaching less than thrilling content in your science disciplines, and what to do about it!
➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode153
Resources Mentioned:
- Lessons Mini-Course
- Core Values Mini-Course
- Culture Mini-Course
- Free Anatomy of a Class Period Lesson Plan
- Free Lab Audit
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic
- Episode 78, Our LEAST Favorite Topics to Teach and How We Approach Them with Guest Sam Holcomb of Engineer Does Education
- Episode 6, Engaging Students in Lecture
- Episode 5, Engaging Your Students - Without Exhausting Yourself
- Episode 4, Engaging Your Students - In the First 5 Minutes of Class
There are many elements of teaching that are unpredictable and out of your control, which can make it difficult to handle or prepare for. One of those things are student absences. Let’s be honest, it’s a miracle when all of your students are in class on the same day! So, you need to prepare and determine how you’re going to deal with the absences of your students and when you miss a day of teaching as well.
I think we all can agree that the most tiresome aspect of a student’s absence is figuring out how to handle makeup work. Personally, I believe it’s important to catch them up with the class as soon as possible, so I’m sharing my makeup work policy and how I train my students on what to do when they’re absent. I also discuss my procedures and thoughts for when just one class is off from the rest of your classes, chronic absent students, transfer students, and how to handle when you’re gone for a day.
Having students miss class or you missing a day of school is an inevitable aspect of teaching during the school year. And even though it makes things complicated, it’s important to think through how you’re going to deal with them. So if this is something you’re struggling with, take a listen to hear how to manage it all, my hot takes, what I learned while I was in the classroom, and how you can implement these ideas in your own classroom.
Resources Mentioned:
- Culture Mini-Course
- Assessments Mini-Course
- Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
- Episode 117, How to Prep for a Long-Term Substitute Who Doesn’t Teach Science
- Episode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science Classes
- Episode 16, 5 Strategies for Pain-Free Sub Plans
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode152
I love celebrating podcast milestones with my listeners so much that I couldn’t celebrate with just one episode! Last week, I hit 150 episodes and decided to answer questions sent to me from listeners. Although I covered a variety of different topics, I received so many questions that I needed to do another episode to answer them all. So, in part 2, I’m continuing the celebration by answering more listener questions.
These sets of questions range from content help, how to handle negative feedback, ways to get students to study or participate in note-taking, and how to achieve a work/life balance, especially after having a baby. I even answer It’s Not Rocket Science resource-specific questions and a few personal questions. But with each question, I answer authentically while trying to give both advice and strategies to help support you in your current teaching struggles.
I thoroughly enjoy doing this podcast and creating content for y’all every single week. I love being able to connect and answer your questions or address struggles or concerns you have while teaching your science discipline. So I thank you and can’t wait to celebrate again after the next 50!
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers
- Lessons Mini-Course
- Physical Science Independent Research Project
- Biology Independent Research Project
- Anatomy Independent Research Project
- Chemistry Independent Research Project
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode151
Wow, y’all, I can’t believe I’m at episode 150! I’m always amazed at all we cover on the podcast, so I like to celebrate every 50 episodes with a “Dear Abby” style episode. Since I started this podcast to reach and support more teachers, I want to make sure I’m giving y’all exactly what you need to succeed. So, in today’s episode, I’m answering all your questions related to secondary science content, engaging labs, classroom management strategies, and more!
There’s so much content I could cover, and I love individualizing it for my listeners, which is why I love doing episodes like this. I received such a wide range of questions, with a majority that are directed towards inside the classroom and a few personal questions, that I had to split the episode into two parts. With each question, I share my thoughts, suggestions, and advice.
I thoroughly enjoy doing this podcast and being able to help and support so many teachers that I’m excited to see what topics we cover for the next 50! And don’t forget to tune in next week, where I continue answering all your questions in part 2!
Resources Mentioned:
- Lab Audit Freebie
- Lessons Mini-Course
- Culture Mini-Course
- Murder and a Meal Lab
- Enzyme Lab Activity Simulation
- Photosynthesis Relay
- Protein Synthesis Scavenger Hunt
- Genetic Disorder Research Project
- Dinosaur Genetics Stations
- Natural Selection Lab
- Ecosystem in a Bottle Project
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode150
Over the last few weeks, I’ve been discussing how to cover all of your content in so little time. And while every teacher feels like they’re limited on time, if you teach on a block schedule, you actually have the least amount of instructional time in a school year. If you’re someone who teaches on a block schedule, you’re probably thinking about what you can do with the time you’re given. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing the positives of teaching on a block schedule, how to lean into those, and practical ideas on ways to still cover all your content.
Despite having the least amount of instructional minutes on a block schedule, this type of schedule actually has a lot of positives for both students and teachers. I highlight those positives and share why leaning into those gives you the best perspective for making the most out of your instructional time. Additionally, I discuss how to practically narrow down your content and ways to find what you need to focus on pertaining to your content.
I get it. Not having enough instructional minutes to get through your content is frustrating. However, there are many positives and things to love about teaching on a block schedule that I want you to focus on. So, if you’re a teacher who is on a block schedule, lean into what’s good about it and use that to your benefit and the positive impact it can have on your students.
Resources Mentioned:
- Free Lab Audit Resource
- Free Anatomy of a Class Period Lesson Plan
- Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode149
I know it's early in the school year, but at some point this year, you're going to ask yourself, "How am I going to get through all of this content before the end of the year?" And if I'm being completely honest, you're probably not. While that might seem harsh or pessimistic, that's unfortunately the reality. I'd love to be able to give you practical solutions to fix that problem, but I can't. Instead, I'm going to ask you to have a mindset shift when you have too much to do and too little time to do it all.
As teachers, you know how precious class time is, but when you add interruptions such as drills, pep assemblies, and weather-related no-school days, your class time gets even more limited, which means less time for learning and getting through your content. And while most teachers stress about this, myself included when I was in the classroom, I want you to do the opposite. I'm sharing five things to help you make a mindset shift when you start to feel things are getting in the way of you making progress and feeling stressed about not covering all of your content.
Making sure your students learn your academic content is important, but I challenge you to get clear and focus on your values, priorities, and the season of life you're currently in. The five ideas I share will help you identify what you value most and begin to focus on that instead of making sure your students know everything related to your content. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed by all you have to do with such little time, this pep talk episode is exactly what you need to listen to!
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers
- Core Values Mini Course
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode148
I don't have to tell you all how much is on your plates and everything you have to deal with as teachers on a daily basis. You're constantly juggling student behaviors, building relationships, parent communication, feedback and professional development from your administration and district, and so much more. But with all of those, one of the things I hear about most from my audience is how to fit in all of their content. With this being a very popular concern for teachers, I'm sharing ways to get through your content by covering all of your standards in today's episode.
As teachers, you know the importance of standards in your instruction, activities, assessments, and labs. They are the backbone of your course, which is why they're the key to covering all of the content in your course. And while I discuss how to use the standards to determine topics you focus on, I also share the importance of incorporating content-specific and life skills, which can easily be implemented in any science curriculum.
With so much to worry about, teachers tend to focus on covering all their content the most. And if I'm being honest, you might not cover it all, but by knowing and understanding your standards and determining the skills that matter most to you, you will be covering content you believe in and will help your students succeed.
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers
- Core Values Mini Course
- Lessons Mini Course
- Anatomy Curriculum
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode147
I remember being a new teacher and feeling nervous and panicked every time an administrator came into my room for an observation, either formal or informal. I had a pit in my stomach and wondered if I was doing what they wanted or anything right. However, as time went on, I got used to observations and actually welcomed the opportunity to have others in my room. But I didn’t get there overnight. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing what you need to do to nail your next observation, whether that’s planned or unannounced.
By preparing for an administrator’s impending arrival, it can relieve some of the stress associated with them. I’m providing you with a few things you can do to prepare for any observation, including getting clear on expectations, meeting all the necessary mandates, having clear procedures and routines for your students, and running an efficient classroom. While observations can be intimidating at first, they’re meant to be helpful and informative, so I’ve got a few things to keep in mind when receiving feedback after your evaluation as well.
I know you’re doing amazing things in your classroom, meeting expectations, and engaging your students in your lessons and activities. So why not showcase that to your administrators during your observations? The most important thing is to be authentic and true to yourself, and knowing how to prepare and know exactly what to do when they occur will help you feel ready for any observation, planned or unannounced.
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers
- Virtual PD Mini-Course: Culture
- Virtual PD Mini-Course: Lessons
- Virtual PD Mini-Course: Core Values
- FREE Anatomy of a Class Period Lesson Plan
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode146
I always tailor my podcast episodes towards topics that I know my listeners need, ask for, and would find helpful in a secondary science classroom. Today’s topic is one I know will resonate with y’all, which is seeing a lack of resilience in your students. Teachers are constantly struggling with this issue, so I’ve worked to find solutions and come up with ways to help build your student’s resilience. Although I’m not an expert in teaching in a post-pandemic classroom, I’m sharing six ways you can start building resilience in your students.
Throughout the episode, I compare building resilience in students to potty training my two-year-old. While this may seem far-stretched, there are actually a lot of similarities between the two. Building resilience boils down to teaching a new skill and equipping them with the tools to push through, recover, adjust, and move forward when things become too hard. With each part of the process, I also explain how it would work with students in the classroom to help build their resilience.
Resilience is like a muscle that needs to be strengthened. So, you need to find ways to help build them up and work on this new skill. In this post-pandemic world we’re living in, having resilience isn’t a skill many students have, but implementing my six tips will help your students build their resilience and begin to overcome the difficulties and struggles they face in the classroom.
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers
- Relationships Virtual PD Mini-Course
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode145
In the past, I’ve always chosen a word of the year to help guide what I want for myself, my family, and my career in the upcoming year. However, this year, I chose a mental mindset for the year, which was “no rules.” I was so used to finding efficient ways to run my business and classroom when I was in it that I wanted to make a change and make decisions through a different lens. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing four ways having “no rules” has changed my life and how it could change your school year, too.
As a disclaimer, I’m not saying you shouldn’t have any rules in your life or classroom. Instead, by adopting this concept, you’re learning to be more flexible, fun, and free and slow down with your responses. This requires you to think about the “why” behind everything you do and determine if there’s a true purpose for it or if you’re able to bend the rules and try something different. To help provide further understanding, I’m sharing life examples and how to apply this “no rules” concept in your classroom.
Learning not to be as rigid and structured was a challenge I wanted to tackle this year. After seeing the positive changes having “no rules” impacted my life, I wanted to share my experience and challenge you to break free of some of the rules established in your classroom and try a new way of thinking or approach to changing your entire classroom culture. So join me in this new mental mindset shift and see how it impacts your thought process and classroom!
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode144
Whether you’ve been in school mode for a while or are still enjoying your summer, I always try to spend August helping teachers prepare for the upcoming school year. We all know how stressful and demanding the year can be, so I wanted to really be intentional about finding ways that were super helpful and simplify your life as a secondary science teacher. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing my top 5 favorite teacher hacks for the new school year.
Each of my 5 teacher hacks is a personal thing that I have done during my teaching career. They cover different aspects of teaching but also have a focus on behavior management and building relationships. With each teacher hack, I go into detail explaining what it is, how it was implemented in my classroom, and how it directly benefits not only yourself as the teacher but also your students.
While I could talk about hundreds of ways that would simplify your teaching life, I wanted to only choose 5 that are super simple and easy to implement no matter where you are in your back-to-school season. By finding a few teacher hacks that will work for you, you’re able to decrease behavior challenges, build relationships, get support from parents, spend less time grading, and stagger your workload for each of your courses. Who wouldn’t want all that at the beginning of a new school year!?
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers
- It’s Not Rocket Science Prime Times
- Academic Desk Calendar
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode143
I’ve talked many times about my experience teaching AP science courses before, and I even did an entire series talking to teachers who teach various AP science disciplines, so y’all know how challenging it can be. However, think about if you’re still a beginning teacher and being thrown into teaching an AP course. That’s what happened to my guest on today’s episode, Laura Tice. Laura is sharing her reflections as a first-year AP teacher, including how her students did on the exam, her highs and lows from the year, and how she’s already revamping her curriculum for the upcoming school year.
Teaching any AP course is no joke, but as Laura describes, it’s absolutely worth it. She loved working with AP level students and talked about how their work ethic and drive gave her the confidence to teach the course, but also with some humility throughout the year. While Laura discloses the things that didn’t go her way, she’s taking those challenges and making a point to make the necessary changes to fix them to help her students be successful in those areas. Laura even had two weeks left to review before the exam, in which she shared her one piece of advice for making that possible.
After my conversation with Laura, I was so impressed by her wisdom, enthusiasm, and humility as a first-year AP teacher. She encountered a few challenges and struggles throughout the year, which is to be expected, but she is using her reflections as room for improvement for the upcoming school year. Laura shares a lot of strategies and advice as a first-year AP teacher that I know you all will want to take and implement in your own classrooms this school year.
Resources Mentioned:
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode142
Save 25% off with code BTS24 in my TpT store It's Not Rocket Science and in my website resource shop at https://shop.itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/
It’s hard to believe that the start of another school year is just around the corner, which means that planning for the first day of school and your first units is starting to take place. The first day of school can sometimes feel chaotic, and teachers are often unsure what they should even be covering on that day. So, to help those teachers out, I’m sharing the four things I always do on the first day of school and an overview of my first units for each science discipline.
With so many things to cover in the first few days of school, it can be difficult to know what you should spend those days doing. However, it’s important to go back to what you care about most, which will help you and your students have a successful school year. So, if you’re looking for ideas on structuring your first day of school and first units of study in your science courses, this episode is for you!
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers
- It’s Not Rocket Science Biology Basics Unit
- It’s Not Rocket Science Introduction to Anatomy Unit
- It’s Not Rocket Science Introduction to Chemistry Unit
- It’s Not Rocket Science Scientific Method Unit
- All It’s Not Rocket Science Complete Units
- Free Characteristics of Life Inquiry Activity
- Flinn Scientific
- Carolina Biological Supply
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode141
Virtual professional development courses are OFFICIALLY HERE! If you love this podcast and want even MORE support in simplifying your life as a secondary science teacher, then you NEED to check out my newly revamped virtual PD offerings: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/pd
With the school year quickly approaching, many teachers are getting their jobs and starting to figure out what science courses they’ll be teaching. And if you see chemistry on your course list, you might be hitting the freak-out button! Especially as a new teacher, chemistry can be intimidating to teach, but it also gives a lot of fun and freedom to add some creativity into your lessons. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing five chemistry tips to help you find success teaching this course this year.
Since I taught chemistry, I wanted to share my advice and add my own personal experience to it as well. Chemistry is a science discipline that can intimidate a lot of students, which is why I always found it beneficial to teach students why it matters and use tools, models, and visuals to make it more relatable and approachable for them. This helps them find a real connection to the course and enjoy the class that much more. I also provide examples of my scope and sequence and a few classic labs and activities I incorporated throughout the year.
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginning teacher, teaching chemistry has its challenges. But by keeping my five tips in mind, you will have success teaching this course this year, which is always the goal when a new school year begins again.
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers
- Free Chemistry Curriculum Pacing Guide
- Chemistry Curriculum - Full Year Bundle
- It’s Not Rocket Science Chemistry Resources
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode140
Virtual professional development courses are OFFICIALLY HERE! If you love this podcast and want even MORE support in simplifying your life as a secondary science teacher, then you NEED to check out my newly revamped virtual PD offerings: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/pd
These days, I'm all about doing things now that serve my future self. In last week's episode, I shared five principles I do in my business that serve my future self and how they can translate to the classroom. However, since those principles might serve you next month, quarter, or even school year, I wanted to share an immediate benefit for your future self. In today's episode, I'm sharing how Friday planning can be used to prevent Sunday scaries.
If you are anything like I was in the classroom, I couldn't wait for my weekend to start and then felt the dread and overwhelm creep up on Sunday when I realized all I needed to do for the upcoming week. I hated this feeling so much that I created a process to prevent Sunday scaries from ever happening. Although you don't have to choose Friday to be the day you plan out your next week, make copies, and stay a little later, I'm going to share why I think it's the best day for it, how it'll make you feel, and my process for what it looks like and how to do it to maximize the prevention of Sunday scaries.
Nothing dampens your Sunday like the realization of the papers you need to grade, copies you need to make for the lab the next day, or the number of emails you have to respond to sitting in your inbox. But by taking some time on Friday to plan your upcoming week, you will have eliminated the Sunday scaries and can enjoy your weekend without thinking about work!
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers Waitlist
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode139
I frequently think about how much the principles I've learned from running a business (and parenting) have changed my perspective on teaching. This got me thinking about what I would implement based on what I know now if I ever return to the classroom. And whenever I realize something useful and helpful, I want to share it with y'all! So, in today's episode, I'm sharing five ways you can serve future you with what I've learned in business that would apply to the classroom.
As teachers, we all live busy lives. We're constantly doing everything we can for our students while also having a busy personal life. So one way to work smarter and not harder is by doing things to serve future you. Each of the five ways includes performing tasks with a strategic plan, grouping similar items together, and being diligent about doing things correctly the first time. I also provide examples of how I'd use these ideas in the classroom.
One of the best things you can do to save time in the long run is to give a gift to your future self. With key ideas I've learned from working on my business, I wanted to share how these tactics can be applied in your classroom to be more efficient and effective. So be sure to take a listen on ways to save time with five ways to serve future you!
Resources Mentioned:
- It’s Not Rocket Science PD Waitlist
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode138
As teachers, we know how hard it is to manage and balance our work and personal lives. But when you add being a new mom and an AP teacher to the mix, it makes that even harder. We’re always looking for tips and secrets to find that balance. My guest on today’s episode, Kimberly Leary, just might have figured it out! In today’s episode, Kimberly is sharing her knowledge and experience on a variety of topics, including how to prepare for maternity leave as an AP teacher, advice for teaching AP Environmental Science, and how to achieve a work/life balance as a new mom.
Being an AP teacher, especially in the discipline of Environmental Science, which covers a wide variety of topics, has its challenges, and Kimberly has faced them all. She credits her detailed personality for keeping pace and not deviating while teaching and how she handled substitute plans during her maternity leave. Teaching a discipline that most people aren’t familiar with required her to be thoughtful, intentional, and detailed with the plans she left while she was on leave. She shares how this helped the many teachers covering her classes and how that impacted her students once she returned.
Once Kimberly became a mom, she knew setting boundaries that created a better work/life balance was necessary. Even though this required her to change her mindset and set realistic expectations for herself as it pertained to her workload and grading, she eventually found the right balance. She shares how she did it and the priority shift she had to make.
It’s very natural to want to be the best mom you can be while still being passionate about your teaching career. That’s why creating a work/life balance the best you can is critical to your success at both. So take a listen and get advice from Kimberly, a first-time mom and AP teacher, on how to have it all!
Resources Mentioned:
- National APES teachers Facebook group
- APES Teachers Unleashed Facebook group
- Mr. Smedes - APESvsEVERYBODY
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode137
When I was a classroom teacher without any kids, I had no idea of the correlation or commonality that being a parent and a teacher would have. Now, being a parent, I would do some things differently and have a different lens on, which is why I’ve loved doing this series on things I’ve learned from parenting that can apply to teaching. In this episode, we’re wrapping up this series on ways to build a team mindset into your classroom culture.
Classrooms and families are very similar in that they’re both run as a community or unit. Even though each person has individual roles, everyone needs to function as a whole. I know that building a positive and inclusive classroom culture is so important, but I’m also discussing ways you can build a team mindset, get your students involved, and have them get to know each other. Being the leader of your classroom, you will show them how and explain why it’s essential in building a classroom culture.
Managing your classroom isn’t just about disruptive behaviors or challenging students. It’s also about how your classroom functions and the feelings students have within your four walls. Personally, I want my classroom and home to be a safe place with positivity and inclusion. So, if you want to create the same in your classroom, make sure you build a team mindset into your classroom culture!
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD Courses by It’s Not Rocket Science Waitlist
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode136
If you’ve been listening each week, you know that this month, I’ve been doing a special series where I’ve reflected on things I’ve done and learned as a parent and how they can transfer to the classroom. I’ve been surprised by how much is transferable and have loved hearing your responses to these ideas as well. Today’s topic is something I’ve talked about with another friend relating to parenting but practiced while in the classroom. That is anticipatory conversations. So, in this episode, I’m sharing what anticipatory conversations are, what they can look like, and how to use them in the classroom.
