Secondary Science Simplified™

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

Secondary Science Simplified™ episodes

August 11, 2025195. A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication With Guest Mandy Farrar
Confession time: I’ve been gatekeeping this conversation with Mandy Farrar because it’s that perfect for the start of the school year. Mandy, a high school chemistry and physics teacher, shares her simple yet highly effective system for parent communication, built from her own early struggles and refined into a clear, repeatable process. From starting the year with positive outreach to using email templates and data-driven language for tough conversations, this episode is packed with actionable strategies to make parent communication feel manageable and meaningful!
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode195
Resources:
Secondary Science Simplified virtual PD course
Mandy's Instagram: @chemwithfarrar
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.
Related Episodes:
Episode 70, It Isn’t an Attack on You: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach Matson
Episode 89, Classroom Management in a Post-COVID World with Guest Casey O’Hearn
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
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/
49 min
August 04, 2025194. The Importance of Inquiry-Based Learning - And How to Implement It Practically
Back-to-school season is the perfect time to breathe new energy into your classroom, and one of the most powerful ways to do that is through inquiry-based learning. In this episode, I’m sharing why inquiry matters, why students often push back against it, and how you can scaffold it to feel less intimidating for everyone. I’ll break down what inquiry actually means, offer my honest take on the 5E instructional model, and give you five simple, actionable strategies to help you make inquiry the norm—not the exception—starting from day one.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode194
Resources:
INRS First Biology Unit
INRS First Anatomy Unit
INRS First Chemistry Unit
INRS First Physical Science Unit
ALL INRS Complete Units
FREE: What is Life? Inquiry Activity
Where to find POGILs
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.
Related Episodes:
Episode 47, 2 Ways That Learning Happens and How to Create a Classroom Culture That Fosters It
Episode 64, How to Re-Engage Apathetic Students (And Manage Your Own Apathy!)
Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
Episode 141, First Day of School Tips + What I Cover in My First Units of the Year
Episode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic
Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
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
July 28, 2025193. First Year Teacher Reflections With Cienna Domke
What if you could hit pause after your first year of teaching and really process what just happened? That’s exactly what we’re doing in this episode with Cienna Domke. Cienna just wrapped up her first year teaching high school biology and chemistry in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, and y’all—she brought the honesty, humility, and wisdom that only comes from walking through the fire and making it to the other side! From classroom management wins and tough parent conversations to lab day chaos and setting boundaries with grading, Cienna shares what worked, what didn’t, and how she’s planning to grow next year.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode193
Resources:
Biology Curriculum - FULL YEAR Bundle
Chemistry Curriculum - FULL YEAR Bundle
Secondary Science Simplified ® Course Bundle
Cienna’s email: [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.
Related Episodes:
Episode 27, How the Secondary Science Simplified Course Helped This New Teacher With Guest Rachel Carter
Episode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather Bonanno
Episode 191, Engaging Students, Serving ELLs, and Teaching Earth Science with Becca of Science Lessons That Rock
Episode 192, Teaching Biology, Managing 6 Preps, and EOC Review with Macee Huseman
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/
42 min
July 21, 2025192. Teaching Biology, Managing 6 Preps, and EOC Review with Macee Huseman
What would you do if you were the entire science department at your school? That’s the reality for my guest, Macee Huseman, a powerhouse high school science teacher from Texas who juggles six preps, engaging labs, and family life with incredible grace. In this episode, Macee shares her best tips for staying organized, keeping students engaged, and finding balance in a demanding teaching role. From managing cell phones and mixed-ability classes to prepping for the end-of-year exam and embracing the power of “no,” this conversation is full of practical takeaways for any secondary science teacher!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode192
Resources:
INRS Biology Curriculum - FULL YEAR Bundle
INRS Physical Science (IPC) Curriculum - FULL YEAR Bundle
Connect with Macee: [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.
Related Episodes:
Episode 125, Teaching AP Biology with Guest Beth Hines
Episode 134, Teaching Biology - 4 Things NOT to Do
Episode 176, Teaching AP Biology, Exam Review, FRQ Prep, and More with Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins
Episode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather Bonanno
Episode 191, Engaging Students, Serving ELLs, and Teaching Earth Science with Becca of Science Lessons That Rock
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
July 14, 2025191. Engaging Students, Serving ELLs, and Teaching Earth Science With Becca of Science Lessons That Rock
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to make earth science engaging and hands-on, this episode is for you! I’m joined by Becca from Science Lessons That Rock, a veteran teacher with over 15 years of experience and a passion for turning abstract concepts into meaningful, accessible learning experiences. Becca shares creative ways to teach everything from planetary distances to landforms using simple, affordable materials—plus practical tips for lab prep, grading, and boosting student engagement.
We also talk about supporting ELLs, teaching in Title 1 schools, and building classroom buy-in. Whether you’re new to earth science or just need some fresh inspiration, you’re going to love getting to learn from Becca. I’ve known her online for nearly a decade, and I’m so excited you get to know her now, too!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode191
