Secondary Science Simplified™

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

Secondary Science Simplified™ episodes

March 24, 2025175. How and WHY I Teach Students to Take Notes
Whether we like it or not, teaching students to take notes is an important part of being a high school teacher! Is that an unpopular opinion? Maybe, but I still stand by it! Beyond just understanding the content, strong note-taking skills set students up for success in life, no matter where their future takes them.
When it comes to teaching these skills, there are plenty of options: typing, doodle-based notes, interactive notebooks…the list goes on! I’ve tried them all, and hands down, Cornell notes are my favorite. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly why I love the Cornell note taking method and how you can use it in your secondary science classroom.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode175
Resources Mentioned:
Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
Episode 6, Engaging Students in Lecture
How to Use Cornell Notes in High School Science
The Cornell Note Taking System
Otter.ai
https://otter.ai/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 168, Differentiation in Your Science Classroom - Simple Tips to Decrease Overwhelm
Episode 163, What I Wish I Knew in my First Year of Teaching High School Science: 5 Simple Tips
Why I Don’t Use Interactive Notebooks in my Secondary Classroom and What I Use Instead
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
March 17, 2025174. 7 Ways to Teach Your Students to Use AI Productively
Is AI the future of learning or just another way for students to cut corners? In this episode, we’re talking all about how to help students use AI in a way that actually benefits their learning - without letting it do all the thinking for them. Instead of banning AI or ignoring it, we need to teach students how to use it as a tool for things like communication, skill practice, and test review. When used the right way, AI can be so helpful, but only if students know how to use it responsibly!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode174
Resources Mentioned:
Episode 173, 9 Quick Ways to Use AI to Simplify Your Life as a Teacher
Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and More with Guest Alyse of Keystone Science
Episode 154, AI and ChatGPT with Guest Mitch Wieland
Episode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science Classes
AI for Education
Magic School
Diffit
Otter.ai
Google Translate
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 160, 4 Proven Tips to INSTANTLY Decrease Your Grading Time
Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
Episode 110, How to Manage a Classroom of Apathetic Students
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
March 10, 2025173. 9 Quick Ways to Use AI to Simplify Your Life as a Teacher
Imagine having a virtual assistant to help with lesson plans, assessments, and student feedback. AI can make that a reality! In this episode, I’m sharing nine practical ways to use AI to streamline your workload, from generating transcripts to creating choice boards and assessments. You’ll hear quick examples, plus my favorite tools (including one that makes test reviews a breeze!). But AI isn’t perfect, and it’s definitely not a replacement for real teachers—so how can we use it wisely? Let’s dive in and explore how to make AI work for you, not the other way around!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode173
Resources Mentioned:
Magic School
Otter.ai
Diffit
Google Translate
AI for Education
Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and More with Guest Alyse of Keystone Science
Episode 154, AI and ChatGPT with Guest Mitch Wieland
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 162, 5 Essential Hacks for High School and Middle School Science Teachers
Episode 160, 4 Proven Tips to INSTANTLY Decrease Your Grading Time
Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
Episode 62, 5 Ways to Instantly Make Your Planning Period More Productive
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
March 03, 2025172. Content-Specific Differentiation Tips
In the final episode of our differentiation series, I’m sharing practical strategies for implementing content-specific differentiation. Whether you teach biology, chemistry, anatomy, or physical science, you’ll learn how to prioritize key concepts, adjust instruction for CP and honors students, and simplify your approach using built-in supports from It’s Not Rocket Science®. Plus, I’ll help you determine which topics deserve the most focus so you can confidently tailor your lessons to best support your students!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode172

Resources:
It’s Not Rocket Science® Complete Units
Biology Curriculum Full Year Bundle
Chemistry Curriculum Full Year Bundle
Anatomy Curriculum Full Year Bundle
Physical Science Curriculum Full Year Bundle
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 168, Differentiation in Your Science Classroom – Simple Tips to Decrease Overwhelm
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, Differentiation Within One Class Period (And How to Not Make it Obvious)