I’ve always been a fan of finding ways to be proactive rather than reactive, and that’s exactly what anticipatory conversations do. They help lay the guidelines, expectations, and potential consequences before an event or activity takes place. This helps diffuse any potential chaos that could arise since students or kids already know what’s expected of them. I share examples of how I’ve used this with my own kids and ways I used it in the classroom before labs, tests, or any other activity where chaos could happen.
In using anticipatory conversations in my life, I’ve found that repetition is key, along with other key tips that help make this strategy more effective. Providing expectation reminders helps you be proactive in certain situations rather than reactive during the heat of the moment. Likewise, students and kids know what’s expected of them ahead of time. So be sure to use anticipatory conversations to alleviate potential chaos in your personal and work life!
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD Courses by It’s Not Rocket Science Waitlist
- It’s Not Rocket Science Complete Units
- Call Bells
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode135
As you all know, my outlook and perspective on life are usually black and white. Especially when it came to teaching, I gave clear rules and procedures that needed to be followed in my classroom. However, when I became a parent to three children, my perspective started to shift and change. This got me thinking about how what I’ve learned through parenting would affect me as a teacher and all the ways these lessons would transfer to the classroom.
In the last episode, I discussed refrains to use in the classroom or at home. In this episode, I wanted to focus on a personal refrain: prioritizing relationships over being right. In my black-and-white world, I always wanted to be right, make my point, or show someone how something should be done. I ran a tight ship in my classroom, which honestly is beneficial at times, but that doesn’t outweigh the relationships and bonds you form with your students.
So how can this refrain of prioritizing relationships over being right translate to the classroom? I share how I first used this with parenting, then discuss how to apply it to your teaching, particularly when it comes to classroom management. Should you always pick the relationship over the efficiency of your classroom? Or is there a way to establish rules, procedures, and routines before establishing relationships? I’m diving into all of this and more!
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD Courses by It’s Not Rocket Science Waitlist
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode134
If you openly ask your students, What’s something I say often? You might be surprised by their answers or know exactly what they’d say. I know when I was in the classroom, there were certain phrases that I was known for saying and that I repeated to emphasize certain behaviors or life skills I wanted my students to learn. Now as a parent, I’m doing the same thing and have quickly learned that saying certain refrains can be beneficial and make a big impact in the classroom or in the home. So, in this episode, I’m sharing five refrains that you can use when teaching or with your children at home.
Without realizing it, the refrains used in my classroom were memorable and often something students mimicked to each other. This reason, along with a few others, is why I love them and have become intentional with how I use them for different scenarios in my classroom. The five refrains that I share are ones that I’ve used in my classroom, at home, or even both. With each refrain, I provide the context in which they’re used and how they help my students and children learn life skills and reflect on their own ability to do something. I even have a few bonus refrain to use when teaching specific science disciplines.
I didn’t go into teaching wanting to use specific refrains when teaching, but once I did, I saw the benefits and impact it had on students and their ability to problem solve and rely on themselves rather than others. As a bonus, I learned that certain refrains can be used when parenting my own children, which I’ve now started using as well. I hope the episode encourages you to think about your own refrains, how they’re benefiting your students, and a challenge for you if you’re already using them in your classroom!
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD Courses by It’s Not Rocket Science Waitlist
- Prime Time Bell Ringers
- Are My Kids on Track? by Sissy Goff and David Thomas
- Raising Emotionally Strong Boys by Sissy Goff and David Thomas
- Raising Worry-Free Girls by Sissy Goff and David Thomas
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode133
I love taking the time to reflect both professionally and personally because it helps me grow as a teacher and as a person. So when I was in the classroom, I made it a habit to spend some time at the end of the school year to reflect on how the year went. In last week’s episode, I had you reflect on your instructional resources in order to help prepare for next year, so now I’m going to ask that you reflect as a whole and think about how the year went. In today’s episode, I’m sharing six end-of-year reflection questions to ask yourself in order to be more effective as a teacher next school year.
When it comes to the six end-of-year reflection questions, I want you to designate time to think, reflect, and take the space you need to answer them honestly and thoroughly. The questions range from what you did well, what didn’t go well, what you want to do more or less of, and how to improve your work-life balance. Even though your answers are going to be personalized and geared towards your individual needs and teaching experience, I do provide you with example answers to the questions to help spark your own ideas.
As you approach the end of the school year, the long list of content you taught, activities you tried, labs you did, and so many more daily tasks can sometimes get lost in the transition to summer. However, I encourage you to find the time to ponder my six end-of-year reflection questions that are so valuable to your growth as a teacher, a way to close out the year while starting fresh with a new school year in the fall.
Resources Mentioned:
- Free Lab Audit
- Bell Ringers
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode132
With the end of the school year quickly approaching, your mind is on summer, relaxing, and taking a break from school. The last thing you probably want to do is start thinking about next school year. However, that’s exactly what I want you to do! While everything is still fresh in your mind, it’s important to take the time to reflect on the year and do an end-of-year audit. In the first episode of this two-part series, I’m going to share how to do an end-of-year audit as an assessment of your instructional resources and why that’s going to help you have a better year next school year.
I love wrapping up the school year with an end-of-year audit because it truly helps serve me and my students in the future. It’s so important to have the right instructional resources in order to improve your student’s understanding and teach them the content in an effective and efficient way. Since I want this to be helpful for you, I’m going to walk you through how I do this resource audit with examples and questions to fully give you all the information you need to conduct an audit yourself.
Even though you have a million things to do to wrap up the school year, take some time to do an end-of-year audit. Remember that instructional resources are the tools for connecting content with students and making it make sense for them, which is why this resource audit is so important and valuable. By doing it now, you will have the best opportunity to have a successful school year for you and your students when you return to school in the fall!
Resources Mentioned:
- Lab Audit Freebie
- Biology Scope and Sequence
- Chemistry Scope and Sequence
- Anatomy Scope and Sequence
- Physical Science Scope and Sequence
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode131
Something that I remember so vividly is my first year teaching. I was bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and couldn’t wait to have my own classroom and make it my own. I had wanted this for so long that I was ready to jump in and do all that I could to be the best teacher I could be. And while that sounds like the right thing, it actually made me tired, stressed, and overwhelmed. So whether you’re fresh out of college, coming to teaching as a second career, or a veteran teacher wanting to learn from others, this episode is for you.
To help out all three groups, I’m sharing five things I wish I had known in my first year of teaching. Each of these are lessons I learned the hard way or from others along the way in my teaching career. The lessons range from creating a work-life balance, developing effective systems, and learning not to do everything on your own.
Your first year of teaching is exciting and new, and you’re so eager to try new things. But it can also be overwhelming, difficult, and a struggle to manage a whole classroom on your own. Therefore, if you keep in mind the five things I wish I had known during my first year of teaching, you will be more prepared to take on the challenges that teaching brings but also enjoy the joy it brings as well.
Resources Mentioned:
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode130
As a former secondary science teacher, I know how hard y’all work and plan to create meaningful lessons and activities for your students and are always striving to do what’s best for them. That’s why whenever Teacher Appreciation Week rolls around, I want to take time to say thank you and appreciate the teachers in my life, which includes you! To help celebrate this time, I wanted to reflect on four of my personal favorite and most influential teachers and share what I’ve learned from each of them.
While there are many teachers who influenced my life, four individuals stand out from the rest. Whether I was their student or co-worker, each of them taught me a valuable lesson, skill, or perspective that I implemented in my own teaching. Some of the things I mention might seem obvious, but it’s also the way they approached their classroom or students that made them so effective, memorable, and influential.
After listening to each of the four things I learned, I hope they help show you that the small things really do matter, and even if you don’t think you are, you’re making a long-term impact on your students. So just like I took some time to reflect on the most influential teachers in my life, make some time to do the same and reach out to your most influential teachers to tell them how much you appreciate them!
Resources Mentioned:
- Anatomy of a Class Period Freebie
- Sweet Tea Reaction Rate Lab
- Enzyme Lab
- Free Parent Communication Log
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode129
A group of people who are educators who don’t always get a lot of credit but also put in a lot of work are administrators. And with National Administration Appreciation Day a few days ago, I wanted to take some time to give some praise and kudos to those administrators who are trustworthy, support teachers, and care about the students in their school. So, in today’s episode, I’m reflecting back on a few of my favorite administrators and sharing some qualities they embodied that I appreciated so much.
When I look back on my time as a teacher in the classroom, I had three really good administrators. Some of their great qualities I appreciated at the moment, and some of them I can see the position they took and their demeanor actually benefited me, my students, and our school, even though I didn’t see it at the time. Each administrator was so different, but each of them encompassed these same qualities: trustworthy, supported teachers, and cared for the students. I believe these three things are so important, but I also appreciated the other unique characteristics each of them had that I shared in the episode.
It’s important to acknowledge that administrators are human too, so they aren’t perfect and won’t do everything that you agree with. However, if their heart is in the right place, you feel supported by them, which, in return, supports your students; there’s not much more you can ask for. So, take some time this week to share with your administrator just how much you appreciate their work, effort, and support!
Resources Mentioned:
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode128
We’ve made it to our final episode in our AP science teacher interview series, and I’ve saved the best for last! When I sent out a survey several months ago, y’all requested to have him make another guest appearance, so here he is, Zach Matson! Teaching AP Chemistry for several decades, he has gained so much experience, knowledge, and tips that are going to help you be successful in teaching in your classroom.
Even if you teach another AP science discipline, Zach first shares general tips and advice for any teacher, which revolves around unit exams, practice AP exams, when and how often to use FRQs, and which resources give you the most bang for your buck. As we get further into discussing AP Chemistry content, Zach discusses even more valuable information. He has a wonderful outlook on which content you should cover, how to balance the content, exams, and labs, and still have enough time for review. His ideas and outlook on the life lessons students can get out of the class are refreshing and will help you feel less stressed about the final AP exam.
Zach has always been so passionate about his philosophies in teaching and how he delivers content to his students, which is why he has so much to share and offer other AP Chemistry teachers or just teachers in general. There’s no question why he’s the most requested guest and I know that whatever subject you teach, AP or general, you will be left with a new perspective and ideas to implement in your own classroom!
Resources Mentioned:
- Adrian Dingle AP Chem Prep Book
- AP Chemistry Facebook Group
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode127
I’ve had so much fun and really enjoyed listening to my guest science teachers during my AP science teacher interview series. Each guest has given incredible insight about the AP exam and helpful tips for other teachers in their respective science disciplines. But out of all the AP science courses, I received the most questions about teaching AP Environmental Science. My guest on today’s episode, Ashton Allgood, is the perfect person to answer all of your questions while also sharing how she manages to teach the content in a short amount of time while still preparing her students for their final exams.
According to Ashton, AP Environmental Science, or APES as it’s commonly referred to, is truly the science course that meshes all the other science branches together. She loves how it’s relatable to her students and their ability to apply real-world scenarios and experiences to their everyday activities and discussions. With her class only a semester long, Ashton has come up with creative and engaging ways to make sure her students retain the information necessary to take the AP exam at the end of the year. She also shares how her experience as an AP reader helped prepare her students for the exam.
I loved my conversation with Ashton because she has such a profound and realistic perspective when it comes to her student’s preparation and work ethic in her class. She sets clear expectations for them and is upfront about the hard work that’s ahead of them for the semester. However, she believes in meeting her students halfway, along with honesty and communication. I learned so much about AP Environmental Science but also engaging ways to run a classroom, and I know you will, too!
Resources Mentioned:
- APES School of Shap
- Teaching AP Science
- AP Credit Search
- National APES Teachers Facebook
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode126
As we move forward with focusing on the different AP science classes, this week, we’re focusing on AP Biology. This class comes with a lot of content, material, reading, and prior background knowledge to help students succeed and prepare for the end-of-year AP exam. I’m so lucky to have guest Beth Hines be the expert on this class since she is a veteran teacher and has been teaching AP biology for 3 years. In today’s episode, Beth shares so much information, wisdom, and encouragement, and how to keep your students accountable and truly prepare them for the course and final exam.
Since there’s so much content to cover with AP Biology, I jump right into it with Beth. Her ability to be open about what she loves the most and her opinions on labs, homework, grading, and textbooks will help listeners get an idea of what’s most important when teaching AP Biology. Beth also answers the most common and pressing question of how to get through the content and effective ways to prepare students for the final AP exam. One way she serves her students is by having high expectations for them and holding them accountable for their actions and learning the content, which will benefit them in the class and future life skills.
No matter how long you’ve been teaching, teaching an AP class can be intimidating and a lot to handle. So, if you’re in this situation, Beth shares advice and what resources to become familiar with to feel prepared before your students arrive. Whether you’re a teacher of an AP science class or not, I know you will gain beneficial information to use in your own classroom. Stay tuned to next week’s episode as we highlight another AP science class!
Resources Mentioned:
- Bozeman Science Website
- Pivot Interactive Labs
- AP Bio Facebook group
- AP Bio Penguins Review Instagram
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode125
It’s the beginning of April, and with the spring air around us, it reminds me of something fresh and new, so I decided to start a new series about teaching different AP sciences. Even though in my podcast episodes, I share ideas and strategies that will benefit all classes, I get a lot of questions targeted specifically toward teaching an AP class. So, in my first episode of the series, I have guest Laura Preiser, who shares how she prepares her students for the AP exam and what changes she’s made that have positively impacted them.
For those who don’t know, AP stands for Advanced Placement and is a course through the College Board that offers the opportunity to earn college credit if students pass the exam at the end of the year. Since that’s the ultimate goal of students, Laura really relies on the various College Board resources to teach her students and prepare them for the exam. She made a new change this year with those resources that gave more time for practice and questions during class, extra review time before the exam, and increased test scores.
Teaching an AP class can be intimidating, but Laura shares great advice for taking it one unit at a time and being honest with your students about where you’re at. Additionally, she shares how, while preparing her students for the AP exam, she also prepares them with life skills and finding strategies that work best for them. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Laura about all things AP Physics and know you, too, will gain perspective, knowledge, and ideas you can implement in your own classroom.
Resources Mentioned:
- Teach the Class Project
- Fiveable
- National AP Physics Teachers Facebook Group
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode124
As educators, we decided to make this our career because we love to help people and care about students and their success. However, just because that’s our personality and mission, unfortunately, doesn’t mean that’s how our students feel. One of the resounding themes from the survey I sent out was how do I get my students to care as much as I do? I’ve heard this a lot, so I wanted to address it on the podcast. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing why this seems to be the case and what you can practically do to move forward and keep serving your students.
It’s no secret that we seem to care more about our students’ success and learning of the content. Due to this, we need to always be reminded of the reality of our situation and how this impacts the disparity in how much our students care. But truly, what can we practically do? There are three things both you and your students need to implement and realize. While some might seem harsh, it’s what students need to realize or experience in order to change their outlook and work ethic in the future.
Our students not caring as much as we do is a tale as old as time, but the disparity seems to be greater in recent years. This has sparked concern from teachers and required a need to take action in order to best serve students. So, if you’re looking for ways to get your students to care as much as you do or change your perspective on it, this episode is for you!
Resources Mentioned:
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode123
In last week’s episode, I asked you to examine your current job situation to see if there were more things causing you stress than things that brought you joy. One solution might be changing your scenery, such as switching schools or even districts, which would mean a teacher interview is in your future. Or even if you’re a beginning teacher looking for their first teaching job, this episode is for you!
One request I get a lot is to share my teacher interview tips, which is exactly what I’m going to share in today’s episode. To help get you ready and confident to nail your job interview, I’m sharing four tips and giving specific examples of what each of these four tips entails and how to impress the interview team.
Additionally, teacher interviews are moving towards interviewing candidates performing mock lessons as part of their interview process. If this is a new concept for you, I share what these mock lessons look like and the different components you should display in your lesson. I also give you three mock lesson ideas that show your skills as a science educator that will also engage students.
Interviewing for a job can make you nervous and anxious, but I want you to feel confident and ready to tackle your next teacher interview. So whether you’re a new teacher looking for their first job or a veteran teacher looking to try out a new school or district, these job interview tips and mock lesson ideas will help you land the job!
Resources Mentioned:
- Biology Mock Lesson - Characteristics of Life Inquiry
- Chemistry Mock Lesson - Free Chemistry Inquiry Activity
- Physics Mock Lesson - Motion and Force Lab Station Activity
- Anatomy of a Class Period Cheat Sheet
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode122
It’s no secret that teachers are constantly overwhelmed and stressed and often don’t feel appreciated for their work. Especially during this time of year, it can be hard to determine if the exhaustion you’re feeling is just temporary or a feeling that won’t go away. Trust me, I’ve been exactly where you’re at and want to help. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing my process to see if the burnout you’re feeling is fixable or if it’s time to make a change.
Make no mistake: deciding to make a career change is a big decision. That’s why the process I share provides you with the opportunity to assess where you are and make changes accordingly. After making a list and labeling your priorities, it will make it easier to see what’s making you happy and what’s holding you back. Additionally, I give a list of things to consider before making a change in your career that will show you a different perspective and help you be sustainable in where you want to be professionally.
Teaching is a mentally tough job. We’re juggling a lot of plates, and our responsibilities are endless at school, let alone when we go home. So it’s no wonder teachers are feeling exhausted and experiencing burnout. By sharing this process, I hope it clears up whether the feelings you’re experiencing are just in season or time for a permanent change.
Resources Mentioned:
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode121
Everyone is trying to achieve a work-life balance, but for teachers, that simple concept is actually very complicated. One of the reasons teachers struggle so much with having a life outside of school is the amount of grading that we have to do. While I’m biased, I believe secondary science teachers have the most grading, especially with the labs and having multiple preps. I want you to be able to manage and achieve this, so in today’s episode, I’m sharing four tips that will cut your grading time in half.
Now, some of these ideas may seem drastic to you, but I encourage and challenge you to listen with an open mind if you really want to cut down on your grading. Each of my four tips includes limiting what you collect, which items you grade for accuracy, and trying batching when you grade. A lot of the pushback I get when I suggest ways to cut down your grading, are teachers’ concerns of not checking in or assessing students based on their work. But don’t you worry! I’ve thought of a way you can check in daily with your students to ease your concerns.
Grading student work is part of teaching and we’re made to believe we should be spending hours a day on this one task of teaching. However, if we want to achieve a work-life balance, we need to find a better solution. And while the four tips I share in this episode might seem extreme, they will help cut your grading time in half and allow you to have a life outside of school while also checking in with your students daily.
Resources Mentioned:
- Bell Ringers & Exit Slips
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode120
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again - the reason I do this podcast is for you! I love sharing ideas, strategies, activities, and curriculum with you that help make your science classrooms more successful. This is why I reached out to you to hear what questions you had for me or for your science classrooms. So, for the next few months, I’ll be answering all your questions, starting today. This important question that was mentioned a lot revolved around increasing retention and how to get students to remember dense topics in your science curriculum.
Instead of thinking this is your fault, I first want you to know it’s not. I share my own personal reasons why students have worse retention than ever before. But really, I share very practical tips that you can begin implementing in your classroom. Although they’re most effectively introduced at the beginning of the school year, there are still ideas you can start using today. Each tip requires you to reflect on your current practices, sequence, and instructional activities in order for students to increase their retention of dense topics.
Sometimes, students struggle to retain information in general, let alone difficult content, so it’s important to find ways to increase that retention in any way possible. Whether you start using these tips now or get a jump start on how to structure your science course for next year, these practical ideas will increase the retention of dense science topics in your students!
Resources Mentioned:
- Biology Curriculum
- Chemistry Curriculum
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode119
If you’ve been in education long enough, you know that new acronyms and ideas are constantly being tossed out there. Once these ideas are presented, schools and districts want them implemented, which results in teachers stressing about incorporating them into their lessons. But in reality, teachers are already doing a lot of these ideas; they’re just called something different. This is exactly what happened with CER. So, in today’s episode, I’m explaining what CER is and why you’re already doing this in your science classroom.
For those that don’t know, CER is an acronym for claim evidence reasoning. When this came onto the scene a few years ago, my inbox was flooded with questions on how to implement this and if it was incorporated into my curriculum resources. My response has always been the same - you’re already implementing this in your classroom because science is all about making claims and backing them up with evidence and reasoning. With that being said, I’m sharing how to be more intentional about using the language so your students learn to expect this type of response to any question.