Resources:
Climate Change Ice Core Lab
Igneous Crystal Size Lab Activity | Rock Cycle Experiment
Landforms Stop Motion Video Project
Rewordify
Vocaroo
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 Becca:
Instagram: @sciencelessonsthatrock
Website
Related Episodes:
Episode 126, Teaching AP Environmental Science with Ashton Allgood
Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and More with Guest Alyse of Keystone Science
Episode 189, True Life: I Grade Everything and Because of It, I Have No Life
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/
33 min
July 07, 2025190. Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather Bonanno
Have you ever met a teacher who just gets it—who knows how to challenge students, meet them where they are, and do it all with purpose and empathy? That’s exactly who you’ll hear from in this episode. I chat with Heather Bonanno, a high school chemistry teacher from Pennsylvania who recently returned to the classroom after a five-year break.
Heather shares how she navigates 40-minute class periods, makes chemistry relevant through real-world connections, and uses labs to spark inquiry from day one. We also dive into her flexible approach to grading, classroom management tips, and strategies for keeping students engaged, even when the content gets tough. This episode may be about teaching chemistry on the surface, but trust me, it’s so much more than that!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode190
Resources Mentioned:
Chemistry Curriculum - FULL YEAR BUNDLE
Chemistry Bell Ringers or Exit Slips - FULL YEAR 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.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
Episode 35, Competency, Classroom Management, Teaching Chemistry and More with Guest Zach Matson
Episode 127, Teaching AP Chemistry with Zach Matson
Episode 140, 5 Tips for Teaching Chemistry
Episode 186, True Life: I Am a Science Teacher Who Hates Labs
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/
44 min
June 30, 2025189. True Life: I Grade Everything and Because of It, I Have No Life
If grading has taken over your life, this final episode in the True Life Teacher Confession series is here to help. I’m unpacking the hidden costs of grading everything, challenging the belief that every assignment needs a grade, and sharing mindset shifts and practical strategies to help you reclaim your time. From setting clear grading boundaries to building a classroom culture where students stay accountable without constant grading, this episode is your first step toward a more sustainable teaching life!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode189
Resources:
Culture Mini-Course
Secondary Science Simplified 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.
Related Episodes:
Episode 64, How to Re-Engage Apathetic Students (And Manage Your Own Apathy!)
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 160, 4 Proven Tips to INSTANTLY Decrease Your Grading Time
Episode 187, True Life: I’m Drowning
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 23, 2025188. True Life: I Teach a Course With a High-Stakes Test and Don’t Care About It
“Help! I teach a course with a high-stakes test that I do not care about at all, but I need to care about it. How can I make myself care?” If you've ever felt this way, this episode is for you. In this True Life: Teacher Confessions episode, I'm sharing what to do when you're stuck teaching a test-heavy course but feel totally unmotivated by the exam itself. I’ll give you permission to care less and practical strategies to help you care more if you need to—like embedding test prep into your weekly rhythms with FRQ Fridays, bellringer questions, review days, and more.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode188
Resources Mentioned:
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.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
Episode 60, Teaching with Packets - What They Are, Why I Love Them, and How to Use Them
Episode 72, Review Strategies for EOC, Benchmark, and AP Exams
Episode 185, When is Preparation Worth It, and When Is It a Pipe Dream?
Episode 186, True Life: I’m a Science Teacher Who Hates Labs
Episode 187, True Life: I’m Drowning
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
June 16, 2025187. True Life: I’m Drowning
Are you juggling multiple preps across several grade levels, trying to run labs every week, and still show up for your family? Feeling overwhelmed by unrealistic admin expectations and a lack of student accountability? If it all feels like too much, that’s because it is too much. In this "true life" episode, I’m talking about what it really means to teach inside a broken system, why so many teachers are feeling burned out, and practical ways to keep showing up—without losing yourself in the process.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode187
Resources Mentioned:
Balancing Multiple Preps Podcast Playlist
Secondary Science Simplified course
Labs When Limited Free 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 and Blog Posts:
Episode 69, Admin Support - WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask For
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 185, When Is Preparation Worth It, and When Is It a Pipe Dream?
Episode 186, True Life: I Am a Science Teacher Who Hates Labs
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
June 09, 2025186. True Life: I Am a Science Teacher Who Hates Labs
Do you find yourself absolutely dreading lab days? If so, you’re in good company. I’m kicking off a new series of Teacher True Life Confessions, and today’s episode is inspired by several of you who were brave enough to admit that you HATE lab days. I’m sharing why labs feel so overwhelming and practical ways to make them less chaotic and more effective. You’ll learn how to select labs for quality over quantity, build in breathing room, train your students for smoother experiences, and simplify grading!
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode186
Resources:
Labs When Limited Free Course
Labs Virtual PD Mini-Course
Secondary Science Simplified Course Bundle
Ecosystem in a Bottle
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 74, My #1 Way to Simplify Future Lab Days
Episode 105, What Happened When I Stopped Assigning Formal Lab Reports
Episode 131, End of Year Resource Audit
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

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…