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
February 24, 2025171. Differentiating Within One Class Period (And How to Not Make It Obvious)
Are you juggling a dozen different learning needs in one class period? You’re not alone! Differentiation can seem daunting, especially when you’re trying to support all students without making it obvious. In the fourth episode in our differentiation series, I’m sharing practical, low-stress strategies to help you meet diverse student needs…without doubling your workload or drawing unwanted attention to differences.
We’ll talk about simple ways to adjust instruction, activities, labs, and more, so that differentiation feels seamless in your mixed level classes. Plus, I’ll share creative strategies for assessments, engaging fast finishers, and fostering a supportive classroom culture where students feel confident in their learning. Whether you’re balancing multiple levels of credit or just a wide range of abilities, these small tweaks can make a big difference.
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode171
Resources Mentioned:
Its Not Rocket Science ® Complete Units
Biology Curriculum Full Year Bundle
Chemistry Curriculum Full Year Bundle
Anatomy Curriculum Full Year Bundle
Physical Science Curriculum Full Year Bundle
PBL packs
Start of a blog series on stations
Relationships mini-course
Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and More with Guest Alyse of Keystone Science
Episode 154, AI and Chat GPT with Guest Mitch Wieland
Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)
Episode 60, Teaching with Packets - What They Are, Why I Love Them, And How to Use Them
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 168, Differentiation in Your Science Classroom - Simple Tips to Decrease Overwhelm
Episode 169, Differentiating for Higher Achieving Students (That Isn’t Just Extra Work)
Episode 170, Differentiating for Lower Achieving Students (Without Lowering the Bar)
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
February 17, 2025170. Differentiating for Lower Achieving Students (Without Lowering the Bar)
Struggling to support lower-achieving students without lowering the bar? In this episode, I share nine practical strategies for using scaffolding and intentional support to help all students reach their full potential. These tips aren’t about making things easier but about making learning more accessible and meaningful. By making small, intentional shifts in your teaching, you can create a classroom where students feel capable, motivated, and confident in tackling the content!
➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode170
Resources:
Complete Units
Lessons Mini-Course
Culture Mini-Course
Genetic Disorder Research Project
Elemental Superhero Project
How to do Study Guides
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 92, 5 Ways to Have Precise Pacing and Tight Transitions in Your Secondary Science Classroom
Episode 168, Differentiation in Your Science Classroom - Simple Tips to Decrease Overwhelm
Episode 169, Differentiating for Higher Achieving Students (That Isn’t Just Extra Work)
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/
30 min
February 10, 2025169. Differentiating for Higher Achieving Students (That Isn’t Just Extra Work)
In last week’s episode, I talked through practical ways to meet your students’ diverse needs without burning out. When it comes to planning, It’s common to put the majority of your energy into on-grade level classes or students who are struggling. But I know you want to serve your high achieving students just as well! In the second episode of our differentiation series, I’m sharing five strategies to help these students thrive without just giving them extra work.

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode169

Resources:
Complete Units
Biology Curriculum Full Year Bundle
Chemistry Curriculum Full Year Bundle
Anatomy Curriculum Full Year Bundle
Physical Science Curriculum Full Year Bundle
PBL Packs
Culture 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:
Episode 29, Student-Centered Pedagogy: What It Is
Episode 30, Student-Centered Pedagogy: Why Make the Shift
Episode 31, Student Centered Pedagogy: How to Do It
Episode 32, Student-Centered Pedagogy: One Way to Start
Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And Surprising Results)
Episode 168, Differentiation In Your Science Classroom - Simple Tips to Decrease Overwhelm
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
February 03, 2025168. Differentiation in Your Science Classroom - Simple Tips to Decrease Overwhelm
Differentiation in your science classroom doesn’t have to feel overwhelming! In this episode, I share practical strategies to meet your students’ diverse needs without burning out. By shifting your mindset and focusing on sustainable practices, you can create an inclusive environment that supports all learners, from struggling students to high achievers.
We dive into three key steps to simplify differentiation. Start by seeking support from colleagues, resources, and tools - don’t go at it alone! Focus on one area to improve, like differentiated notetaking options, and keep your plans flexible to address students’ needs in the moment. Small, proactive changes can make a big difference over time.

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode168

Resources:
Complete Units
Biology Curriculum Full Year Bundle
Chemistry Curriculum Full Year Bundle
Anatomy Curriculum Full Year Bundle
Physical Science Curriculum Full Year Bundle
Core Values 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:
Episode 166, How to Use Your Students to Work Smarter Rather Than Harder
Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and MORE with Guest Alyse of Keystone Science
Episode 151, Ask Me Anything! Part 2: Differentiated Instruction, Difficult Conversations, Work/Life Balance, and More!
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
January 27, 2025167. Teacher Mental Health With Guest Dr. Hayley Watson
Teaching comes with relentless demands. Stress levels are high, burnout feels all too familiar, and breaks never seem long enough! These challenges take a serious toll on mental health, making it crucial for educators to learn effective strategies to manage it. That’s where today’s guest, Dr. Hayley Watson, comes in!
In this episode, Dr. Watson dives into practical and straight forward strategies designed to support teacher mental health. She shares actionable techniques to help teachers care for their well-being while also providing tips for fostering mental health awareness among students.

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode167

Resources:
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.
Connect with Dr. Hayley Watson:
Open Parachute Website
Finding the Words: Empowering Struggling Students through Guided Conversations by Dr. Hayley Watson
LinkedIn
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
Episode 161, Relief for the Burdened Teacher: How to Deal With Caring More Than Your Students Do
Episode 144, 4 Ways Having “No Rules” Has Changed My Life (And Could Change Your School Year)
4 Must Do Teacher Self-Care Tips
5 Strategies for Surviving Second Semester
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
January 20, 2025166. How to Use Your Students to Work Smarter Rather Than Harder
Teachers are always balancing a mountain of responsibilities while trying to create more time for themselves and their families. Finding the perfect work/life balance and mastering time management can feel like a never-ending challenge. But what if the key to working smarter, not harder, is already sitting in your classroom?
In this episode, I’m sharing how to harness the unique strengths and skills of your students to lighten your workload and make your classroom run more efficiently. I’ll walk you through seven specific ways to work smarter, not harder with their help. From encouraging creativity and fostering critical thinking to completing service hours while benefiting the classroom, these strategies empower your students while simplifying your tasks!

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode166
Resources Mentioned:
Teach the Class! Midterm or End of Year Review Project
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 165, How Naming What Matters Most Can Change the Rest of Your School Year
Episode 138, Serving Future You - How to Work Smarter, Not Harder
Everything You Need to Know About Having a High School T.A. Program
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…