Although the term CER is new, the structure for how students construct an explanation is not. I know the stress and pressure of implementing something new in your classroom that your school is promoting, but I hope that this episode encourages and reinforces that you’re already doing this in your science classrooms despite it having a new name.
Resources Mentioned:
- It’s Not Rocket Science Complete Units
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode118
We’ve all had someone who isn’t trained in our subject area be a substitute in our class before, but only for just a day or two, and we survived. But when it’s for an extended period of time, that’s when planning can get challenging. This episode is more than for those going on maternity leave. Most of us don’t anticipate when we need to go on extended leave, but it’s critical to think about and plan for it. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing how you can effectively plan for a long-term substitute who isn’t trained to teach science.
In my years of teaching, I’ve encountered this situation twice in my career, so I’m familiar with the plans you need to make. Because, in reality, you need to prep for students to learn for an extended period of time without someone in the room to help them with the content. With this in mind, I have six tips on what you can do to prepare for a long-term sub who doesn’t teach your content. Each idea asks you to examine your plans, find alternative ways for students to learn content, and how to have your substitute grade assignments.
It’s difficult to find substitutes who are trained in what we teach, especially in the subject of science. So when you need to be gone for an extended period of time, planning needs to go into it. In order to give yourself peace of mind and your students the best learning experience possible, implement my six tips for when your long-term substitute doesn’t teach science.
Resources Mentioned:
- It’s Not Rocket Science Complete Units
- It’s Not Rocket Science Projects
- It’s Not Rocket Science YouTube Channel
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode117
No matter what subject or grade you teach or how long you’ve been teaching, you have been behind schedule at least at one point in your career. Trust me, I’ve been there, and it is stressful! Especially if you have an end-of-year test that you’re preparing for. But instead of feeling overwhelmed, in today’s episode, I’m sharing ways to assess why you’re behind schedule and providing practical ways to prevent it from happening in the future.
When we start to get behind schedule, our natural reaction is to either rush students or cut instructional resources. However, I caution you to do either of those, for it can bring down student enthusiasm and change your demeanor as a teacher.
Instead, I give you four questions to ask yourself where you can begin to assess why you’re behind, which can be eye-opening to what you find important and how much instructional time you actually have. Then, after assessing, I share practical ways you can get back on track or prevent you from being behind schedule in the future.
It’s natural to get behind schedule when you have so much science content to teach, but it’s so important to learn where it’s coming from and how to fix it. So, if you’re struggling to fit all of your content in before a big test or the end of the year, this episode is for you!
Resources Mentioned:
- Free Lab Audit
- Anatomy of a Class Period
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode116
If you’re a beginning teacher or teaching a new prep for the first time, everyone’s advice is always to fake it till you make it! We’re conditioned to believe that you need to project confidence to show your students that you’re qualified to be their teacher. But is that narrative what’s best for your students? I’ve had many conversations with teachers about how to act confident when you don’t feel that way, and my answer may surprise you.
It’s normal to want to display a sense of confidence towards your students when you’re in charge of the classroom. But I want you to think about the benefits of being honest and humble with your students instead. Being able to humanize yourself, show your flaws, and share your mistakes with them lets them know it’s okay for them to do so as well. However, I do share the two things you should feel confident about and how to stay firm in those beliefs.
It can be intimidating to stand in front of students for the first time and act like you’ve been there before. Although my answer on how to project confidence when that’s not how you feel may not be the answer you were looking for, I promise it’s exactly what you’ll need to be confident for your students.
Resources Mentioned:
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode115
Have you ever made a mistake in your classroom? Or handled a situation differently that caused more problems or regretted how you handled it? I am raising my hand high in the air! Even though it feels like you’re the only teacher something like this has ever happened to, in reality, you’re not alone.
I received an email a few months back that resonated with me, and I knew it would resonate with y’all as well. It was from a second career teacher who shared her struggle with this exact topic. But how can you bounce back? Since I knew this was something every teacher could relate to, I wanted to make it a podcast episode to share some encouragement. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing my advice for when you make a mistake in the classroom and some ways to be proactive in the future.
Even though we try everything to avoid it, making a mistake in the classroom is inevitable, but it’s how you bounce back that makes all the difference. While I offer words of encouragement and share my own mistakes from when I was in the classroom, I also provide advice. This advice includes a three-step process on ways to admit when you’re wrong, identify ways it could’ve been prevented, how to make it right, and, most importantly, move on and learn from it.
It can be a defeating feeling when you’ve made a mistake, or a negative situation has happened in your classroom. Trust me, I’ve been there. However, it shows more about who you are as a teacher on how you bounce back than the actual mistake. So I’m here to remind you that trials and mistakes will happen, but use them as an opportunity to grow and learn from them to be better as an educator.
Resources Mentioned:
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode114
If you are anything like I was in the classroom, this time of year is when I often felt the most drained, with little energy. The excitement of break seems so far away; it’s dark, and the days seem never-ending. And while I can’t change any of those things for you, I can give you some encouragement to make it through. Similar to last week’s episode, where I shared five systems for the home, in today’s episode, I’m sharing five truths for the classroom.
Y’all know how much I thrive off a routine or system, which is exactly what I was going to share today. However, knowing the level of energy you possibly have, I decided on disclosing truths for the classroom instead. In seasons where you are the most drained, you actually need support the most. In the five truths I share, each gives you permission to be yourself, allows you grace, and focuses on what’s important, such as the connection you have with your students.
Sometimes, hearing the truth can be difficult. It’s usually the things we don’t want to hear that we need to hear. In this case, these truths give you an opportunity to breathe until you regain your energy. So, if you’re struggling and need support during this season of your life, make sure you take to heart the five truths for the classroom.
Resources Mentioned:
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode113
With the demands of teaching, we often come home with no energy but are faced with the demands of our home life as well. And just like we have routines put in place to make things easier at school, we can do the same when we’re at home. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing my best systems for the home that will help you maximize your energy from the day.
Each of the systems for the home that I share helps you manage the daily tasks of running a home, how to build in more time for yourself, and ways to relax and boundaries for a better mindset. Even though each of the five systems might not work for everyone, I encourage you to take what serves you, particularly depending on where you are in your season of life.
I know this is a deviation from the normal topics we discuss on this podcast, but I believe it’s something that’s going to help you optimize your time at home. So, if you didn’t have enough time to recharge or get that energy boost over break like you had wished, implementing these systems for the home (and systems for school in next week’s episode) will help transform your life!
Resources Mentioned:
- Meal Planning Notepad
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode112
Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you were able to unplug over this winter break and recharge so you can tackle the last semester of the school year. Since the start of a new year is the perfect time to hit the reset button, I really wanted to start the year off by assessing where you are in life, what your priorities are, and the types of boundaries you should have.
During today’s episode, I want to introduce you to what it means to be living in your current season and how to honor that with your priorities and boundaries. Different seasons require different things from us, so it’s important to find ways to make it through based on what your needs are and what matters in your life during your current season.
One of the best ways to do that is by naming your priorities and defining boundaries. Your priorities filter through every decision you make during that time, which is why being selective with what matters most is so essential. Additionally, I discuss how to choose certain boundaries that align with your priority and that serve whoever is involved or connected to your priority.
I want you to remember that seasons aren’t forever, and it’s going to require you to pick and choose or give and take during certain moments of your life. But by naming your priorities and defining your boundaries, you can make it through your current season. So, I want to encourage you to assess where you’re at so you can have a fresh start in this new year and end the school year strong!
Resources Mentioned:
- The Lazy Genius Website
- The Lazy Genius Way Book
- The Lazy Genius Podcast
- The Lazy Genius on Instagram: @thelazygenius
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode111
It’s officially the last week of 2023, so I wanted to end the year with the most listened to episode from the year. It was no surprise to me that my interview with Casey O’Hearn was the top episode because of his approach to teaching, his philosophies, and his outlook on how to interact and connect with his students. Adapting to teach in a post-pandemic world, Casey shares his approach to classroom management post-COVID and how you can implement his ideas.
Post-pandemic, a lot of teachers have had to adapt their management and increase student motivation. These times have presented many challenges for teachers and students, so how can you experience success? My conversation with Casey spans from reaching apathetic students, finding new ways to motivate students, and his effective no-hassle cell phone policy.
There’s so much I personally took from our conversation, but the general theme was finding ways to meet students where they’re at in this post-pandemic world. Casey has a great perspective on teaching and classroom management, and I encourage you to reflect on your own philosophies as you jump into 2024!
Resources Mentioned:
- Grab the Anatomy of a Class Period FREEBIE
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode110
As I mentioned last week, I’m taking the last weeks of December to replay my top three episodes of the year based on your listens and downloads. I was shocked that this original episode was number two, but so excited because it’s something I’m passionate about, which is curriculum design, specifically strategizing your sequence.
This was the first episode in our curriculum design series, which is a great place to start when developing your own curriculum. To get you started, I’m sharing 10 questions to think through when beginning how to strategize your sequence.
Since I often get asked about my process for designing a curriculum, I wanted to present to you a series that helped you write your own curriculum for your own classroom. Whether you’re starting from scratch or tweaking the curriculum you’ve already written, after this series, you will be able to walk away with a well-developed curriculum that’s cohesive, aligned, creative, and effective.
Resources Mentioned:
- Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD
- Biology Curriculum - FULL YEAR Bundle
- Physical Science Curriculum - FULL YEAR Bundle
- Anatomy and Physiology Curriculum FULL YEAR Bundle
- Chemistry Curriculum - FULL YEAR Bundle
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode109
Happy December, y’all! The one word that describes my life right now, which might describe yours as well, is frantic. So, I thought for the rest of the month, we’d revisit episodes from this past year that can either be good reminders for you during this last month of school or ideas you need to think about or reinforce when you return from break in January. In today’s episode, we’re listening to the third most popular episode, which focuses on five classroom management routines and procedures for your secondary classroom.
The number of procedures and routines you have set up in your classroom is solely determined by your own teaching philosophies, personality, and style. So before setting up a procedure because “that’s what you should do,” make sure you reflect and ask yourself some questions regarding consistent conflicts, disruptions, and personal preferences.
My constant message when it comes to classroom management is finding ways to be proactive instead of reactive. With each of these five classroom management routines and procedures, they establish an effective work ethic and eliminate distractions and late or incomplete work.
Even though you’re in the middle of the year, it’s never too late to reflect and examine your teaching and classroom behaviors to see if they need to be reworked or newly enforced. These are my top five classroom management routines and procedures, so whether you implement these or come up with your own, make sure they’re what you need and best fit your classroom.
Resources Mentioned:
- Biology Bell Ringers or Exit Slips – Full Year Bundle
- Physical Science Bell Ringers or Exit Slips – Full Year Bundle
- Anatomy and Physiology Bell Ringers or Exit Slips – Full Year Bundle
- Blue Pocket Charts for Classroom Supplies Organizer
- BigLight Push Lights
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode108
You all know that I want to bring you as much information and perspectives on a topic as possible. With last week’s episode on standards-based grading being a new idea and way of grading for some of you, I wanted to bring on another teacher who has years of experience implementing this in her classroom. Boni Hamilton, a friend and experienced teacher, is sharing how to integrate NGSS and standards-based grading in both a middle school and high school science classroom.
Boni has such a unique perspective, as she simultaneously used both a traditional grade report alongside a standards-based report. While this eased the minds of parents and students who were comfortable with traditional grading, it did bring up challenges. Boni is honest in our conversation, along with her students, as she navigated this type of grading system. She describes why she believes standards-based grading is more accurate, authentic, and honest as it pertains to mastering skills and content.
As you listen to this episode, you will see how this conversation, and others involving this topic, has stretched my thinking and will stretch yours as well. Although work ethic, behavior, and responsibility need to be addressed, with standards-based grading, you truly get the best picture of how a student is performing academically in your content-specific classes.
Resources Mentioned:
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode107
I love talking about science content, curriculum, engaging activities, and practical strategies you can implement in your own classroom. But when my audience inquires about topics I’m not so sure about, I bring in experts who can share their knowledge. That’s exactly what I did when it came to discussing standards-based grading. My guest on today’s episode, Jennica Harrison, shares her perspective, experience, and implementation of standards-based grading in her secondary science classroom.
Jennica is very open and honest about the challenges she faced when implementing standards-based grading but says the pros outweigh the cons. She discusses her transition to this type of grading, practical tips for doing it, and how it impacted her students. Since this might be a different way of thinking, Jennica shares examples from her own classroom and grade book that provide clarification on how this works in a secondary science classroom.
As our conversation flowed, each topic she discussed brought up more questions from me about how standards-based grading worked, along with the mathematical side. Jennica explicitly explained her interpretation and how she has made this switch successful in her classroom. Ultimately, she says it really comes down to being transparent with your students, making mistakes and readjusting, and knowing it’s not going to be perfect all the time.
Resources Mentioned:
- Grading for Equity by Joe Feldman
- Inner Orbit NGSS Assessments
- The Wonder of Science
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode106
As science teachers, or teachers in general, we tend to have the mindset of doing things in our classroom the way we were taught, the way our department runs things, or what our colleague down the hall does. But if you really think about the reason behind what you’re doing, what you normally do might change. That’s exactly what happened with formal lab reports in my classroom. In this episode, I’m sharing why I ditched formal lab reports and how that decision impacted me and my students.
When I started to examine why I was assigning formal lab reports, I realized I was doing them for all the wrong reasons. So, when I finally made the decision to ditch them altogether, it greatly benefited my students and me. The pressure was off, and labs started to become enjoyable again, along with many other positive benefits. And since students weren’t getting critical thinking and scientific writing skills from the formal lab reports, I incorporated supplemental activities that provided students opportunities to practice those skills.
I’m aware that some science teachers feel very strongly about doing formal lab reports, and this might be a controversial episode, but for me, they didn’t serve a purpose in my classroom anymore. By ditching formal lab reports, it transformed the culture on lab days while still finding ways for students to practice skills that will help and support them later in their educational career. So whether you continue to do formal lab reports in your science classes or not, I hope this episode encourages you to make appropriate changes that are best for you and your students!
Resources Mentioned:
- Grab your FREE Thanksgiving Science Activity
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode105
After we teach a unit, what typically comes immediately after are summative assessments, and there are a lot of different types. Last week, I talked about authentic assessments, which still assess student learning but in a non-traditional way. And even though I value that type of assessment, I still believe in taking traditional tests. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how to use your unit test to prepare your students for taking any future standardized test.
Giving traditional summative assessments does provide useful information for the teacher, such as personal benchmarks and self-reflection on teaching concepts. But it also benefits students as they learn valuable test-taking strategies for when they take standardized tests or other forms of assessments throughout their educational journey. The five tips I share will specifically help your students with standardized tests as they take your unit tests.
Taking summative assessments is completely valuable to both teachers and students, so it’s important to highlight the benefits and show that test-taking skills and strategies are valuable. By giving unit tests, you are supporting students and building those skills needed to take standardized tests in the future.
Resources Mentioned:
- Biology Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test Pack
- Physical Science Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test Pack
- Anatomy Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test Pack
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode104
If you ask any student what they didn’t like about school, I bet assessments would be toward the top of their list. But what if you could create assessments that students actually enjoyed and liked? Okay, well, maybe that’s going too far, but you can definitely create assessments that are the best representation of their knowledge. I call those authentic assessments. In today’s episode, I’m going to share why I incorporate non-traditional assessments and four practical tips on how to implement them in your own classroom.
Authentic assessments might be a new term, so I help break down what I mean and how it directly impacts students in a positive way. Additionally, I give reasons why authentic assessments should be used, especially in relation to expressing what students know in a way that’s more than multiple choice and memorization. Likewise, when it comes to implementation, keeping the whole child in mind, along with their qualities, is why they’re at the forefront of my mind.
With midterm exams, semester exams on the horizon, and other exams in your class, now seemed like a good time to discuss assessments. And while traditional assessments are necessary at times, I encourage you to think outside the box and give your students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge through authentic assessments. Stay tuned to next week’s episode for more on this topic as we continue our mini-series on summative assessments!
Resources Mentioned:
- Biology Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test Pack
- Physical Science Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test Pack
- Anatomy Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test Pack
- Episode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science Classes
- Episode 87, Aligning Your Assessments: Curriculum Design Part 5
- Episode 51, 5 Alternatives to Traditional Midterm Exams
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode103
All month long, I’ve been diving into the most difficult topics to teach in each of the science disciplines, and we have finally made it to the last discipline - physics. I love all things science, but physics is not a discipline I have a lot of experience in. So instead, I decided to bring on a listener of the podcast who is knowledgeable and has experience teaching physics. Laura Preiser is my guest on this episode and is sharing the two topics that are difficult for teachers and students and tips and advice for teaching each.
As Laura identifies waves and kinematics as the most difficult topics to teach in physics, she also shares various activities, labs, and general tips that make these two topics engaging, fun, and enjoyable for her students and herself. By making small changes to the way topics are taught and the timing of when they’re taught, it can make a huge difference in how a student feels about the topic.
With the help of Laura, we have concluded our series that tackles the most difficult topics to teach in each discipline while also sharing advice and tips that make the topics in those disciplines engaging for teachers and students. Make sure to listen or revisit any of the other episodes on biology, chemistry, and anatomy!
Resources Mentioned:
- Grab the Free Halloween Resources
- Sound Wave Stations
- EM Wave Instagram Profile Project
- Fantastic Four Stations - Kinematic Equations
- Pendulum Painting Lab - Conservation of Energy
- Light Waves Stations
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode102
When I decided to do this series, I knew exactly what I was going to discuss when it came to the difficulties of teaching chemistry. Students get overwhelmed by all the math and more intense content that comes with this science discipline, particularly teaching stoichiometry. However, there are several things you can do to ease their stress and make this unit fun for your students. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing 6 tips for teaching stoichiometry in your chemistry class.
There are a lot of concepts in chemistry that are difficult for students to grasp and understand, which is why it’s important to bring these up early or before you teach the content. Not only does this provide multiple opportunities to practice, but when it’s mentioned in the content, they already have seen it before. Additionally, teaching chemistry is more than just content. It’s teaching students problem-solving and critical thinking skills. And one of the best ways to achieve this is by incorporating real-world scenarios, labs, and activities in order for them to see the connection.
Even though your students may be apprehensive about the chemistry content, there are still things you can do to help alleviate and diminish their stress. By implementing these 6 tips and other pieces of advice, I hope to encourage you that teaching stoichiometry to your students will be fun and academic at the same time. Tune in next week for the last episode in the series about the difficult topics teaching physics.
Resources Mentioned:
- Free Science Halloween Resources
- Stoichiometry Unit - including Magnitude of a Mole
- Chemistry Curriculum - Full Year Bundle
- Introduction to Chemistry Unit
- Dimensional Analysis Activity - Fudge Lab Expansion Pack
- Free Science Winter Resources - including Hot Chocolate Lab Activity
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode101
I’m doing a happy dance because it’s my 100th episode! Y’all, I can’t believe I’ve been supporting and sharing my thoughts, ideas, and resources with you for almost two years. Just like when I celebrated 50 episodes, I’m doing another special “Ask me anything” episode.
I constantly get questions ranging from work, personal, curriculum, management, and more. And since I love connecting and supporting teachers, I knew answering all your questions was how I wanted to celebrate! I answer all your questions about maternity leave prep, group work, supporting ELs, absences, curriculum writing, and more. So take a listen to a fun episode that celebrates 100 episodes!
Want to continue the celebration? I’m incredibly thankful to you, my listeners of Secondary Science Simplified, and would love to have you leave a rating or review of this podcast! Your review and support means so much to me.
Resources Mentioned:
- Free Halloween Resources
- Free Lab Audit
- Free RADAR Signs
- Natural Selection Lab Simulation
- Ecosystem in a Bottle Project: An Inquiry-Based Ecological Investigation
- Dinosaur Genetics Stations Activity
- Anatomy Body System Diagrams and Discovery Stations Bundle
- It’s Not Rocket Science Science Curriculum
- It’s Not Rocket Science Resources
- It’s Not Rocket Science TPT Resources
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode100
We are starting week two of our difficult topics to teach with the different science disciplines. Last week’s episode, Episode 98, focused on biology and biochemical reactions. But this week, I’m focusing on anatomy! Since there’s a lot of content to cover in this subject and each teacher differs in what they choose to teach, that makes it difficult to decide what the most difficult topic to teach is. With the help of my listeners, I’m focusing on five tips on how to teach the nervous and endocrine systems in your anatomy class.
