Teaching science is about more than getting through the standards! In this episode, I’m sharing five critical life skills I want you to intentionally teach this school year. I’ll share practical ways to build these skills into what you’re already doing while helping students become more capable, confident, and resilient humans...not just successful science students!

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode251

Resources Mentioned:

• Life Skills PDF (FREE!)
• RADAR Signs (FREE!)
• 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.
• Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.

Related Episodes:

• Episode 47. 2 Ways That Learning Happens and How to Create a Classroom Culture That Fosters It
• Episode 136. Building a Team Mindset Into Your Classroom Culture
• Episode 145. How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic
• Episode 147. Content Coverage - How to Get Through All of the Standards
• Episode 155. How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
• Episode 175. How and WHY I Teach Students to Take Notes
• Episode 219. Study Guides for High School Science Classes
• Episode 244. Sanity-Saving Systems, Self Checks, and Starting a TA Program With Katie Dupuie
• Episode 246. Grouping and Engaging Students with Popsicle Sticks

To celebrate 250 episodes of Secondary Science Simplified, I’m answering listener questions covering everything from coworker relationships and classroom organization to block schedules and student connections. I’m sharing practical strategies for balancing direct instruction and inquiry, navigating scripted curriculum, managing a season when you don’t have the time or energy to do everything, and integrating faith into a science classroom.

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode250

Resources Mentioned:

• FREEBIE: Anatomy of a Class Period (never lecture more than 15 min!): 
• Individual lab supplies in shoebox lids (12 for $28)
• AP Science Teacher Playlist
• Grading Playlist 
• Curriculum Design 101 Starts Here! (Episode 80) 
• Christianity and Evolution blog post
• 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.
• 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 149, Teaching on a Block Schedule - Why It’s Not as Bad as You Think
• Episode 246, Grouping and Engaging Students with Popsicle Sticks

I’ve mentioned Board Points on this podcast more times than I can count, but somehow I’ve never given them their own episode. Today, we’re finally fixing that! I’m sharing how I started using Board Points, why they became a game-changer for one challenging class, and exactly how I use them to build teamwork and reduce individual behavior management. I’ll walk you through my simple system, answer common questions, and share creative ways to use points, class competitions, and rewards to keep students motivated and create that “we’re in this together” mentality.

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode249

Resources Mentioned:

• Bell
• INRS Units
• INRS Full Year Curriculum
• Classroom Management Podcast Playlist
• 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.
• Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.

Related Episodes and Blog Posts:

• 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
• Episode 246, Grouping and Engaging Students with Popsicle Sticks

Getting handed a brand new prep just days before school starts can feel like every teacher's nightmare. I've been there, and in this episode, I'm sharing five practical tips to help you tackle a last-minute course assignment without putting impossible expectations on yourself. We'll talk about how to advocate for the support you deserve, when to lean on existing curriculum instead of reinventing the wheel, and the simple mindset shifts that will help you survive (and even thrive!) when you've been "voluntold" to teach something new.

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode248

Resources:

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

Related Episodes:

• Episode 185, When is Preparation Worth It, and When Is It a Pipe Dream?
• Episode 229, Balancing Unrealistic Admin Expectations
• Episode 235, Advocating for Yourself with Admin

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: [email protected]  
• 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: [email protected]  
• 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: [email protected] 
• 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.
• 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: [email protected]  
• 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 [email protected]. 
• 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.
• 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: [email protected]  
• 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