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: [email protected]  
• 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

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: [email protected]  
• 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

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: [email protected]  
• 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 

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: [email protected]  
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.

Connect with Christina:

• Instagram: @makethemthinktpt
• TPT Store
• Make Them Think Newsletter
• Email: [email protected] 

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

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: [email protected]  
• 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 

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: [email protected]  
• 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

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: [email protected]  
• 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

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: [email protected]  
• 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

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: [email protected]  
• 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

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: [email protected]  
• 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)