As I mentioned, there’s a lot of diversity in how a teacher approaches teaching anatomy in their classroom, but just like with teaching biology, I encourage you to focus on the big picture. Each of the five tips that I share assists in that overarching idea and showcases how both the nervous and endocrine systems work together.
Both of these systems also spark curiosity among students, which leads to them asking a lot of questions. Although this is a great thing and piques their interest, it can be overwhelming for you. Therefore, some of my tips focus on providing students with the opportunity to be responsible for their own research. This idea creates a space where they can answer their own questions while you highlight the main topics.
The nervous and endocrine systems can be overwhelming to teach, but I hope that my tips and ideas help motivate and excite you about approaching these topics in your anatomy class. In two weeks, I’ll come back to this series with the last two science disciplines, but next week will be a special episode. It’s my 100th episode, so be sure to tune in for an episode where you get to ask me anything!
Resources Mentioned:
- Free Halloween Science Resources
- Anatomy Body System Diagrams and Discovery Stations Bundle
- Anatomy and Physiology Curriculum FULL YEAR Bundle
- Control and Coordination Unit
- Neuron Communication and Signal Transmission Inquiry Activity
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode99
Welcome to fall, y’all! We just wrapped up our Summer of Podcast PD, where we tackled curriculum design, classroom management, grading strategies, and so much more. But with a new season comes a new series. With so many of our recent topics involving general classroom tips, I decided it was time to focus on more content-specific topics for each science discipline. So, biology teachers, this one’s for you! I’m sharing biology’s most difficult topic and tips for teaching it in your classroom.
With the help of my own personal experience and the responses I get from reacting with my audience on various social platforms, I determined some controversial aspects of teaching biochemical reactions. Therefore, each of my five tips highlights ways to keep the focus on the big picture and bring in ways to make the information stick with your students. I love creating resources and activities that are memorable for students, all of which I share and discuss in the episode.
In every content area, there’s a topic that reigns difficult for either you or your students. However, it’s all about finding ways to make connections, engagement opportunities, and creating meaningful activities. By implementing my five tips for teaching biochemical reactions, it’ll make this challenging topic more manageable!
Resources Mentioned:
- Free Halloween Science Resources
- Energy Flow Unit
- Food Web Lab Station Activity
- Photosynthesis Activity - Class Relay
- Biology Curriculum - Full Year Bundle
- Apply to be a guest on the podcast about Standards-Based Grading
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode98
Over this past month, I’ve been sharing my thoughts, practices, and strategies surrounding the topic of grading. You’ve probably realized how passionate I am about this topic because it’s something that I believe will give you more balance in your life between school and your personal life. And who doesn’t want that?! To wrap up this series, I’m sharing my own personal grading strategy and tips to help accomplish my grading goals.
Many teachers talk about the amount of time they spend grading student work but fail to have a strategy for minimizing that time. Spending time thinking about your personal grading strategy helps you be more intentional about decreasing the time you spend grading. In order to do that, it’s important to identify two key principles on which all your grading decisions are based.
So, how do you accomplish those grading principles? That’s where my 6 grading tips come into play. Each tip keeps students’ learning at the forefront while making sure your classroom remains equitable. Not only do these tips help minimize time spent grading, but also provide more freedom for differentiation, feedback, and immediate adjustments to your lessons.
Having a ton of assignments to grade can be overwhelming to teachers. However, if you create a personal grading strategy that aligns with your key principles, you won’t feel stressed from grading, and you’ll have a better work-life balance.
Resources Mentioned:
- Monthly Desk Calendar
- Apply to be a guest on the podcast about Standards-Based Grading
- Editable Midterm or End of Year Review Project
- Complete Units
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode97
Remember the days when you were in school and thought, When I’m a teacher, I’m NEVER going to do this! But then you become a teacher and do exactly what you said you weren’t going to do. Don’t worry, I’m guilty of this too. As soon as I became a teacher, I followed suit with the cycle of assigning homework in my class. However, I had a mindset shift to where now I’m a huge advocate for not assigning homework.
I know for some, this sounds crazy! Most of you probably have a list of questions that include how do you do this, what are the benefits, and how will I know if my students are understanding the concept? And while those are all valid questions, I’ve got answers for you! In today’s episode, I’m sharing why I chose not to assign homework, my strategy in doing so, and the 6 results I learned that may surprise you.
Since not assigning homework is hard for us to grasp, I ask one simple question that asks you to reflect on the meaning of the homework you assign. Once I was truly honest with myself, the decision to not assign homework became easy. With a few tweaks to my lesson plans, pacing, and instructional time, the need for homework became nonexistent. Plus, this new change had a positive impact on my students’ motivation, focus, and academic success in my class.
I acknowledge that making this type of change in your classroom can be scary and, honestly, not for everyone. However, my goal is to provide you with a new perspective and approach to how you view and implement grading in your class. When I stopped making homework a habit in my class, it was transformative for both me and my students, and I know it will be for you and yours, too!
Resources Mentioned:
- Get the FREE Lab Audit
- It’s Not Rocket Science Free Summer Podcast PD
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode96
As teachers, we know that our time is valuable and we try to create that perfect work-life balance. However, time dedicated to instruction, engaging activities, and other teaching-related tasks can consume our time in and outside the classroom. But you can decrease the amount of time you spend on one task that will save you more time and energy, which is grading!
Now, I know that grading is a mandatory and necessary component of teaching, but the amount of time teachers are spending on grading student work is way too much. I believe that there are ways you can truly stop grading everything while still having multiple preps and higher-level AP courses. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how to achieve this, two of the biggest criticisms I get, and my solutions to each.
Once you decrease the amount you’re grading, you will begin to see how it benefits both you and your students. Yes, I said students! They will appreciate your more timely feedback and get a more energized and recharged teacher, which ultimately impacts your instruction and activities.
Although the concept of not grading every assignment is scary, I promise it will be life-changing. I am living proof that this philosophy works, which has helped me create a more balanced work and home life, which also benefits my students. Join me in my grading challenge of collecting 1 thing per class per week and watch this simple change make a huge difference in your life!
Resources Mentioned:
- Bell Ringers for Biology, Physical Science, and Anatomy
- Join me for my Summer PD
- Episode 4, Engaging Your Students in the First 5 Minutes of Class
- Episode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science Classes
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode95
To wrap up our Summer of Podcast PD, we’re ending with a series on grading practices. And one of the hot topics that’s particularly relevant in secondary classrooms is the act of cheating. This is a topic that I feel very passionate about, so I’ve invested in my own research to find the best strategies and solutions. In today’s episode, I’m sharing what you can do to best prevent it, how to respond when it does occur, and specific strategies to use in your classroom.
In this world we live in, technology is everywhere, and our students know how to use it to their advantage. And while cheating is an academic issue, it can be prevented. There are a lot of things I do in my own classroom that eliminate the pressure and act of cheating that’s related to how I choose to grade assignments, labs, and tests. I discuss what I do along with my reason for not giving homework.
But since we know that cheating will eventually occur at some point during the year, what do you do? With different perspectives on how to handle the situation, I provide my must-haves and then encourage you to have conversations with colleagues and other staff to ensure common language and policies. And for those who use my It’s Not Rocket Science resources, I share ways to use them without the fear of cheating.
Resources Mentioned:
- Join My Free Professional Development This Summer
- Episode 89, Classroom Management in a Post-COVID World with Guest Casey O’Hearn
- Episode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me:” Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach Matson
- Episode 70. “It isn’t an Attack on You”: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach Matson
- Episode 35. Competency, Classroom Management, Teaching Chemistry and MORE with Guest Zach Matson
- Decrease Grading Time: How to Stop Grading Everything
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode94
I loved talking all about classroom management this month, and we have finally made it to the last episode of the series! The biggest takeaway I wanted to convey was the importance of being proactive rather than reactive, and a way to do that is through simple strategies implemented in your classroom. In this last episode, I’m sharing my final five strategies for effective classroom management this school year.
Sometimes the best strategies are the simplest ones, which is so true for the 5 classroom management strategies I’m sharing today. I’ve had personal experience and success with each one, and know you will too! As I explain each strategy, I also break down why I love it and how to use it, how it was helpful, or how to implement it in your classroom.
Starting off the year with effective classroom management is critical to managing student behaviors and more efficient learning and instruction time. I encourage you to choose one of these simple strategies mentioned, along with all the other helpful tips from this series, and implement it in your classroom this school year that will guarantee to make a big difference for you!
I’d love to hear which strategies have worked in your classroom, so make sure to DM me on Instagram at @its.not.rocket.science! And stay tuned for next month’s series involving various grading practices and my best advice for effective grading with minimal time required by you!
Resources Mentioned:
- Join My Free Professional Development This Summer
- Simple Bell
- Episode 19, Collaboration, Classroom Management, Career Changes, and MORE with Jamie Whitlock
- Beginning of the School Year: 5 Mistakes to Avoid
- My Favorite Classroom Management Strategy
- 5 Ways to Reclaim Time in Your Classroom
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode93
Grab your ticket for The Champions for Science Demo Days Virtual Conference! Early bird pricing ends on August 31, 2023: https://bit.ly/demodaysinrs
My message in last week’s episode was all about how to be proactive rather than reactive using routines and procedures. Continuing with the classroom management series, I believe another way to be proactive in your classroom is through the pace of your class and how you handle transitions. In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing 5 practical tips to keep your class moving with efficiency.
In my experience, one of the best ways to prevent disciplinary issues is by keeping your class moving. The pace of your classroom sets the tone and shows your students what’s expected of them. Because of this, I intentionally use my time more precisely and reap the benefits from it, which I share with you. Additionally, I discuss my 5 simple and practical tips, which include transitions, to help give you a more efficient classroom.
The best time to implement new procedures, routines, activities, or habits is the beginning of a new school year. Instead of wishing for more classroom time, dealing with behavioral issues, or constantly trying to get your students’ attention, think about what you can do now to establish the pace of your classroom. Start being more precise with your time using these 5 tips!
Stay tuned for next week’s episode, where I wrap up my classroom management series with more practice tips and simple strategies!
Resources Mentioned:
- Join me for Free Professional Development
- Desk Visual Timer
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode92
Grab your ticket for The Champions for Science Demo Days Virtual Conference! Early bird pricing ends on August 31, 2023: https://bit.ly/demodaysinrs
Dealing with behaviors and problems in the classroom is inevitable, but our goal is to prevent as many as we can before they even happen. A simple way to achieve this is by implementing routines and procedures!
In last week’s episode, I challenged you to reflect on your own classroom management philosophies and come up with 3-5 refrains that define your management style. Keeping those in mind, in today’s episode, I’m sharing how to use those routines and procedures as being proactive rather than reactive when managing the classroom.
A teacher’s classroom management is personal to them regarding their own philosophy, personality, and style, so determining what routines and procedures you implement falls into that same category.
To give some context and guidance, I’m divulging my top 5 routines and procedures to teach at the beginning of the school year. By no means is there one “right way” to do any of the ones I share, so just think of them as ideas that are proactive instead of reactive.
Even though summer is ending, it doesn’t mean you still can’t join or share the Summer Podcast PD! This 5-week mini-series is here to help you redefine your curriculum design for the start of a new year.
Resources Mentioned:
- Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD
- Biology Bell Ringers or Exit Slips - Full Year Bundle
- Physical Science Bell Ringers or Exit Slips - Full Year Bundle
- Anatomy and Physiology Bell Ringers or Exit Slips - Full Year Bundle
- Blue Pocket Charts for Classroom Supplies Organizer
- BigLight Push Lights
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode91
Grab your ticket for The Champions for Science Demo Days Virtual Conference! Early bird pricing ends on August 31, 2023: https://bit.ly/demodaysinrs
The new school year is upon us, and to help you prepare, I am spending the whole month of August covering all things classroom management. Now, I know classroom management looks different for every teacher, but I hope that sharing my personal philosophy and tried and true strategies will help you develop your own.
Classroom management is incredibly personal, and in order for it to be effective, it has to be authentic to you and your personality. This is why figuring out what your philosophy is is so important when developing your classroom management style. Today, I am sharing questions to ask yourself when determining your style, what refrains my personal philosophy centers around, and the two ways to look at classroom management.
When figuring out your classroom management style, looking at your core values is key. We dive deep into core values in my Secondary Science Simplified course, so if you are looking for more support determining your core values, join the waitlist for when it opens again!
Resources Mentioned:
- Join the Secondary Science Simplified course waitlist
- Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD
- Grab the Anatomy of a Class Period FREEBIE
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode90
Grab your ticket for The Champions for Science Demo Days Virtual Conference! Early bird pricing ends on August 31, 2023: https://bit.ly/demodaysinrs
Tomorrow is August which means that many of you are gearing up to head back to school. What better way to get back into the school mindset than to talk about classroom management? We know classroom management is so important to have a successful class, but these post-pandemic times are making things TOUGH! I have not personally been in the classroom since before the pandemic, so I invited Casey O’Hearn to join me today to share all about his post-COVID classroom management.
Casey is a 4th-year science teacher at Sumner-Fredericksburg High School. He teaches biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, earth science, and astronomy. He has spent his entire teaching career teaching during COVID and post-COVID times, which we all know has presented many challenges for teachers and students.
In his 3 years of classroom experience, Casey has found simple and practical ways to build relationships with students and successfully manage his classroom. In this episode, we talk all about reaching apathetic students, balancing the personalities in his classes, how he gets students to find meaning in school, cell phone and bathroom policies, cheating, and more! I was genuinely inspired by Casey, and I know that you will be able to take some of his tips to implement in your classroom this coming year!
Resources Mentioned:
- Email Casey at ohernc@sfcougars.k12.ia.us
- Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD
- Grab the Anatomy of a Class Period FREEBIE
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode89
Grab your ticket for The Champions for Science Demo Days Virtual Conference! Early bird pricing ends on August 31, 2023: https://bit.ly/demodaysinrs
YOU DID IT!! It is the last episode of our Curriculum Design mini-series and we are wrapping it up with a little extra support with what I think is the most challenging assessment to write, the end-of-unit tests. Now, let’s be clear, no assessment is easy to write, and writing tests is NOT for the faint of heart. Of course, I want to give you as many helpful tips as I can, so in today's episode, I am giving you a glimpse into how I write my end-of-unit tests.
As I mentioned, writing tests is challenging, and I don’t want you diving into this thinking it will be easy peasy because, quite honestly, it won’t be. However, I hope that hearing how I create my end-of-unit tests makes it a bit more manageable. In this episode, I am sharing what I recommend you use as a starting point, how I typically break down the types of questions on tests, how I like to divide up my end-of-unit tests, and why it is CRUCIAL you review your tests for bias.
I hope you found this mini-series to be incredibly helpful and packed full of useful information! I am so grateful that you are spending your summer with me and preparing for the school year! Next up, we are jumping into classroom management so if you know a teacher friend who you think would love this topic, be sure to spread the love and share the Summer Podcast PD with them!
Resources Mentioned:
- Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD
- Physical Science Curriculum
- Check Out the YouTube video tour of Physical Science
- It’s Not Rocket Science Units
- Biology Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test Pack
- Anatomy Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test Pack
- Physical Science Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test Pack
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode88
Grab your ticket for The Champions for Science Demo Days Virtual Conference! Early bird pricing ends on August 31, 2023: https://bit.ly/demodaysinrs
Huge CONGRATULATIONS, teacher friend! You made it to the final part of our curriculum design mini-series! I am so incredibly proud of you! Even if you only completed part 1, you still made progress, and small progress is better than no progress! We have spent the last few weeks walking through the first four parts of curriculum design, but today, we are diving into how to align your assessments.
When I say “align your assessments,” I’m sure many think that means teaching to the test. That is NOT at all what I mean. What it does mean is that we are creating meaning and intentionality with everything we do in our instruction.
We want our students to be motivated to complete their work and not just see it as busy work, which is why it is so important to ensure that your assessments are aligned to the learning and instructional activities that took place throughout the unit. In this episode, I’m sharing how I create formative and summative assessments for my curricula and the importance of making sure that every objective on the assessment is covered.
I am so grateful that you have been following along with the Summer Podcast PD. If you are getting value from this series or if this podcast is serving you, I would love it if you left a rating and review! This helps me reach and serve more secondary science teachers who could benefit from the podcast. Thank you so much!
Resources Mentioned:
- Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode87
Grab your ticket for The Champions for Science Demo Days Virtual Conference! Early bird pricing ends on August 31, 2023: https://bit.ly/demodaysinrs
Ready for more help with building out the backbone of your curriculum? I’m ready to help! I know that this part might feel hard, and that is totally okay! Although it is one of my favorite parts of designing curriculum, I know that is not the case for everyone. Coming up with instructional activities and resources is not necessarily an easy thing to do, but I will gladly share the behind-the-scenes thought process I go through to help YOU come up with ideas for your own curriculum.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and if designing this curriculum feels hard, please don’t feel discouraged! I want to provide you with the support you need to take this on if it is something you want to do. I am sharing how I think through what activities to include for different concepts in my Electrons unit and how I balance out the activities that are included in each unit. And I hope that giving you a glimpse into my thought process is helpful for you as you work through building out the backbone for your own curriculum.
Teacher friends, we are already 3 weeks into our double episodes for the Curriculum Design mini-series inside the summer Podcast PD! I hope you are loving all this extra content and getting so much practical information! If you are, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a rating and review and let me know how the podcast has served you. If you are leaving a review outside of Apple, shoot me a DM on Instagram or send me an email and let me know!
Resources Mentioned:
- Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD
- Introduction to Chemistry Unit
- The Atom Unit
- Electrons Unit
- Chemical Bonds Unit
- Chemical Reactions Unit
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode86
We have made it to part 4 of the Curriculum Design mini-series! The first three parts weren’t exactly “fun,” I get it! But this is the point in the design process where we get to start being creative, and the process becomes a bit more interesting! BUT, if you have not done steps 1 through 3, it is crucial that you complete them before moving on to part 4 - building out the backbone of your curriculum!
Ready to dive into the fun part of curriculum design, teacher friend? Building the backbone of your curriculum means planning out all of your instructional resources - think labs, activities, projects, and all the memorable learning experiences for your students! This is where you get to be creative and think of all the ways you can engage your students in their learning!
Now, don’t be intimidated and think you need to add tons of activities and labs and projects into your curriculum right away. And, of course, you do not need to figure this all out on your own! In this episode, I am sharing how to approach building out your backbone if you have taught the course before and if you have not taught it before, what I try to include in my units, and my action step for you to work on part 4 of the curriculum design process.
If you are loving the Podcast PD or, specifically, the Curriculum Design mini-series, I would so appreciate it if you left a rating and review to help us reach more teacher friends!
Resources Mentioned:
- Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD
- Get the FREE Lab Audit
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode85
Lecture is the foundation when designing a curriculum. Now I know that may make some of you not very happy, but it’s true. However, when I say lecture is the foundation, I do not mean that it’s my top priority or what I spend most of my time doing in the classroom. When we talk about foundation, I mean the baseline of which I build my curriculum on. To give you a better understanding of how I build my curriculum off my foundation, I am sharing how I use my foundation of lecture notes so that my whole class isn’t lecture.
When I think back to when I took anatomy & physiology, I remember reading textbooks, memorizing information, and labeling diagrams. That is NOT what I wanted my curricula to be. I didn’t want every lesson to be a lecture and my students memorizing things from their textbook.
Because of this, I began thinking of ideas for instructional resources I could use to make my lectures shorter, the activities more engaging, and keep my classroom student-centered. Today, I am sharing all about how I use 4 different activities to decrease the content in lecture and how I break up content if it is still too much after incorporating these activities. Plus, I am sharing what actionable step you can do TODAY to help you reduce the amount of time spent lecturing.
This is A LOT to do on your own. I get it! But now is the perfect time to get the other science teachers at your school to join in on our Podcast PD! Two (or three!) minds are better than one and can make this process a little easier.
Resources Mentioned:
- Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD
- Watch the YouTube video tour of the Anatomy Curriculum
- Check out the Anatomy Curriculum
- Anatomy Body System Diagrams and Discovery Stations
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode84
We are at the tipping point in our Curriculum Design mini-series! I am so excited that you have worked through this process with me up to this point. So far, we have covered strategizing your sequence and analyzing your aims. If you haven’t done that, be sure to complete those steps before moving on to step 3, forming your foundation.
