Secondary Science Simplified™

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

Secondary Science Simplified™ episodes

March 09225. What to Do When Your Class Won’t Talk With You
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: [email protected]
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
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/
20 min
March 03224. 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: [email protected]
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
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/
41 min
February 23223. What to Do When Students Simply Won’t Do Their Work
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: [email protected]
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)
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/
22 min
February 16222. What to Do With Fast Finishers - Managing Different Students’ Paces
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: [email protected]
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
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
February 09221. 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: [email protected]
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
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/
33 min
February 02220. Biology Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Biology the Way That I Do
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: [email protected]
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
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/
32 min
January 26219. Study Guides for High School Science Classes
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: [email protected]
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
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
January 19218. 3 Things to Stop Doing This Semester
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: [email protected]
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
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
January 12217. How to Regain Control Mid-Year: Resetting Your Classroom Management
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: [email protected]
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
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/
19 min
January 05216. Simple Goal Setting for the New Semester
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: [email protected]
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
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

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…