Secondary Science Simplified™

By Rebecca Joyner, High School Science TeacherScience Education Self-Improvement How To

Secondary Science Simplified™ episodes

July 27245. Connection and Consistency Over Content Coverage With Alex Crim
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
If you are looking for a FUN and FREE way to engage your students this October, leading up to Halloween, you NEED to grab my 4 FREE Halloween science resources - one for biology, one for chemistry, one for physics, and one for anatomy - that you can do with your students now through the end of the month. Grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
50 min
July 20244. 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
If you are looking for a FUN and FREE way to engage your students this October, leading up to Halloween, you NEED to grab my 4 FREE Halloween science resources - one for biology, one for chemistry, one for physics, and one for anatomy - that you can do with your students now through the end of the month. Grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
1 hr 3 min
July 13243. 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
If you are looking for a FUN and FREE way to engage your students this October, leading up to Halloween, you NEED to grab my 4 FREE Halloween science resources - one for biology, one for chemistry, one for physics, and one for anatomy - that you can do with your students now through the end of the month. Grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
58 min
July 06242. Classroom Jobs, Teaching Chemistry and Ai-Generated Labs for Absences With Maggie H. The Caffeinated Chemist
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
If you are looking for a FUN and FREE way to engage your students this October, leading up to Halloween, you NEED to grab my 4 FREE Halloween science resources - one for biology, one for chemistry, one for physics, and one for anatomy - that you can do with your students now through the end of the month. Grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
34 min
June 29241. Simplified Grading Strategy: Major vs. Minor Grades
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: [email protected]
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
If you are looking for a FUN and FREE way to engage your students this October, leading up to Halloween, you NEED to grab my 4 FREE Halloween science resources - one for biology, one for chemistry, one for physics, and one for anatomy - that you can do with your students now through the end of the month. Grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
31 min
June 22240. How to Time Block Your Work Week
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: [email protected]
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
If you are looking for a FUN and FREE way to engage your students this October, leading up to Halloween, you NEED to grab my 4 FREE Halloween science resources - one for biology, one for chemistry, one for physics, and one for anatomy - that you can do with your students now through the end of the month. Grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
21 min
June 15239. No One Cares About Your Class: What to Do When Students Only Care About Their Dual Credit Courses and Not Yours
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: [email protected]
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
If you are looking for a FUN and FREE way to engage your students this October, leading up to Halloween, you NEED to grab my 4 FREE Halloween science resources - one for biology, one for chemistry, one for physics, and one for anatomy - that you can do with your students now through the end of the month. Grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
18 min
June 08238. Department Chairs: How to Lead Your Team Well
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: [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 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
If you are looking for a FUN and FREE way to engage your students this October, leading up to Halloween, you NEED to grab my 4 FREE Halloween science resources - one for biology, one for chemistry, one for physics, and one for anatomy - that you can do with your students now through the end of the month. Grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
31 min
June 01237. 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: [email protected]
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 looking for a FUN and FREE way to engage your students this October, leading up to Halloween, you NEED to grab my 4 FREE Halloween science resources - one for biology, one for chemistry, one for physics, and one for anatomy - that you can do with your students now through the end of the month. Grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
23 min
May 25236. Teaching AP Science for the First Time? 6 Tips for Success
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: [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
If you are looking for a FUN and FREE way to engage your students this October, leading up to Halloween, you NEED to grab my 4 FREE Halloween science resources - one for biology, one for chemistry, one for physics, and one for anatomy - that you can do with your students now through the end of the month. Grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/
28 min

About Secondary Science Simplified™

From the publisher's feed

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…