So what is a foundation? When I am talking about the foundation for your curriculum, I am talking about the core direct instruction delivery strategy (AKA lecture notes). Now I know that lecture notes and direct instruction have a bad rap, BUT I think I approach them a little differently than what we’re all used to. And as I share my process for designing a curriculum for personal use, take what serves you and leave what doesn't!
In this episode, I am breaking down my process for forming the foundation of my curriculum. I am sharing why I like using lecture notes, how I build out my .PPTX files, and why I love using Cornell note outlines with my students.
I am so grateful you have been joining me in this Summer Podcast PD! If you are enjoying the Curriculum Design mini-series or the Podcast PD as a whole, I would love for you to leave a rating and review so I can hear how this podcast is serving you!
Resources Mentioned:
- Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD
- The Cornell Note Taking System
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode83
Have you been following along with our Curriculum Design mini-series and need just a little bit more support and context to complete parts 1 and 2? I’ve got you covered, teacher friend! I know the process of designing a curriculum is A LOT, but if we work through it together, step-by-step, it will make it much more manageable and will be so beneficial in the end!
Sometimes when taking on new, big projects, it is helpful to have examples and reference points to guide you along the way. Hearing the practical implementation of these steps can be incredibly helpful as you work your way through the curriculum design process. And because I want to ensure that I am providing you with as much help along the way as I can, I am sharing how I strategized the sequence for my Biology curriculum by thinking through the 10 questions from episode 80 and why it is so crucial and beneficial to do the not so fun work of analyzing your aims like we discussed in episode 81.
Designing your own curriculum is a challenge, but I know you’re up for it! These first steps are not the most fun parts of the process but are so incredibly important to complete before moving on. I am here to motivate and encourage you if you are finding it hard to take action. So let’s get these steps done and continue working through this process together!
It’s not too late to get your teacher friends in on the Podcast PD! Share with them and subscribe to Secondary Science Simplified podcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss the weekly episodes and BONUS Curriculum Design episodes that’ll be released on Thursdays for the month of July!
Resources Mentioned:
- Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD
- Watch the YouTube video tour of the INRS Biology Curriculum
- Check out the INRS Biology Curriculum
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode82
We are moving on to step two in our curriculum design mini-series! If you did not complete the first step in the process about strategic sequencing, you NEED to go back and start there before tackling step two. This week, we are going to dive into analyzing your aims. Although this isn’t the flashiest or most fun part of the process, it is crucial to designing your curriculum.
I am walking you through how to analyze your aims, step by step, and covering why you need to accurately identify what standards you need to use, the importance of finding out if there are any specific materials you need to follow, and why you need to translate your standards into practical objectives.
This may be a part of the curriculum design process you want to skip over, but you NEED to do this. This step is so important - you need to learn what you need to be teaching and to what depth you need to teach it! And if you still need a little help, be sure to tune in to episode 82 where we will be covering examples of how I did this in one of my units!
Make sure you don’t miss a single episode of the summer Podcast PD! Subscribe to Secondary Science Simplified podcast wherever you listen to podcasts to get the incredible info in the weekly episodes and BONUS Curriculum Design episodes that’ll be released on Thursdays for the month of July. It’s not too late to grab a teacher friend and tackle this bite-sized PD together!
Resources Mentioned:
- Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode81
You asked for it so I’m going to give you what you want! One of the most frequent requests I get is for my curriculum design process. What better time to break down my process for you than during our Summer Podcast PD!? We are kicking off our curriculum design series by starting with the absolute first thing you need to do when designing a curriculum to use in your classroom.
Whether you are trying to figure out what to teach in a prep you have nothing for, or you have curricula for all your preps, you are going to walk away from this series knowing how to write a curriculum for you to use in your own classroom because I am breaking down my process step-by-step.
In this episode, I am sharing what this series is and what it is not, how to best use this series to achieve your goals, the importance of strategizing your sequence, and what action step you can take today to get started creating your own curriculum.
Not sure how to strategize your sequence? Think through these 10 questions:
- What overall themes do I want to thread throughout my entire course?
- What are the hardest topics traditionally for students?
- What are the hardest times of year you typically experience for yourself?
- Does it make more sense to go macro to micro? Or micro to macro?
- Are there any units that HAVE to be taught in a certain sequence?
- Are there any units (or concepts within units) that might make more sense taught in a different order?
- What units best lend themselves to spring weather and getting students outside?
- What units naturally have some fun projects in them that would be great for ending the year with?
- Which unit in my course BEST ties all the other units together?
- Is the sequence I have been using really effective or are there changes I could make to improve it?
Resources Mentioned:
- Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode80
Summer is in full swing and I could not be happier! It’s time to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the much needed time off. But if I’m honest, summer has always been a time of tension where I struggled with feeling guilty when I’m enjoying the fun because I’m not preparing for the next school year and also feeling guilty while I was working because I should have been enjoying summer more.
I know if I’ve struggled with this, most likely there are others that do as well!! I am here to tell you that there totally can be a balance between using the summer to reset while still preparing for the upcoming school year and I am giving you all the details of the 4 things I do to achieve this balance.
In this episode, I am sharing the importance of playing during the summer, why you need to unplug, how you can serve future you, and my number 1 way to use summer well.
Be sure to follow or subscribe to the Secondary Science Simplified podcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss any of the summer Podcast PD episodes or the BONUS Curriculum Design 101 episodes that’ll be released on Thursdays for the next 5 weeks. Better yet, share the Podcast PD with a friend so they can join in with you!
Resources Mentioned:
- Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode79
Let’s be honest, we all have certain topics that we have to teach but just absolutely dread teaching. Whether it’s because they are boring, unnecessary, or just depressing, we just don’t want to teach them! I’m sure you know exactly what topics you would skip over if you could and you are not alone, teacher friend! Sam Holcomb of Engineer Does Education is joining me today to chat about our least favorite topics to teach.
Be sure to reach out to your secondary science teacher friend and encourage them to join you in the FREE Podcast PD! It’s the perfect way to get your teacher friends together and take in some bite-sized PD episodes all summer!
Resources Mentioned:
- Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD
- Sam’s Energy Hero Project
- Sam’s Current Event Project
- Grab the Photosynthesis Relay Activity
- Watch the City of the Future Video
- Get the Human Impact Project
- Grab Rebeca’s FREE Children’s Book Project
- Simple Systems with Sam - Ep. 2: Delegate Tasks: Is it really yours?
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Connect with Sam:
- Listen to her Podcast
- Shop her TpT Store
- Follow her on Instagram
- Check out her YouTube Channel
- http://engineerdoeseducation.com/episode-2/
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode78
Are you an email addict feeling like you need to constantly be checking your inbox and responding immediately to anything that comes in? Guilty!! I like to think of myself as a recovering email addict. For years, I let email take way too much of my time and energy that I should have been focusing on other things.
I want to help you break away from the constant email checking so you can have a much healthier outlook on your work email as you head into summer! In this episode, I’m debunking 5 lies you might be believing about your work email and 5 practical ways you can combat them so you can spend your time focusing on more important things. Plus, I’m sharing some of my favorite tools to help with limiting the time you spend in your inbox!
If you have a teacher friend who needs some help setting email boundaries, share this episode with them! Better yet, send them the FREE Podcast PDso they can join in on all the goodness that’s coming this summer!
Resources:
- Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD
- Inbox When Ready for Gmail™
- How to Record Calls on Google Voice
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
For all resources mentioned, head to the show notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode77
If you’re anything like me, you want to just make it through the last couple weeks of school and say GOODBYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE to another school year! But, before you close up your classroom for the summer, I encourage you to take a few minutes to reflect on the school year and ask yourself, “How did I do?”
In this episode, I’m sharing six questions to ask yourself to help you reflect on the year. Once you reflect on these questions, WRITE them out and put them in your pencil drawer or paper clip them to your planner so when you return in August, it is the first thing that you see!
Remember to grab the calendar for the next few months of our FREE Podcast PDand share it with a science teacher friend and encourage them to join you in a summer filled with practical, relevant, and SIMPLIFIED PD.
Resources Mentioned:
- Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
For all resources mentioned, head to the show notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode76
Get out your big black trash bags and label makers, because it’s time for an end of year classroom cleanout! If cleaning out your classroom causes immediate overwhelm (or dread if you’re also tackling the supply closet 🤢) don’t worry, I’ve got you covered.
Simple systems are my love language, and over the years I’ve managed to get cleaning out a classroom down to a science. In this episode, I’ll will walk you through exactly how to handle your end of year classroom cleanout in a stress-free way. I know you’re ready for summer, but I promise if you take the time to do this well, your future self will thank you!
Do you know a secondary science teacher friend who you want to join you in the FREE Podcast PD? Get your teacher friends together, hold each other accountable, and take action on these bite-sized PD episodes all summer!
Resources Mentioned:
- Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD
- Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: Rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Grab your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge!
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
For all resources mentioned, head to the show notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode75
We are kicking off our Summer Podcast PD with a topic I get asked about most - LABS! There is so much to cover when it comes to labs and how to simplify them. But let’s be honest, you likely aren’t in the headspace at this point of the school year to strategize about how to simplify your lab days. So today, I am sharing the one thing you can do NOW to help simplify every future lab day.
In today’s episode, I am walking you through, step by step, how to audit your current labs so you have all the information you need to improve your labs and ensure you are doing the right labs! Be sure to grab the FREE lab audit sheet to help you audit your labs.
Do you know a secondary science teacher friend who you want to join you in the FREE Podcast PD? Get your teacher friends together, hold each other accountable, and take action on these bite sized PD episodes all summer!
Resources Mentioned:
- Grab the FREE Lab Audit Here
- Sign up for the Summer Podcast PD Series
- Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist
- Send me a DM on Instagram:@its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Grab your Classroom Reset Challenge
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
For all resources mentioned, head to the show notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode74
Happy teacher appreciation week, my friend! I truly hope that you are being celebrated and shown how much you are appreciated this week! Unfortunately, I know that Teacher Appreciation Week doesn’t always go the way that we hope it would. Sometimes, how we are shown “appreciation” is simply unbelievable and today, we are hearing some stories from listeners about their ridiculous teacher appreciation gifts.
I want you to know that you ARE appreciated for all your efforts! So to show my appreciation, I am offering 10% off the It’s Not Rocket Science resource shop for the month of May using code MAYPOD10. This code is stackable so you can use it in addition to any other codes! PLUS, I am doing FREE PD all summer on the podcast! Each week, I’ll be sharing practical, actionable, and specific PD on the Secondary Science Simplified podcast so you can take the information to prepare for next year. I am so excited to share this with you starting next week!
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode73
Resources Mentioned:
- Grab your calendar and notes sheet for the FREE Summer PD on the podcast
- Shop the It’s Not Rocket Science Shop with code MAYPOD10
- Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: Rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Grab your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge!
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
The end of the year is fast approaching which means that benchmark and EOC exams will be here soon. If you’re anything like me, you HATE reviewing! If you dread review days as much as I do, I have some ideas and tips to help make them a little less painful for you. Today, I am sharing 4 tips for review strategies for your upcoming EOC and benchmark exams.
End of the year exams can be incredibly stressful for students and for teachers as student performance can impact your job. I want to help reduce the stress of preparing your students for these exams by sharing tips to simplify this year’s test prep and review. In this episode, I am sharing 2 tips for if you are working on a team and 2 tips for all secondary science teachers. We are diving into how to divide and conquer review topics, the benefits of rotating teachers/students, why you should prepare with as many practice problems as possible, and how to effectively use review stations.
Let me know if you’ll be using any of the tips I shared today. I love it and feel so encouraged when you send me a DM on Instagram and share the podcast with others!
Resources Mentioned:
- Giant Sticky Notes to use in review stations
- Biology Vocabulary Review Game
- Anatomy and Physiology Vocabulary Review Game
- Physical Science Vocabulary Review Game
- Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist
- Send me a DM on Instagram:@its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Grab your Classroom Reset Challenge
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode72
Working with difficult admin or difficult coworkers can make or break a teaching position. Last episode, my high school chemistry teacher Zach Matson joined us to talk all about dealing with difficult parents. He is joining us again today to share all about his experience and insight into dealing with difficult admin and coworkers.
Talking with Zach is always so incredible, entertaining, and helpful! In his 20+ years of teaching, he has experienced some difficult situations that he is sharing to help other teachers who may be working with challenging admin or coworkers. In this episode, we are discussing, working with difficult coworkers and in PLCs, advice for how to know when it’s time to move on because of difficult admin, tips for what to look for in admin when interviewing, and his advice for new teachers. We covered so much information in this episode and I know you are going to love this conversation as much as I did!
Resources Mentioned:
- Check out Zach’s YouTube Channel, Matson Chemistry
- Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist
- Send me a DM on Instagram:@its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Grab your Classroom Reset Challenge
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode71
Dealing with difficult parents can be one of the worst things about teaching secondary science. So many of us would love advice on how to handle challenging situations, what to say when issues arise, or how to stop taking things personally from teachers who have been there and figured it out. That is one of the reasons I brought my high school chemistry teacher, Zach Matson, back on the podcast!
Zach is a 20 year teaching veteran who is full of amazing insight and advice for high school science teachers and today, he is talking all about dealing with difficult parents. He has had his share of difficult parents over the course of his career and he is sharing some great advice and tips for handling these situations. In this episode, we are talking about how to handle emails from difficult parents, setting boundaries, how to deal with a potentially failing student, and what he has done in cheating situations.
Zach will be back again next week talking about admin and coworkers. Be sure to follow or subscribe to the Secondary Science Simplified podcast wherever you listen so you don’t miss it!
Resources Mentioned:
- Check out Zach’s YouTube Channel, Matson Chemistry
- Send me a voice recording for the “Teacher Appreciation Week Gone Wrong” episode
- Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist
- Send me a DM on Instagram:@its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Grab your Classroom Reset Challenge
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode70
I want to hear your BEST "WORST" stories! If you've ever received of a not-so-great teacher appreciation week gift, send me a DM on Instagram @its.not.rocket.science or email me your story at rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com. I'll be sharing these stories anonymously in an upcoming episode!
Admin support can completely make or break your job as a secondary science teacher. As high school science teachers, we have so much on our plates already - planning, prepping labs, grading, teaching how many preps, pressure from parents, etc. Without support from admin, this job can be even more challenging. So how can you get support from admin? ASK! That’s right, you need to actually ask for what you need and ask in an effective way.
I spent my first few years struggling because I was afraid to ask my admin for what I needed to effectively teach my classes. I learned the hard way that I needed help and I needed to ask my admin for that help. I also learned a few things along the way about asking for support from admin and I’m sharing those lessons with you so you can confidently ask your admin for support.
In this episode, we are covering why you need to ask for help, my best tips for how to ask your admin, and ways admin can support you that do not cost money. As always, if something is holding you back from asking your admin for help, reach out to me and I’d LOVE to empower you to ask for the support and resources you need!
There is still time to submit your stories for the Teacher Appreciation Week gone wrong episode!. Please DM or send me a voice recording about a time when you received a “gift” or “treat” for Teacher Appreciation Week that we just wouldn’t believe. I’ll be giving away five $10 TpT gift cards to people who share with us. I can’t wait to hear all your stories!
Resources Mentioned:
- Send me a voice recording for the “Teacher Appreciation Week Gone Wrong” episode
- Overview of It’s Not Rocket Science Biology Curriculum for Admin
- Overview of It’s Not Rocket Science Anatomy Curriculum for Admin
- Overview It’s Not Rocket Science Physical Science Curriculum for Admin
- Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist
- Send me a DM on Instagram:@its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Grab your Classroom Reset Challenge
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode69
I want to hear your BEST "WORST" stories! If you've ever received of a not-so-great teacher appreciation week gift, send me a DM on Instagram @its.not.rocket.science or email me your story at rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com. I'll be sharing these stories anonymously in an upcoming episode!
It’s contract season! Have you received your teacher contract for next year yet? If not, it will likely be coming soon and regardless of if you are staying or not, you may be feeling a lot of emotions. If you are on the fence about staying in your current position or leaving, I strongly suggest you think through it in a neutral way without letting fear or exhaustion make the decision for you. One way to do this is to look closely through your teacher contract and determine if it best serves you in this season.
Being a teacher these past few years has been incredibly challenging which has led many teachers to question whether they should return to teaching next year, stay in their current position, or try switching schools. When I left teaching in early 2020, I too had to make tough decisions and one thing that helped to make my decision to leave was looking through my contract. If you are unsure what to do next year, I want to help you by talking you through four things to consider when evaluating your teacher contract. Today, we are taking a close look at requirements vs. expectations, school and district culture, financial implications, and considering where you are in your current season of life.
We have been covering some hard topics lately and I would love to be able to give us all a much-needed laugh, but I need YOUR help! For Teacher Appreciation Week, I would love to do an episode on Teacher Appreciation Week gone wrong. Please DM or send me a voice recording about a time when you received a “gift” or “treat” for Teacher Appreciation Week that we just wouldn’t believe. I’ll be giving away five $10 TpT gift cards to people who share with us. I can’t wait to hear all your stories!
Resources Mentioned:
- Send me a voice recording for the “Teacher Appreciation Week Gone Wrong episode
- Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist
- Send me a DM on Instagram:@its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Grab your Classroom Reset Challenge
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode68
You know I am always here to support you and want to see you thrive in the classroom! I know, however, that even with all the tips, advice, and resources I share, you may still be considering whether or not being in the classroom is the best choice for you. If that’s where you currently find yourself, I want you to feel supported, too. That’s why I am so excited that our guest today, Teacher Career Coach, Daphne Gomez, is here to share some amazing advice for you.
It’s that time of year when contracts start coming out and you are deciding what your plans are for next year. You may be set on staying in your current role or you may be considering other options. If you are thinking of exiting the classroom but are unsure where to start, Daphne’s got you! She is sharing what led her to leave the classroom, specific indicators of if it is time to make a shift, examples of types of careers teachers can transition into, advice for what to do if you are ready to leave or starting to consider it, and how she helps teachers who are looking to transition out of teaching.
Resources:
- Free Career Quiz
- Teacher Career Coach Course
- Free Month Trial of LinkedIn Learning
- Building a Second Brain Book
- Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist
- Send me a DM on Instagram:@its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Grab your Classroom Reset Challenge
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode67
Are you unsure if you want to teach in a public school or a private school next year? In my experience, there are definitely differences between the two and pros and cons to both and finding which school is the best fit for you is so important. So today, I am sharing tips that I have learned from my experience in both public and private schools to help you wherever you end up next year.
I want to help you THRIVE and not just survive in whatever school you teach at so I am sharing my best advice for teaching at private schools and public schools. In this episode, I am giving you 10 tips for teaching in a private school, 10 quick tips for teaching in a public school, and how these tips helped me while teaching at different schools.
No matter where you end up teaching next year, I truly believe the most important thing about your happiness and job satisfaction is the support you receive. I hope you find a school that you have good support from your admin, parents, and coworkers and that fits well with your current season of life!
Be sure to follow the Secondary Science Simplified podcast on your favorite podcast player! We have some amazing episodes coming up that you do not want to miss!
Resources:
- FREE Parent Communication Log
- Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist
- Send me a DM on Instagram:@its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Grab your Classroom Reset Challenge
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode66
Contract season is quickly approaching, meaning soon, you’ll have to decide if you will return to the same school next year or look for someplace new. If you’re unsure if you will sign or not, I want to help you make this decision. I am sharing 10 things to take into consideration when you are deciding whether to stay at your current school or look for a new school.
We are all aware that every school has its issues and that no school is perfect. We also know that every school is very different. That is why I think it’s important to reevaluate whether to stay or move on every couple of years so you can decide if where you’re at is serving you and what’s most important to you in your current season.
All schools have their downfalls but I think it’s so important to find a place where you feel supported in your current season of life. That means it may be time to look at your family and priorities and weigh the positives and negatives of staying or leaving your school.
If you have any specific questions about this conversation or need support in this decision-making process, PLEASE REACH OUT on Instagram or by email! I am here for you!
Resources Mentioned:
- Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Grab your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge!
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode65
Quarter 3 is a doozy! There is definitely an energy shift after winter break and both students and teachers feel it. Everyone is just drained. So how are we going to get through the rest of the school year and re-engage our students? I’ve got 5 tips to help re-engage your students and YOU in quarter 3.
