Secondary Science Simplified™

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

Secondary Science Simplified™ episodes

May 18235. Advocating for Yourself With Admin
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: [email protected]
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
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/
27 min
May 11234. My Biggest Regrets From My Time in the Classroom
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: [email protected]
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
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/
26 min
May 04233. How to Keep Up With Lesson Planning
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: [email protected]
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
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/
25 min
April 27232. Chemistry Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Chemistry the Way That I Do
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: [email protected]
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
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/
26 min
April 20231. Teaching on an Island: What to Do When Parents and Admin Won’t Help
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: [email protected]
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
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/
16 min
April 13230. How to Manage Test Retakes
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: [email protected]
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
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/
38 min
April 06229. 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: [email protected]
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
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
March 30228. The Lowdown on Labs: Finding, Funding, Prepping, Executing, and Assessing Labs
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: [email protected]
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
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/
39 min
March 23227. A Quarter 4 Pep Talk
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: [email protected]
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
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/
16 min
March 16226. 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: [email protected]
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)
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/
26 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…