Spring break and the end of the school year seem so far away. We and our students are likely just going through the motions at this point in the school year which means now is the perfect time to make some changes and get them engaged and excited for your class again.
You may be thinking that you just don’t have the time or energy to figure out ways to re-engage them but the good news is that you can get them enthusiastic without a ton of extra work on your part.In this episode, I am sharing why you should be connecting with them on a personal level, how a change of scenery can be beneficial, the importance of giving them autonomy, and how to get inspired to do what is FUN!
If you tune in and like what you hear on the podcast, I would be so grateful if you would leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. It’s so encouraging to me to read your reviews and it helps other science teachers find the show!
Resources Mentioned:
- Physical Science Independent Research Project
- Biology Independent Research Project
- Anatomy Independent Research Project
- Ecosystem in a Bottle Project: An Inquiry-Based Ecological Investigation
- Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist
- Flinn Scientific (POGIL)
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Grab your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge!
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode64
Students and teachers with ADHD have unique struggles and challenges when it comes to work and school tasks. Whether you are a teacher who has ADHD or you have students who have ADHD, understanding how different strategies may help can be incredibly beneficial. I am no expert in ADHD so I am so grateful that Bri Plyler is joining us today to share some amazing information on ADHD in the secondary science classroom.
We all likely know someone who has ADHD, diagnosed or not, so having a better understanding of how it may affect people and strategies to help is so important. In this episode, Bri is sharing her career history and background, some ADHD markers, actionable tips for teachers and students with ADHD, and recommendations specifically for helping secondary science teachers tackle everything on their plate.
Resources Mentioned:
- Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist
- ADHD Symptom Checker
- Classroom Visual Timers
- TimeTimer
- Check out Michelle Brosseau’s grading video
- Loop Earplugs
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Grab your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge!
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode63
How are we supposed to have a work/life balance when we have a million things to do on a daily basis and a 45 minute (or 90 minute if you’re lucky!) planning time to get them all done? Finding ways to have the most productive planning period possible is essential to working only your contracted hours and having a life outside of work. If you’re not sure where to start, I’m sharing my 5 best tips for optimizing your planning period so work can stay at work.
At one point, I was working about 60 hours a week. 60 hours! Once I figured out how to maximize the effectiveness of my planning period, I was able to cut down my working hours to only my contracted time and finally have the work/life balance I needed.
If you’re ready to take control of your planning period and use the little time you have to the fullest, I have some tips for you! I am giving you 5 specific things you can do TODAY to maximize the effectiveness of your planning period. I am sharing how to shut out external distractions, what to do to avoid wasting this time on things that will throw off your focus, how to force yourself to focus on what needs to be done, and what to do to ensure you are getting everything that needs to be done, done. These tips are super easy to implement and can help you be more productive right away!
Resources Mentioned:
- Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist
- Weekly Planning Note Pad
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscience.com
- Grab your Classroom Reset Challenge
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode62
Many of us are looking ahead to the end of the school year because we are just burnt out. The last thing we want to think about is coming up with or preparing demos for our classes. I get it! That is one of the reasons I am so excited to have who I consider to be the “Demo Queen” joining us today. Prepare to be inspired, brecause Dr. Erica Colón, from @nittygrittyscience, is here to share her tips and insights with us about demos and so much more!
Erica has so much great advice for new and veteran teachers. In this episode, she is sharing her background and experience, why she started Nitty Gritty Science Jr., misconceptions about demos, advice on rethinking demos, and what she wishes she could go back and do differently as a new teacher.
Resources Mentioned:
- Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist
- FREEBIE: Valentine’s themed high school science activities
- A category in my store of ALL my complete units
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscience.com
- Grab your Classroom Reset Challenge
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode61
It’s almost Valentine’s Day so I knew I needed to share with you all about love at first sight! It may be a bit cheesy, but when I was first introduced to teaching with packets, I knew it was love at first sight and I’ve never looked back.
In this episode, I am sharing all the information you need to decide if teaching with packets is something you want to try with your classes. I am diving into what packets are and what is included in these packets, what teaching with packets looks like, ten reasons I absolutely love teaching with packets, and what resources can help you to create your own packets.
Be sure to grab your FREE Valentine’s Day themed high school science activities! These activities are perfect for engaging your students in a fun and worthwhile learning experience. There is one activity specifically for each subject - biology, anatomy, physics, and chemistry. Grab them today and send me a DM or email me at rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com when you use them with your students! I love to hear from you all when you use these free resources!
Resources Mentioned:
- Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist
- FREEBIE: Valentine’s themed high school science activities
- A category in my store of ALL my complete units
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscience.com
- Grab your Classroom Reset Challenge
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode60
We hear about teacher burnout all. the. time. You may even be feeling burnout and exhaustion right now. You are not alone, teacher friend! Whether you feel completely burned out or if you’re just feeling a little blah at this point in the year, our guest, Amber Harper of the Burned In Teacher is here to help!
We’ve been talking about scheduling rest and aligning your expectations with your current season of life but maybe you are still feeling overwhelmed and exhausted. You are not alone and there are ways that you can navigate your way out of burnout.
Amber is so encouraging to those of us feeling burnout and really challenges us to think more deeply about where we are. She is sharing her burnout story, what led her to leave the classroom and come back, what it means to be a Burned-In teacher, and advice for how to take action to change yourself and navigate your way out of burnout.
Amber Harper is a long-time educator, author, speaker, and podcaster. She’s the founder of www.burnedinteacher.com and author of Hacking Teacher Burnout which gives struggling teachers a path to follow as they navigate their way out of burnout. Amber is a Teacher Burnout Coach working with educators to help them grow through their burnout and take their next, best steps toward what they want from their career in education and in life.
If you find yourself feeling burned out and overwhelmed, join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist. I created this course specifically for the overwhelmed and burned out teacher and would love to have you next time the course opens so we can help you reduce the overwhelm.
Resources Mentioned:
- Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist
- Grab your Classroom Reset Challenge
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode59
Oh, the second half of the school year. Making it to the end of the school year may seem like a daunting task to you. I get it! But what if you spent the next few months thriving instead of just surviving? Today, we are doing some midyear reflections by taking a look at the expectations we have for ourselves as teachers and digging into four areas of our work life that we can reset to make the rest of the school year the best it can be.
In this episode, we are talking about why you need to be reflecting on your current season, how to look at your classroom procedures and revamp them if needed, why you should give your teaching space a reset, what a time audit is and why you should do one, and how to look at your grading practices and determine if they need to be changed. Now is a great time to make changes in your work life and I challenge you to reflect on what you are currently doing and see if it aligns with your current season of life!
Don't forget to download the free Classroom Reset Challenge to help you make the most of your midyear reflections!
Resources Mentioned:
- Grab your Classroom Reset Challenge
- Episode 4. Engaging Your Students - In the First 5 Minutes of Class
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode58
As we are getting into the second half of the school year, are you noticing a difference in your energy and priorities compared to the beginning of the school year? Maybe there’s something new going on in your life or you’re entering a different phase with parents or your children. As we move from season to season, it is so important to recognize where we’re at and respect how living in that season may look different than just a few months before.
You know I love “The Lazy Genius Way” by Kendra Adachi and have shared some great takeaways from the book in previous episodes. One thing she really focuses on is living in your current season and giving it all your attention without rushing through. This really hit home last year as me and my family went through new seasons every few months as we added another baby to the family. This idea is something that really helped me and I knew I needed to share it with you!
Whether you are moving, pregnant or coming back from maternity leave, having a spouse start a new job, or are going through other changes within your family, taking a look at your current season will help you determine reasonable expectations for living in this season. In this episode, we are looking at what to consider in your current season, how to live with respect to nature’s seasons, and why it’s so important to match your expectations with your current season.
Resources:
- “The Lazy Genius Way” Book
- The Lazy Genius Podcast
- The Lazy Genius on Instagram @thelazygenius
- The Marriage Journal
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode57
Do you actively schedule time for rest or are you running at full speed 24/7? We often get so caught up in doing as much as possible and having everything scheduled out that we don’t leave any time to rest. Let’s be honest, that isn’t healthy or sustainable. So today, we’re talking about why you need to schedule rest and how to actually do it when you feel like you have absolutely zero time.
I’ve previously shared how much I took away from reading “The Lazy Genius Way” by Kendra Adachi. One thing she discusses is scheduling rest and I think this is so, so important! We aren’t meant to be going nonstop with no time to recharge. I want to be sure you’re taking the time you need to rest so I am sharing why it is so important to actually schedule rest, how to schedule rest, and what to consider when you are scheduling time to rest into your schedule.
- “The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry” Book
- “The Lazy Genius Way” Book
- The Lazy Genius Podcast
- The Lazy Genius on Instagram @thelazygenius
- The Marriage Journal
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode56
New year, new goals! That’s what we always hear, right? For some, this goal setting energy is exhilarating but for others, it’s just exhausting! Whatever your feelings are about new year goal setting, I have a three step approach to goal setting for this year that will make it seem much more manageable.
I recently read “The Lazy Genius Way” by Kendra Adachi and it totally inspired me! I used what I took away from that book to create a realistic approach to setting goals so that I actually follow through with them and I am sharing that approach with you.
I am sharing the importance of focusing on what really matters to you when you set your goal, why you should start small, and how focusing your goals on your life instead of your job is the best way to go about setting goals.
Resources Mentioned:
- Join the email list for access to the Cheer for the New Year event!
- “The Lazy Genius Way” Book
- The Lazy Genius Podcast
- The Lazy Genius on Instagram @thelazygenius
- Grab your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge!
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode55
We are one year into the Secondary Science Simplified podcast and I am SO GRATEFUL for each and every one of you! To wrap up year 1 of the show, I wanted to do a recap of favorite episodes from 2022.
We’ve covered so many different topics this year and have had some amazing guests on the show! There were a few episodes that were my absolute favorites that I knew I needed to share with you all again and, luckily, my favorites were listener favorites as well! Today, we are looking back at five personal and listener favorite episodes of Secondary Science Simplified. We are revisiting the “Best Episodes of 2022” including episodes on the importance of Prime Times, advice for new science teachers, mistakes to avoid at the beginning of the year, keeping things in perspective when teaching, and a beginning of the year pep talk.
I absolutely love hearing from you about the show and getting requests on topics to cover. Please keep the feedback and requests coming by sending me a DM on Instagram!
Be sure to join my email list because next week starts the Cheer for the New Year event! This is a week of daily deals on It’s Not Rocket Science resources EXCLUSIVELY for my email list. It is the only sale I do outside of the quarterly sitewide TpT sales and this event gives you the biggest discounts of the year. So join the list and be sure to watch your email every day starting January 1st for some incredible deals on resources.
Resources Mentioned:
- Join the email list for access to the Cheer for the New Year event!
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode54
Did this year fly by for anybody else? I cannot believe it’s winter break and we’re already at the end of 2022! Winter break is a time to rest, recharge, and have fun. One of my best friends, Lauren Tingle of the Counselor Clique, is here today and bringing great advice and some laughter to all of us to wrap up the year. She is talking life hacks, self-care, teacher-counselor partnerships, and so much more!
You know how much I love giving you tips to help simplify your life inside the classroom so I thought it would be perfect for us to share ways to simplify your life outside of the classroom as well. In this episode, Lauren and I are talking a bit about school related topics like what it’s like working with friends, why teachers should partner with counselors, Lauren’s best and worst experiences with teachers, and the importance of setting boundaries.
Since most of you are on break right now, we wanted to share tips to help you rest and recharge during breaks, life hacks that will serve your future self, and 3 things that are saving our lives right now and may help simplify your life as well!
Resources Mentioned:
- Lazy Genius Podcast
- Beef Liver Vitamins
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode53
Confession time: One of my biggest regrets from my time spent in the classroom is assigning homework over school breaks.
Not only did I assign homework over breaks, but sometimes I would even assign projects to cover things we couldn’t get to in class (cringe!). As I spent more time in the classroom, I started to really reflect on my teaching practices and realized assigning work over breaks was not beneficial to me or my students. Today, we’re digging into why you should not assign work over breaks.
Resources Mentioned:
- FREEBIE: Winter Activities for High School Science
- Genetic Disorder Research Project
- Grab your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge!
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode52
Winter break is quickly approaching! Unfortunately, that means that midterm exams are as well. Most of us are required to give some sort of midterm exam and although scantrons are fast and easy, as we’re thinking of all the exams we have to grade, there may be alternatives that better serve our students. Today, I am sharing 5 ideas for using an alternative midterm exam with your secondary science students.
At this point in the year, you (and your students) are likely feeling pretty burned out. The thought of a long midterm exam is exhausting to everyone. This is the perfect time to try an alternative midterm exam that will assess your students’ learning in a fun and authentic way!
Resources Mentioned:
- FREEBIE: Winter Activities for High School Science
- Biology Midterm and Final Exam
- Anatomy Midterm and Final Exam
- Physical Science Midterm and Final Exam
- FREE Design a Children’s Book Project
- Teach the Class! Project
- Biology Independent Research Project
- Anatomy Independent Research Project
- Physical Science Independent Research Project
- Energy Flow Unit
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode51
It’s finally here! It’s the 50th episode of Secondary Science Simplified and to celebrate, I’m answering all of your burning questions. I am so excited to answer every single question you sent in.
I absolutely love connecting with you all and answering your questions. That is why I knew I needed to do an “Ask Me Anything” episode and you all did not disappoint! In this episode, I am answering all your questions from what I’m currently doing, curriculum writing, advice for first year and student teachers, classroom management, labs, and maternity leave, to who my favorite Instagram follows are and my most regrettable fashion choices.
I am so grateful to share the 50th episode of Secondary Science Simplified! To celebrate, we are doing a GIVEAWAY! The lucky winner will receive a $100 gift card to the It’s Not Rocket Science resource shop! To enter, leave a review for the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, take a screenshot, and DM it to me on Instagram @its.not.rocket.science. Winner will be selected on December 1st, 2022.
Don’t miss out on saving up to 25% on It’s Not Rocket Science resources in my resource shop or in the TpT store. The Cyber Monday sale runs Monday, November 26, 2022 and Tuesday, November 27, 2022. Go grab the resources you’ve been eyeing up to help simplify your science classes!
Resources Mentioned:
- Shop the sale in my resource shop
- Shop the sale on TpT
- Join the SECONDARY SCIENCE SIMPLIFIED™️ Professional Development Course Waitlist
- Follow Naptime Kitchen on Instagram
- Follow Busy Toddler on Instagram
- Follow Created Colorful on Instagram
- Follow The Car Mom in Instagram
- Follow Kalin Sheick on Instagram
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode50
It’s finally here! It’s the 50th episode of Secondary Science Simplified and to celebrate, I’m answering all of your burning questions. I am so excited to answer every single question you sent in.
I absolutely love connecting with you all and answering your questions. That is why I knew I needed to do an “Ask Me Anything” episode and you all did not disappoint! In this episode, I am answering all your questions from what I’m currently doing, curriculum writing, advice for first year and student teachers, classroom management, labs, and maternity leave, to who my favorite Instagram follows are and my most regrettable fashion choices.
I am so grateful to share the 50th episode of Secondary Science Simplified! To celebrate, we are doing a GIVEAWAY! The lucky winner will receive a $100 gift card to the It’s Not Rocket Science resource shop! To enter, leave a review for the podcast wherever you listen to podcasts, take a screenshot, and DM it to me on Instagram @its.not.rocket.science. Winner will be selected on December 1st, 2022.
Don’t miss out on saving up to 25% on It’s Not Rocket Science resources in my resource shop or in the TpT store. The Cyber Monday sale runs Monday, November 26, 2022 and Tuesday, November 27, 2022. Go grab the resources you’ve been eyeing up to help simplify your science classes!
Resources Mentioned:
- Shop the sale in my resource shop
- Shop the sale on TpT
- Join the SECONDARY SCIENCE SIMPLIFIED™️ Professional Development Course Waitlist
- Follow Naptime Kitchen on Instagram
- Follow Busy Toddler on Instagram
- Follow Created Colorful on Instagram
- Follow The Car Mom in Instagram
- Follow Kalin Sheick on Instagram
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode50
Going through different seasons of life and experiences will definitely change your perspective on teaching. From teaching in a classroom with no windows, sinks, or up-to-date posters to display to taking maternity leave during a sub shortage, our guest today has had a wide range of experiences that have influenced her mindset around teaching. I am so excited to have @the_weird_science_teacher, Rachael Lasky, with us today!
Rachael has such great experience when it comes to teaching middle school science and is sharing amazing wisdom on using visuals for teaching, work/life balance, and so much more! This episode is full of excellent insight, especially for middle school science teachers. Rachael is sharing why she loves teaching middle school science, her experiences and advice for taking maternity leave at the beginning of the school year, how she uses visuals in her lessons, and advice for middle school teachers.
Resources Mentioned:
- Science Scaffolded Notes/Anchor Charts: DNA and Genetics
- Anchor Charts: Identifying Variables
- SECONDARY SCIENCE SIMPLIFIED™️ Professional Development Course
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode49
It seems we never have enough time to do what we want to do in our class periods. How are we supposed to get labs, demos, lectures, assessments, and more squeezed into a 45 or 90 minute class? The answer: Reclaim your precious class time! You may be wondering how in the world you can do that, so today, I am sharing 5 simple changes you can make so you can cover all that you need to.
If you are looking at everything you need to get through and aren’t sure when you’ll have time to do it all, this episode is for you! I am giving you practical and simple changes you can make in your classroom to reclaim your valuable class time. I am sharing the three places time is most often wasted, how procedures are key to reduce wasted time, why you should have an agenda on your whiteboard, the power of timers and bells, and how an efficient turn-in system is a game-changer.
It is amazing how much time you can reclaim by implementing these five tips! I want to hear about what you try and how it goes. Send me a message on Instagram and share what changes you are making and if they are helping you!
Resources Mentioned:
- FREEBIE: Anatomy of a Class Period Lesson Plan
- Purchase the Bell I Use Here
- SECONDARY SCIENCE SIMPLIFIED™️ Professional Development Course
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode48
How can we make learning more natural and more meaningful for our students? Simply put, learning happens best through asking questions and making mistakes. If you’re thinking about your classes and realizing that your students aren’t asking many questions and are afraid to make mistakes, this episode is packed with tips for you about how to move students to the center of their learning!
We are quickly approaching the “Ask me Anything” 50th episode of Secondary Science Simplified! I want to answer any question that you have - nothing is off limits! Submit your questions by DM-ing me on Instagram or send me an email to rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com with the subject line “Questions for Episode 50” by NOVEMBER 8th.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode47
Resources Mentioned:
- SECONDARY SCIENCE SIMPLIFIED™️ Professional Development Course
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
STEM is so important to teach our students to create lifelong learners and problem solvers. Integrating STEM into secondary science classes doesn’t need to be overwhelming or stressful thanks to @Science.Bae, Dr. Sarah Habibi! She is joining us today to give us some insight on STEAM and how we can teach it in our classes.
We are so lucky to have Dr. Sarah Habibi join us today to share her experiences and knowledge! She is sharing all about her unique career journey, why we should teach STEM to our students, how to integrate STEM and STEAM into our secondary classrooms, why she loves teaching on social media, and simple ways to incorporate STEM at home.
Sarah is so enthusiastic and encouraging when it comes to teaching STEAM! You’ll walk away from this episode feeling fired up and inspired to incorporate more STEAM in your classroom and at home.
Dr. Sarah Habibi is a molecular biologist, educator, digital content creator, and new mom to her son Noah. Sarah uses the power of social media to promote experimentation in STEAM and enhance student learning, through her popular page Science Bae on Instagram and TikTok. Sarah uses her 4+ years of teaching and curriculum development experience, Bachelor of Education Degree, PhD in molecular biology, and Ontario Certified Teacher (OCT) designation to make her teaching educational, accessible, and engaging.
To celebrate the 50th episode of Secondary Science Simplified, I am doing an “Ask me Anything” episode! This is your chance to ask me any question at all! Submit any question you have by DM-ing me on Instagram or send me an email to rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com with the subject line “Questions for Episode 50” before NOVEMBER 8th.
Resources Mentioned:
- FREE STEM Activity Package: www.sarahhabibi.com/free
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode46
Using phenomena is a great way to engage your students but it can be so overwhelming trying to figure out what to do or how to get started. If you’re using NGSS or other standards that utilize phenomena, but are struggling to incorporate them in a meaningful way, I’m going to break it down for you! In this episode, we’re diving into engaging students through phenomena.
Resources Mentioned:
- Next Generation Science Standards
- It’s Not Rocket Science Units
- Biology everyday phenomenon: Cancer Statistics
- Biology anchoring phenomenon: Comparing Genetics
- Ecosystem in a Bottle investigation
- Support and motion unit
- Anatomy everyday phenomena: Wellness Trends
- Anatomy everyday phenomena: Heart Health
- Antibiotic Resistance Lab
- Matter Unit
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
I want to hear from you! We are coming up on our 50th episode! To celebrate, I am doing an “ask me anything” episode where no topic is off limits. Submit any question you have by DM-ing me on Instagram or send me an email to rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode45
Managing large classes can be a challenge but engaging small classes can be equally as difficult. If you are struggling with engaging your small class, you’re not alone! I’ve been there twice (teaching class periods with only 6 students!) and today, I’m sharing what I’ve learned about engaging small classes.
Trying to keep the excitement and energy up in a small class isn’t easy and finding ways to do activities without enough students is challenging.
So in this episode, I am sharing my four BEST tips for helping you engage your small classes. We are covering why you should lighten up when you’re teaching a small class, the power of discussion and how it helps build a culture that encourages questions, how to use unique rewards as a means of motivation, and what to do when you just don’t have enough bodies for labs.
Don’t forget to grab your Halloween-themed FREEBIE for biology, anatomy, chemistry, and physics!
Resources Mentioned:
- FREEBIE: Halloween-themed resources
- Photosynthesis Activity - Class Relay
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode44
If you’re looking at your class roster and feeling absolutely overwhelmed by the crazy numbers you are seeing, you’re not alone! I am seeing so many teachers saying they have 30+ students in their science classes and they have no idea how to make teaching, let alone labs, with that many students, work.
If you are one of the teachers that has too many students in your science class, this episode is for you! I’m sharing six tips I’ve learned on how to manage large class sizes. We are going to cover why you should arrange desks into pods, how seating charts are crucial to managing large classes, why you need to include small group work into your lessons, how to use stations for labs with large classes, the importance of procedures, and how to use my favorite whole-classroom management strategy. Plus, I am giving you practical ways to incorporate each one of these tips!
Don’t forget to grab your Halloween-themed FREEBIE for biology, anatomy, chemistry, and physics!
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode43
Are you stuck teaching a class or a grade that you absolutely hate teaching? You’re not alone! I’ve been there and so have many other teachers.
It can be such a struggle to make it through the year when you don’t want to teach the classes you’re assigned to teach. But perspective and a plan can make getting through the school year a little easier.
In today’s episode, I am talking all about what to do when you hate what you’re teaching. I’m covering my experience teaching a grade that I hated, four pieces of advice for what to do, why talking with admin is so important, and what to do if admin isn’t willing to work with you on what you want to teach. I’m also covering what to look for in great admin and three things you can do to help make it through this school year.
This episode was inspired by an email I received from a teacher and I would LOVE to do an episode on a topic that would benefit you or that would answer a question you have! If you are struggling with something or have a question, chances are there are many others who do as well. DM me on Instagram and let me know what you want to hear!
Resources Mentioned:
- FREEBIE: Halloween-themed resources
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode42
You know that building relationships with your students is crucial. You know it leads to more memorable learning experiences but you aren’t quite sure how to build that relationship with all of your 100+ students. Today, I am giving you some of my favorite tips for building solid relationships with students.
We all know building relationships is foundational for reaching every learner but building these relationships doesn’t have to be exhausting! In this episode, I am sharing four practical tips to start building relationships with your students today, how to easily and realistically implement these tips, and how I found time to support students in extracurriculars pre and post-kids.
Looking back, my most memorable learning experiences were the ones where I knew my teachers cared about me as a person, not just my grade. Building strong relationships shows our students that we care about them, we want them to succeed, and we are rooting for them!
Do you have a tip on how to keep every learning engaged that you would love to share on the podcast? I have decided to keep the submission form open and would LOVE to hear your tips! You can find all the details for submitting your tips here.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode:
https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode41
You know that building relationships with your students is crucial. You know it leads to more memorable learning experiences but you aren’t quite sure how to build that relationship with all of your 100+ students. Today, I am giving you some of my favorite tips for building solid relationships with students.
We all know building relationships is foundational for reaching every learner but building these relationships doesn’t have to be exhausting! In this episode, I am sharing four practical tips to start building relationships with your students today, how to easily and realistically implement these tips, and how I found time to support students in extracurriculars pre and post-kids.
Looking back, my most memorable learning experiences were the ones where I knew my teachers cared about me as a person, not just my grade. Building strong relationships shows our students that we care about them, we want them to succeed, and we are rooting for them!
Do you have a tip on how to keep every learning engaged that you would love to share on the podcast? I have decided to keep the submission form open and would LOVE to hear your tips! You can find all the details for submitting your tips here.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode:
https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode41
As teachers, we know how important it is to reach every student that walks into our classroom. But how do we go about doing that when there is such a diverse group of students in every class? Today, I am sharing 4 tips on how to reach every learner in your high school science classes.
Reaching every single one of your students can seem overwhelming but I am here to help give you practical tips to help you do just that. In this episode, I am sharing the importance of getting to know every student as a person, how eliminating homework can benefit you and your students, why you should use a variety of assessments, and the importance of checking your test questions for bias.
Our students come to us with so many different backgrounds, home lives, experiences, and preferences but there are simple things we can do in our classrooms to make sure we are reaching them all and making an impact.
Resources Mentioned:
- Complete Secondary Science Units
- Biology Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test Pack
- Anatomy Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test Pack
- Physical Science Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test Pack
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode40
As teachers, we know how important it is to reach every student that walks into our classroom. But how do we go about doing that when there is such a diverse group of students in every class? Today, I am sharing 4 tips on how to reach every learner in your high school science classes.
Reaching every single one of your students can seem overwhelming but I am here to help give you practical tips to help you do just that. In this episode, I am sharing the importance of getting to know every student as a person, how eliminating homework can benefit you and your students, why you should use a variety of assessments, and the importance of checking your test questions for bias.
Our students come to us with so many different backgrounds, home lives, experiences, and preferences but there are simple things we can do in our classrooms to make sure we are reaching them all and making an impact.
Resources Mentioned:
- Complete Secondary Science Units
- Biology Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test Pack
- Anatomy Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test Pack
- Physical Science Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test Pack
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode40
Do you LOVE organizing your space or does the thought of it send you running the other way? Are you thinking there’s no way you can “organize” when you aren’t in a science classroom, you have no storage, or you’re a floater who only has a cart?
You all know how much I love all things organization and I am sharing some of my favorite tips and recommendations with you to help make your teaching space (whatever that space may be) efficient and welcoming.
I have spent time teaching in several settings and have learned so much about how to best use the space I have. Today, I am sharing some of the things I’ve learned with you! We are looking at how to use the front of your classroom most effectively, suggestions for having an organized turn in area, how to make class necessities easily accessible, and some advice specifically for floaters.
PLUS, I’m sharing two bonus recommendations on how to help manage cellphones in the classroom and how to organize YOUR files.
Need some help getting your classroom reset, organized, and ready to go? Grab my FREE Classroom Reset Challenge where I walk you through 5 tasks to help get your classroom in order.
Resources:
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Natural Selection Lab
- Turn in bins
- Utility Cart
- Shoebox storage containers
- Phone caddy
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode39
Do you LOVE organizing your space or does the thought of it send you running the other way? Are you thinking there’s no way you can “organize” when you aren’t in a science classroom, you have no storage, or you’re a floater who only has a cart?
You all know how much I love all things organization and I am sharing some of my favorite tips and recommendations with you to help make your teaching space (whatever that space may be) efficient and welcoming.
I have spent time teaching in several settings and have learned so much about how to best use the space I have. Today, I am sharing some of the things I’ve learned with you! We are looking at how to use the front of your classroom most effectively, suggestions for having an organized turn in area, how to make class necessities easily accessible, and some advice specifically for floaters.
PLUS, I’m sharing two bonus recommendations on how to help manage cellphones in the classroom and how to organize YOUR files.
Need some help getting your classroom reset, organized, and ready to go? Grab my FREE Classroom Reset Challenge where I walk you through 5 tasks to help get your classroom in order.
Resources:
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Natural Selection Lab
- Turn in bins
- Utility Cart
- Shoebox storage containers
- Phone caddy
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode39
The school year is approaching and we could all use a pep talk, especially after the past 3 years! We know this school year is filled with more unknowns and we’re running on empty before the year even starts. But I’m here to pump you up and get you excited for the start of school!
This is a much-needed pep talk, not only for secondary science teachers, but for all teachers! I am sharing why teaching is a job and not your whole life, why you don’t need to be on-call all the time, the importance of giving yourself and students grace, and why we should take this year one day at a time.
You are valuable and what you are doing is valuable! So this year, focus on showing your students that you care about them and you care about what you are teaching. You’ve got this, Teacher-Friend!
Know a teacher who could really use a pep talk? I’d love for you to share this episode with them and pass on the encouragement and pump each other up for another school year!
Resources:
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode38
Does the thought of teaching physics for the first time stress you out? Do demos and labs seem overwhelming? My special guest, Michelle Brosseau, is here to give some great advice to new physics teachers!
Today, I am joined by an amazing secondary science teacher, Michelle Brosseau. Michelle is sharing 4 tips she has for first year physics teachers, what to do if you’re intimidated by demos and labs, and how she makes grading labs more manageable. She’s sharing some changes she's made throughout the years to engage her students and set them up for success.
Michelle Brosseau is a high school Science teacher, specializing in Physics, Earth & Space Science, and making learning FUN. Whether it’s teaching the physics of bubbles, demonstrating drag forces with indoor skydiving, or wearing her astronaut costume (or her velociraptor sweater, or her molecules dress, or her fossils blouse…), Michelle embraces her nerdiness to energize her students’ learning. Michelle has a Professional Master of Education degree, with a Classroom Specialist focus. Michelle weaves her love of Art, Science, and all things nerdy into her educational resources.
There is still time for you to submit a 30 second clip on tips to keep every learner engaged in science classes for a chance to be featured on an upcoming episode of Secondary Science Simplified. Check out the details here!
Resources:
- How to be on the SSS podcast
- Michelle’s Instagram
- Michelle’s TeachersPayTeachers
- LIFT OFF! Free workbook for new Physics (or new-to-Physics) teachers
- Physics Teacher Community
- Mission Control: Planning and Pacing Guide for Physics
- Pendulum Painting Lesson
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode37
Are you teaching Anatomy for the first time or have you taught it before but don’t feel super confident teaching it? This episode is for you! Today, I am sharing 5 tips for teaching anatomy to help both you and your students LOVE anatomy!
In many high schools, Anatomy is an elective class which allows you to have some flexibility and options in what you teach and how you teach it. In this episode, I am sharing 5 tips to help you teach an anatomy class that you and your students love and that is meaningful. I am sharing why and how to stick to YOUR goals for the class, the importance of prioritizing real world applications, why students should be doing research in Anatomy class, the importance of emphasizing the interconnectedness of the systems, and how to take advantage of seasonal opportunities to keep students engaged.
I need YOUR help! I am putting together an episode on tips to keep every learner engaged in science classes. I would love to hear from YOU on how you engage a diverse group of learners in your classes. All you have to do is record a short 30 second clip and it may be featured on an upcoming episode! Check out the details here!
Resources:
- How to be on the SSS podcast
- My Anatomy Curriculum
- Anatomy Exam Pack
- Control and Coordination Unit
- FREE Halloween Science Resources
- Protection Unit
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode36
Wouldn’t it be nice to get some honest insights and tips from an amazing chemistry teacher with an INSANE amount of experience? Lucky for us, my high school chemistry teacher is joining me today to do just that! Zach Matson is sharing the great insight and knowledge he has gained in his 20+ years of teaching. We cover a little bit of everything and you are definitely going to walk away with some great tips and feeling more encouraged to take on whatever is thrown your way!
In this episode, we are covering everything from what Zach wished he knew his first years teaching to AP Chemistry tips. Zach is sharing his background and how he got into teaching, his advice for new chemistry teachers and what he wished he did differently his first few years teaching, the importance of building rapport for classroom management, tips for doing demos and implementing lab days, and so much more!
Zach Matson has been teaching since 2001 and is certified in secondary chemistry, physics, and mathematics. He holds a BS in Chemistry, a BA in Spanish, a BA in Computer Science, an M.Ed from Valparaiso University, and an M.S. in Engineering. He has spent the past 19 years teaching all levels of chemistry in Lexington, Kentucky. If you’re interested in checking out some of the videos Zach mentioned, you can find them on his YouTube channel.
Resources:
- Matson Chemistry YouTube channel
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode35
Whether you know what classes you are teaching next year already or if you are waiting for your schedule, I am here to help! In the upcoming weeks, our episodes will be content-specific to help YOU walk into this school year with confidence. We are starting today with my personal favorite course, BIOLOGY!
In today’s episode, I am sharing four things you should NOT do when teaching biology. We are talking about why you shouldn’t teach macromolecules in an isolated biochemistry unit and what to do instead, why teaching biochemical reactions only on a micro level is challenging to your students, what to do instead of teaching mitosis and meiosis together, and why addressing misconceptions when teaching evolution is important.
Secondary Science Simplified has reached over 10,000 downloads and to celebrate, I am giving away a $100 gift card to the It’s Not Rocket Science resource shop and an It’s Not Rocket Science RTIC mug! To enter, just share your favorite Secondary Science Simplified episode on Instagram and tag me before August 15th! It’s that easy! Thank you all so much for your support and for tuning in!
Resources:
- My biology curriculum
- Biology scope and sequence
- Biology Basics unit
- Ecology Unit
- Energy Flow Unit
- Cells Unit
- Genetics Unit
- FREE Evolution Pre-Survey
- Class set of clipboards
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode34
Setting up for a successful school year starts on day 1. I have made my fair share of mistakes when it comes to starting the school year that made the year much more challenging than it should have been. Learn from my mistakes, teacher friends! In this episode, I’m going to help you avoid the mistakes I have made in the past. I am sharing what I wish I would have done from the beginning of the year that would have made things much easier!
I want to help you learn from my mistakes so you can have a more simplified back to school season. Today, we are looking at the most important procedure to have in the secondary science classroom, a simple change that can help you reclaim your time, how to block off time to accomplish your to-do list, and a huge mistake to avoid so you don’t feel drained and overworked.
I want to celebrate with YOU! We have reached over 10,000 downloads and to celebrate, I am giving away a $100 gift card to the It’s Not Rocket Science resource shop and an It’s Not Rocket Science RTIC mug! To enter, just share your favorite Secondary Science Simplified episode on Instagram and tag me before August 15th! It’s that easy! Thank you all so much for your support and for tuning in!
Resources:
- Ready-made bell ringers
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode33
Are you thinking that shifting to student centered pedagogy sounds great, but way too time consuming and overwhelming to do this year? If you are ready to make an easy change in order to help your students take more control of their learning and practice critical skills they can use their entire lives, this is an episode you do not want to miss!
In the previous 3 episodes, we focussed on what student centered pedagogy is and why you should shift to this type of teaching, as well as practical ways to implement student centered teaching. Today, I am giving you the ONE THING you can easily implement this school year to make your teaching more student centered without added overwhelm, stress, and time.
In this episode, we are looking at what project-based learning is, why it is important to use PBL in high school science classes, and how you can get started implementing PBL more easily than you may think. If you just don’t have the time or energy to prepare for PBL, I’ve got you! I have 3 awesome resources for you to simplify your planning!
If you are feeling overwhelmed with trying to prepare for back to school, be sure to grab my FREE Classroom Reset Challenge that will walk you through 5 different things you can do to prepare and be ready for the school year!
Resources:
- Biology year long independent research project
- Physical Science year long independent research project
- Anatomy year long independent research project
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode32
Do you feel overwhelmed when thinking about shifting to student centered pedagogy? Does the thought of redoing EVERYTHING stress you out? This episode is for you! I am breaking down how simple it can be to shift your current lessons and teaching to be more student centered and I’m sharing tons of tips to help along the way!
In today’s episode, I am giving you the ins and outs of how to transition to student centered pedagogy. We talk about 4 changes you can make to your current resources and lessons to make them more student centered, questions to ask yourself to see which changes would work for what lessons, and how to handle parent and student push back when you are making students take charge of their learning.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about all that needs to be done when you go back to school, check out my FREE summer classroom reset challenge to help you get a head start on preparing for the school year.
Resources:
- Anatomy and Physiology Curriculum
- Discovery Stations Bundle
- Rubric for “Teach the Class” project
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode31
Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
Better serving your students while less is required of you? Sounds amazing, right? If you’re ready to make that happen, today’s episode is for you! We are continuing our new summer series on revamping our pedagogy to make it more student centered and this is an episode you don’t want to miss!
We have all heard that students learn best by doing, not by hearing. I know it can seem overwhelming to make the shift from lecture-style, teacher-centered teaching to student centered teaching, but it can have such a huge impact on both students and teachers. In today’s episode, we are looking at how to prevent opposition and student apathy, the importance of equipping our students to be independent learners and critical thinkers, and how taking us out of the center stage leaves more room for us to better serve our students.
We will be covering how to shift our pedagogy in the next 2 episodes. Until then, check out my FREE classroom reset challenge that walks you through five tasks you can complete to help you be more prepared for the school year.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode30
Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
Ready to get off the stage and be in the audience with your students during your classes? That’s what we’re diving into in this new series focusing on student centered pedagogy. We’re talking about everything you need to know about shifting your pedagogy to be more student centered.
Today, we are looking at what student centered pedagogy is and what it isn’t. We revisit transforming our teaching from one dimensional to three dimensional and becoming more of a facilitator than a lecturer in our lessons. We break down common misconceptions and address some fears you may be having about letting students take more control of their learning.
I give you some examples of how I implement student centered pedagogy while still having structure and a plan - because we all know how much I love planning ahead! If you’re wondering how to move your students from passive to active learning so the content can be more meaningful to them, this episode is for you!
Don’t forget to grab your free Classroom Reset Challenge and check out my TpT store for resources to help you simplify your life as a secondary science teacher!
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode29
Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
Summer is here which means you can finally rest after the long and demanding school year! We know the routine - hurry, stress, and go, go, go all school year so when summer comes, we just want to relax, recharge, and unplug. And we should! But if you’re anything like me, you need something to work on to keep you in some sort of routine.
In this episode, I discuss how to make the most of your restful summer by setting small, manageable goals so that you can be more prepared going back to school. I give you 3 easy to work on goals that will help cut down on the stress that fall often brings. You’ll hear about using your increased mental clarity and creativity to make adjustments for next year, completing a task that you just don’t have time for during the school year, and checking a must-do task off your list that is low pressure and doesn’t require much energy from you.
If you’re interested in PD in the summer, I have my own professional development course that I have created specifically for secondary science teachers. Enrollment has ended for this year’s summer session but I would love for you to join the waitlist so you know when I offer it again. You can sign up for the waitlist here.I would love to see you there! In the meantime, check out my other resources to help simplify your school year.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode28
Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
“Do it! What are you waiting for…it’s a game changer! It’s made my life so much easier.” This is the message today’s guest, Rachel Carter wants to share with everyone who is considering enrolling for the Secondary Science Simplified Course, which is now open for enrollment!
This month, I’ve shared secrets and habits I learned the hard way in my teaching career that I wish I had known when I first started teaching. These experiences formed the foundational lessons in the Secondary Science Simplified Course. After learning from my mistakes, I truly love all things related to simplifying our jobs and lives, and I am passionate about sharing how to do that with other teachers.
In today’s episode, I’m interviewing Rachel Carter, one of the teachers who took the course with me last summer after her 2nd year of teaching. You’ll hear how taking the course impacted her as a newer educator in the field. If you’re wondering how the course has impacted a more experienced educator, be sure to listen to episode 24 where I interviewed Nikki Pryor, who has been teaching for 14 years.
If you’ve been on the fence about enrolling for the Secondary Science Simplified Course, these 2 interviews provide a lot of insight into the benefits of the course and the supportive community we have created. The course only opens once a year in the summer, and the last day to sign up is June 23, 2022, so be sure to check it out!
Join the Secondary Science Simplified Course
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode27
What are your worst work habits? This month, I’m getting open and honest about all the bad work habits I established during my first few years in the classroom. The good news is, habits can be changed! In my case, experience, making lots of mistakes, and leaning on the wisdom of my co-workers taught me how to correct these habits over the years.
In today’s episode, I’ll share what I believe is the absolute worst habit I formed as a new teacher…regularly working way more than 40 hours a week and having poor work-life boundaries. Thankfully, I learned how to leave work at work, and it made me a much better teacher and led to a happier, less anxious personal life. I’m sharing with you what I would tell myself if I could go back in time: “You work so that you can live, you don’t live so that you can work.”
Reserve your spot to the FREE workshop, 3 Secrets to Stress-Free Lab Days
Join the Secondary Science Simplified Course Waitlist
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode26
During my first few years as a teacher, I developed some bad habits simply because I had so much to learn that could not be taught in a teacher certification program. There’s only so much you can learn about theories or even from shadowing other teachers. Eventually, you just have to jump in and learn things the hard way, doing the best you can to manage all of the things.
On top of figuring it out as you go, you have an audience of teenagers judging you along the way. I created survival mechanisms just to get by during those first years, and they became bad habits that I had to break. Thankfully, I learned some things through experience and the wisdom of other teachers. In each episode this month, I’ll share a teacher habit that I’ve learned along the way that I wish I had started my first year.
In today’s episode, we talk specifically about the importance of proactivity and how being proactive as a teacher can save you so much time and energy in the long run, especially when it comes to interactions with our students and their parents and guardians. We’ll talk briefly about lab day prep. Then we’ll spend the majority of the episode talking about proactivity with parents.
There’s still time to sign up for my FREE live virtual professional development workshop called 3 Secrets to Stress-Free Lab Days happening this summer. Be sure to reserve your seat!
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode25
Like many teachers who have been in the classroom these last few years, today’s guest is a passionate educator who found herself exhausted at the end of a long and trying school year. When Nikki Pryor heard me share about the Secondary Science Simplified Course I was offering last summer, she knew it was exactly what she needed. She was ready to take a proactive approach and find a way to simplify her life and stop “chasing her tail.”
Now, Nikki is here a year later to discuss how taking the course last summer impacted her. She shares how this course is different from any other professional development she has taken in her 14 years of teaching. She’ll talk about her favorite parts of the course, and some of the things she implemented during the school year that completely changed the dynamics of her classroom. Nikki is currently in her 14th year, teaching science in the public school system of Oklahoma. In addition to being an educator, she's a small business owner, mother of two, and a proud military wife.
The Secondary Science Simplified Course opens its doors for enrollment in mid-June, and we’d love to have you join! The enrollment window is only open for 2 weeks, so be sure to join the waitlist so you don’t miss it. I created the course to help teachers practically simplify their jobs so that they could have work-life balance. This is a virtual professional development course where you work at your own pace. While you’re waiting for the doors to open, you can join me for a completely FREE course I’m offering called 3 Secrets to Stress-Free Lab Days. This 1-hour virtual training is all about how to prepare and manage lab days specifically so that you can enjoy them as much as your students do. This free training gives you a chance to experience my teaching style and to see what virtual professional development with me as your teacher is like.
Join the waitlist for Secondary Science Simplified Professional Development Course: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/waitlist/
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode24
We are wrapping up this month’s "Ending the Year Strong" series with my favorite strategy…how you can set up rocks and boundaries for yourself this summer. In each of the first three episodes of this series, I have given you a simple challenge that can have a big impact and set you up for success next school year. Whether you’re a teacher who has a hard time unplugging from work for the summer, or you’re a teacher who leaves all your schoolwork behind and goes into the new school year feeling behind, today’s challenge will benefit you.
Join the waitlist for Secondary Science Simplified Professional Development Course: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/waitlist/
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode23
Believe it or not, the end of the school year is the perfect time to reset your classroom! After a busy school year, chances are your classroom is a mess. While it’s tempting to wait till the start of the new school year to take inventory and reorganize, your future self will thank you if you do it now. I know…I know…you’re ready to leave it all behind and start your summer break, but hear me out.
In today’s episode, we are continuing our series on how to end your year strong. In episode 20 and episode 21 I challenged you to reflect on your classroom management and lesson plans this past school year in order to end the year strong and set yourself up for success for next school year. Today we’ll take a mental break and focus on the physical space you teach in with the Classroom Reset Challenge. I’ll give you the step-by-step process you need to walk through every corner of your teaching space and storage areas so that when you return to your classroom next fall, you’ll be relieved rather than overwhelmed.
Join the waitlist for Secondary Science Simplified Professional Development Course: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/waitlist/
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode22
What can you do now with a little bit of effort that will serve “future you” 5 times over? Summer is almost here, and this month’s episodes are dedicated to sharing specific and simple strategies you can do now so you can end your year strong and go into next year rested and ready to go.
Like most teachers this time of year, you may be feeling totally exhausted, but if you can channel the little bit of energy you have left into completing the challenge I’m giving you today, it will have a huge impact on saving you time and energy next year.
In today’s episode, we’re talking about how and why auditing your lesson plans for next school year is so important, even if you don’t know what you’ll be teaching.
Join the waitlist for Secondary Science Simplified Professional Development Course: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/waitlist/
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode21
What if I told you it’s possible to end the year strong and prepare for the year ahead so that when you come back in the fall, you can start the year ready and rested rather than overwhelmed and stressed? That’s exactly what we’re talking about in this month’s podcast episodes.
This series is designed to equip you with specific and simple things you can do each week in small chunks as you end the school year. These actionable steps will set you up for success next year so you can actually unplug from work this summer and recharge before entering another school year. I’ll share one practical challenge per episode that you can do now to serve “future you” and your students next year.
In today’s episode, I challenge you to take some time to reflect on your current year and the procedures you had in place. Whether you have a few weeks or a few months left in this school year, it’s really important to do this now while this school year is fresh in your mind. Join me as I lead you through some thought-provoking reflection questions and give you some tips for brainstorming changes you can make to improve things for next year.
Join the waitlist for Secondary Science Simplified Professional Development Course: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/waitlist/
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode20
When I first started this podcast, I knew I would love to interview my dear friend and past co-worker, Jamie Whitlock. I learned so much from Jamie as her coworker and learned even more from her just through doing this interview, and I am so excited to have her on the show.
In this episode, you’ll hear about Jamie’s experience in the classroom as a full time teacher and what she has learned from spending the last four years in other teachers’ classrooms observing and supporting them as an instructional coach. We cover her transition into teaching as a second career, teaching a high stakes EOC-based course. We also discuss working on a team of teachers and how to collaborate with coworkers, even difficult ones or those NOT in your subject area.
Jamie provides so much wisdom with regards to whole classroom management strategies as well as garnering respect from students, particularly in the difficult setting of teaching in a post-pandemic classroom. She shares her experience working on her educational doctorate while teaching full time and raising two children and how earning this additional degree has really opened some amazing doors for her in the field of education.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode19
What do you do with that awkward, random amount of time you have after end-of-year testing is over? Whether you have 3 days or 3 weeks left till the last day of school, energy this time of year is at an all-time low, and senioritis is running rampant, even if you don’t teach seniors!
This last year has been especially challenging for so many teachers, and I totally understand if you’re just ready to breathe a sigh of relief that the testing is over and summer break is almost here.
You and your students have worked hard to get here, and you all deserve to rest and relax. If you’re not ready to throw in the towel yet and want to maximize every last day of the school year, this episode is for you.
Today I’m sharing 4 ideas for meaningful, yet fun things you can do after testing with your students that will keep them engaged and learning right up to summer break. These are simple, no-prep and low-prep ideas that don’t put pressure on you or your students.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode18
For the month of April, I'm doing podcast episodes all based on your questions and requests. I love making episodes that are helpful to you, so if there’s something you want to hear about on the podcast, shoot me a DM on Instagram and let me know! Last week, in episode 16, I covered one of the most requested topics, how to write sub plans for secondary science. Be sure to go back and listen if you missed it!
Today's episode is all about celebrating Earth Day in your secondary science class. We’ll cover why you should take time to celebrate with your students and exactly how to do that in simple yet effective ways.
Grab your FREE Earth Day resource: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/earthday/
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode17
Over the next few weeks, I'm doing a series of episodes based on listener requests. I love hearing from you and providing content that is relevant. So…what was the most requested topic? How to best write sub plans for secondary science!
It’s really no surprise. How many jobs do you know of where it is actually so much harder to be out of work than it is to actually just be there? Writing sub plans as a secondary science teacher specifically is almost always worse than just powering through your dreaded seasonal allergies or actually making it to your bi-yearly dentist appointment.
In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing my 5 best strategies with a simple action item for each one that you can take and implement right away to set yourself up for success. I am a huge advocate for using all of your personal days and your sick days as you need them every year, despite the hassle of finding a sub and writing sub plans.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode16
What better way to top off our mini-series on Senioritis than an interview with a teacher who has taught a lot of seniors in her career. I am so excited to welcome my friend, Diana Price, to the show today!
In this episode, Diana shares some tips for how she personally handles senioritis with her students. She also talks about her entire teaching experience, from starting out as a floater teaching at the high school she went to, to now teaching mid-pandemic at a small private school as the only teacher who teaches the 5 preps that she has. She shares a wealth of knowledge, especially in relation to her experiences teaching AP biology.
Even if you don’t teach AP biology, you’ll walk away from this episode with some practical strategies for simplifying your life as a secondary science teacher.
Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode15
I’ve saved the best for last! In episode 12 and episode 13 I shared tips for combating senioritis as it creeps up in our classrooms this year. If you missed those episodes, be sure to go back and listen. It is possible to keep your students engaged and keep yourself energized so you can finish the year strong as a high school science teacher.
In today’s episode, I will be sharing my number one strategy for setting yourself up for future success, so senioritis won’t be something you dread every year. Now is the perfect time to reevaluate your core sequence and your pacing guides for next school year to set yourself up for success with combating senioritis and spring fever a year from now and every year after that.
Check out the show notes for all the resources in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode14
Fighting students for their attention is the last thing you want to do when combating Senioritis. The more choices we can provide for our students, the better our chances for finishing the year on a positive note and avoiding the symptoms of Senioritis. It is possible to provide choices to students without spending tons of time prepping and exhausting yourself as a teacher. When you shift as many activities as possible to be student-centered, you take most of the prep-work out of your own hands and put the responsibility for learning back on the students.
Whether you teach seniors or not, most students (and teachers) suffer from Senioritis, so it’s important that we find ways to change things up to keep our students engaged and learning through the end of the year. If you missed Part 1 of this series, be sure to check out Episode 12 where I shared my first two strategies for combating Senioritis in your students.
Today, I’m sharing two more strategies that will keep your students engaged and fight off Senioritis. And best of all, these strategies require very little prep on your part. So if you’re feeling tired and dragging at this point in the school year, be encouraged to try these simple ideas with your students to bring some fun and engagement back into the classroom without exhausting yourself.
Check out the show notes for all the resources in this episode: itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode13
As the weather starts changing and the days are getting longer, Spring Fever starts to set in. I call it Senioritis, and whether you teach seniors or not, this condition does not discriminate based on student age. To be perfectly honest, Senioritis hits me as well. I get just as antsy as my students do for Spring Break and feel myself longing for summer days where I can escape the four walls of the classroom.
This month, I’m doing a 3-part series all about combating Senioritis. I’ll be sharing specific suggestions for keeping your students engaged until the end of the year, despite the weather changing and the countdowns to summer break. In today’s episode, I'm sharing two simple strategies you can implement to shift the mood in your classroom drastically right away.
Check out the show notes for all the resources in this episode: itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode12
I am so excited to introduce today’s guest, Sam Holcomb. Sam is sharing tips and strategies from her own experience balancing up to 7 preps at a time! She struggled during her first year trying to do it all, but soon, she began to implement the strategies she talks about today to simplify her life. Now she enjoys helping other teachers eliminate the overwhelm and stress that so many face.
Sam Holcomb was an engineer who specialized in lean, efficient systems and project management until jumping headfirst into a lifelong goal of teaching science. After an overwhelming first year as a department of 1 with 7 preps and no education background, she was exhausted. Realizing this overwhelm was extremely common, she knew something had to change. Now, Sam takes her engineering background and helps secondary science teachers create efficient systems, templates, and freedom to enjoy science again!
Check out the show notes for all the resources in this episode: itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode11
Balancing multiple preps can be one of the most challenging things for a secondary science teacher to do, but it’s possible to simplify and reduce the stress of balancing multiple preps.
Two of the biggest struggles for balancing multiple preps are lesson planning and grading. In episode 9, I shared my 5 best tips for how to lesson plan for three or more preps. Be sure to go back and catch that episode because it will save you so much time and make your life with multiple preps so much easier.
In today's episode, we're going to specifically address struggle number two, which is grading for all of those preps.
Check out the show notes for all the resources in this episode: itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode10
Being strategic with your time is always important for teachers who want to maximize their energy, but when you have 3 or more preps, it is more important than ever to be strategic so you can save time in every way possible. Having a system in place for managing lesson plans can have a huge impact on your effectiveness and efficiency in the classroom.
In today’s episode, we are going to talk specifically about how to lesson plan for all those preps. I’m going to share with you my five best tips for managing it all through lesson planning when you have 3 or more preps. When you have three or more preps on your plate, you cannot possibly do it all perfectly, and that’s ok. The goal is not perfection. The goal is to do your job so that you can do your best to love your students and provide engaging lessons that will support their success.
Grab your FREE Valentine's Day resources: bit.ly/inrsvday
Check out the show notes for all the resources in this episode: itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode9
How do you do all the things you want to do as a secondary science teacher while balancing multiple preps? I get it. You want to do it all and be it all, but you are only one person with so much time. On top of that, your energy levels vary from season to season. Teaching multiple preps can be an overwhelming task, and the solution is not to start working 60-70 hours a week.
In today’s episode, we are going to talk about where you need to focus your energy so you can survive and thrive during this busy season. When you’ve got multiple preps to teach, it is not the time to try all of the new things. I’ll share how to be strategic and pick one prep to focus your creative energy on while putting your other preps on cruise control.
Grab your FREE Valentine's Day resources: bit.ly/inrsvday
Check out the show notes for all the resources in this episode: itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode8
What’s the difference between a 1-Dimensional classroom and a 3-Dimensional classroom, and how does a 3D classroom benefit our students? That’s what we’re talking about in today's episode. I’m interviewing my very first guest (yay!) and she is an expert in helping other teachers transform their classrooms from 1D to 3D with simple shifts.
Skipper Coates started teaching in February of 2008, when a teacher left a note on his desk saying that he was never coming back. A biology major, she was suddenly thrown into the world of Earth and Space Science. It was only a few years later that Skipper started writing her own Earth and Space Science curriculum for Teachers Pay Teachers. She is the mother of three cute kids, and she forces them to do science experiments together for family time.
Check out the show notes for all the resources in this episode: itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode7
Lectures don’t have to be boring! In fact, they can be engaging and effective when used correctly in a classroom that is balanced with active learning experiences and direct instruction. Lectures can still be a useful instructional strategy that can help solidify the learning our students do during active learning experiences. In this episode, I’ll share why I still lecture, and I’ll give you my five best strategies for making lectures engaging for your students.
GIVEAWAY: I’m celebrating the launch of the podcast this month with a giveaway! Two winners will be selected at the end of this month to receive their choice of $100 in store credit to the It’s Not Rocket Science Resource Shop OR an It’s Not Rocket Science Custom RTIC Tumbler and a $30 TpT Gift Card. To enter the giveaway:
- Share the podcast somewhere on Social Media with your teacher friends
- DM me on Instagram with a screenshot of your post
- BONUS ENTRY: Leave a review on Apple podcasts
Check out the show notes for more resources from this episode: itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode6
Do you find yourself wishing that teaching science could be fun without being exhausting? It's absolutely possible! Labs are one of the main ways we can engage our students in learning, but they require a lot of teacher prep. There are many other ways to get students involved in learning that are highly effective and take some of the workload off of you.
In this episode, I share seven simple, low-prep ways to engage students without exhausting yourself. Of course, these are not meant to replace labs, but they are great tools to break up your teaching and keep the learning student-centered. The key to saving time is to put the work back on the students and keep it simple.
GIVEAWAY: I’m celebrating the launch of the podcast this month with a giveaway! Two winners will be selected at the end of this month to receive their choice of $100 in store credit to the It’s Not Rocket Science Resource Shop OR an It’s Not Rocket Science Custom RTIC Tumbler and a $30 TpT Gift Card. To enter the giveaway:
- Share the podcast somewhere on Social Media with your teacher friends
- DM me on Instagram with a screenshot of your post
- BONUS ENTRY: Leave a review on Apple podcasts
Check out the show notes for more resources from this episode: itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode5
Can the first 5 minutes of class really set the tone for the entire period? Absolutely! I believe the first 5 minutes are the most important part of each and every class. In today’s episode, I’m sharing exactly what I do during those first 5 minutes to get my students focused and moving in the right direction from the moment they walk in the door.
GIVEAWAY: I’m celebrating the launch of the podcast this month with a giveaway! Two winners will be selected at the end of this month to receive their choice of $100 in store credit to the It’s Not Rocket Science Resource Shop OR an It’s Not Rocket Science Custom RTIC Tumbler and a $30 TpT Gift Card. To enter the giveaway:
- Share the podcast somewhere on Social Media with your teacher friends
- DM me on Instagram with a screenshot of your post
- BONUS ENTRY: Leave a review on Apple podcasts
Check out the show notes for more resources from this episode: itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode4
In episode two, I discussed ways to reset the physical classroom space and the way you relate to and manage your students. In today’s episode, I’ll give you two ways you can reset the year personally and professionally and how you can simplify your job so you can enjoy your year both in and out of the classroom.
Kick-off the New Year with me by celebrating Cheer for the New Year during the first week in January! Join my list so you don’t miss out on the major deals, fun giveaways, and free resources I’ll be offering during this week: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/challenge/
Check out the show notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode3
Have you ever had one of those school years where you wanted to start the summer countdown in January? Trust me, you’re not alone. I’ve experienced this myself, but I’ve got good news! There is no student, class, or school year that is too far gone. You can recover! Implementing a mid-year reset in your classroom is a game-changer.
You can do a classroom reset anytime, but implementing it during December or January is the perfect time! From bad habits that have been formed, to a class that is impossible to manage, to running at an unsustainable pace, there are 4 strategies you can use to hit the reset button for a fresh start to any classroom.
In this episode, I share two of those strategies with you and give you practical actions you can take today to change your classroom dynamic. In episode number three, I will share two more strategies for a successful mid-year reset. Be sure to follow so you don’t miss out.
Kick-off the New Year with me by celebrating Cheer for the New Year during the first week in January! Join my list so you don’t miss out on the major deals, fun giveaways, and free resources I’ll be offering during this week: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/challenge/
Check out the show notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode2
Welcome to the very first official episode of Secondary Science Simplified! To kick things off, I’m sharing a bit about who I am, my unexpected journey to becoming a secondary science teacher, the story behind It's Not Rocket Science, and my vision for Secondary Science Simplified.
Throughout my years as a teacher, I quickly learned how demanding the job is and how difficult it can be to balance your work and personal life. Now I’m here to show you how you can simplify your life with practical and easy-to-implement strategies! In this episode you’ll hear more about my vision for this podcast, and how you can request episode topics and guests.
Kick-off the New Year with me by celebrating Cheer for the New Year during the first week in January! Join my list so you don’t miss out on the major deals, fun giveaways, and free resources I’ll be offering during this week: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/challenge/
Check out the show notes: itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode1.
If you're drowning in lab reports and struggling to find time for anything besides work, I've got some great news for you. Teaching doesn't have to be rocket science AND it doesn't have to consume your entire life. This podcast will be your go-to resource for finally creating a sustainable work-life balance.
Tune in every Monday for practical and actionable strategies that you can begin implementing right away. Are you ready to simplify your life?
Head to itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/challenge to grab your FREE classroom reset challenge!
Show notes for each episode can be found at itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/podcast.
If you have a topic that you would love to hear on the podcast, send me a message on Instagram @its.not.rocket.science.