Secondary Science Simplified™

Cell phone policies are one of the most debated topics for secondary teachers, and for good reason! They’re tough to get right. In this episode, I’m sharing my honest experiences with different approaches, what’s worked (and what’s totally failed), and the key factors to consider before setting your own rules. We’ll talk about how your personality, classroom values, and admin support all play a role, plus why engaging, purposeful learning is the best deterrent to constant phone use. You’ll also get practical tips for setting expectations, building student buy-in, and using phone moments to teach digital responsibility...so that managing phones feels more doable and a lot less stressful.➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode205Resources:Secondary Science Simplified episodes by topicCulture PD Mini-CourseDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes:Episode 69, Admin Support - Why You Need to Ask, How to Ask, and What to Ask ForEpisode 89, Classroom Management in a Post-COVID World with Guest Casey O’HearnEpisode 92, 5 Ways to Have Precise Pacing and Tight Transitions in Your Secondary Science ClassroomEpisode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics.  Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/

Once the school year is in full swing, meeting every learner’s needs can feel impossible, especially when it comes to supporting English learners. In this episode, I sit down with Risa Woods from Every Teacher for a conversation that’s equal parts practical and encouraging. Together, we dig into common misconceptions about who English learners are, why translation isn’t always the answer, and how focusing on academic language can be a total game-changer. Risa shares simple, actionable strategies that make a real difference. This episode is your reminder that serving every student doesn’t require a million new lesson plans - just small, intentional steps that truly work!Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode204Resources:Risa's InstagramRisa's websiteAI tool: ChatGPTDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Related Episodes:Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and More with Guest Alyse of Keystone ScienceEpisode 168, Differentiation in Your Science Classroom - Simple Tips to Decrease OverwhelmEpisode 171, Differentiating Within One Class Period (And How to Not Make it Obvious) Episode 172, Content-Specific Differentiation TipsEpisode 191, Engaging Students, Serving ELLs, and Teaching Earth Science with Becca of Science Lessons That Rock4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics.  Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/

One of the toughest realities for teachers is realizing that your students are already behind before the year even begins. That’s exactly what we’re tackling in this episode. Last week, we talked about how to handle things when students fail a test at the end of a unit, but this week, I’m flipping the script (thanks to another great listener question!) and asking: what do you do when you realize that your students don’t have the background knowledge or skills they need to be successful in your class? I share how to respond when you realize students are starting the year behind, how to decide what’s your responsibility versus theirs, ways to get practical support from colleagues and tools like AI, and more.➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode203Resources Mentioned:INRS Complete Units Balance PD Course Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com  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 ForEpisode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your StudentsEpisode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-PandemicEpisode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics.  Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/

Raise your hand if you've been called “the mean teacher” for holding firm on test policies! In this episode, we dive into what to do when students fail a test, from deciding on retakes or corrections to analyzing trends in student performance and reteaching where needed. You’ll hear practical tips for breaking down assessments by concept, setting up your gradebook to support real learning, and keeping clear boundaries that help students succeed without sacrificing your sanity.➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode202Resources:Assessments virtual PD courseINRS complete unitsNEW: Secondary Science Simplified episodes by topicDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Related Episodes:Episode 103, Authentic Assessments: How to Ass Students in a Way That Actually Matters Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students DoEpisode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-PandemicEpisode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics.  Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/

AI is everywhere right now, and if you’ve been feeling both curious and overwhelmed, you’re not alone! In this episode, I’m joined by Amanda Bickerstaff, a former high school biology teacher and co-founder of AI for Education, for a conversation about AI in the classroom. We explore why AI literacy is becoming a core skill for both teachers and students, how it’s reshaping traditional assignments like lab reports, and the surprising ways it can actually spark more creativity and inquiry. Amanda also shares practical strategies for science teachers, from lesson inspiration to formative assessments. If you’ve ever wondered how to make AI work for you, this episode will leave you feeling excited for what’s ahead!➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode201Resources:AI for EducationAn Essential Guide to AI for Educators: FREE 2 hour courseDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Connect with Amanda:LinkedInInstagramYouTubeTikTokTwitter/X: @AIforEducation Twitter/X: @Amanda_AIforEdFacebookRelated Episodes:Episode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science ClassesEpisode 154, AI and ChatGPT with Guest Mitch WielandEpisode 173, 9 Quick Ways to Use AI to Simplify Your Life as a TeacherEpisode 174, 7 Ways to Teach Your Students to Use AI Productively4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics.  Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/

Can you believe it?! We’ve officially hit the 200th episode of Secondary Science Simplified AND crossed over 200,000 listens — what a milestone! I’m so grateful for every teacher who tunes in and makes this community so special. To celebrate, I’m bringing back one of my favorite formats: an “Ask Me Anything” episode where I answer your top questions about classroom culture, student engagement, meaningful labs, department dynamics, NGSS overload, and more.➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode200🥳 Help me celebrate 10 years of INRS by: Following me on InstagramFollowing me on TpTLeaving a review for the SSS podcast on AppleResources Mentioned:Culture Virtual PD Mini-Course FREE Labs When Limited virtual PD courseRADAR: A Problem Solving Technique for StudentsWorking on a Team at a High School: 4 Tips for SuccessDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com  Related Episodes:Episode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach Matson Episode 92, 5 Ways to Have Precise Pacing and Tight Transitions in Your Secondary Science ClassroomEpisode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)  Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students DoEpisode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science ClassroomEpisode 156, What to Do When You Are Micromanaged by Your Admin or DistrictEpisode 162, 5 Essential Teacher Hacks for High School and Middle School Science TeachersNGSS Series: Episode 177, Episode 178, Episode 179, Episode 180Episode 189,  True Life: I Grade Everything and Because of It, I Have No Life4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics.  Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/

Work-life balance…it’s the unicorn we’re all chasing, isn’t it? In this episode, I’m sharing the practical strategies and mindset shifts that have helped me finally keep work at work. From being ruthless about what you grade, setting up overflow days, and maximizing your planning period, to outsourcing tasks and shifting classroom culture, you’ll walk away with realistic habits to lighten your load. Plus, I’ll share simple boundary-setting tools and reframes to protect your mental space, so you can stop carrying school home in your bag—or in your head—and start enjoying more of your life outside the classroom.➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode199Resources:Secondary Science Simplified episodes by topicBalance virtual PD courseAssessments virtual PD course Everything You Need to Know About Having a High School T.A. Program Prime TimesDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com  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 ItEpisode 62, 5 Ways to Instantly Make Your Planning Period More Productive Episode 69, Admin Support - WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask For Episode 120, How to Cut Your Grading Time in HalfEpisode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students DoEpisode 189, True Life: I Grade Everything and Because of It, I Have No LifeEpisode 196, Grading Game Changers: 6 Ways to Grade Differently This School Year4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics.  Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/

It’s September, which means it’s time for your annual pep talk, teacher friend! In this episode, I’m sharing the one message every secondary science teacher needs to hear as the school year kicks off. We’ll talk about the unique challenges you face, why boundaries and clarity matter, and how to model humanity and humility in your classroom. Plus, I’ll walk you through a simple exercise to brain dump your goals, assess your current season, and limit your priorities this year so you can let go of perfection, embrace grace, and actually enjoy teaching!➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode198 Resources:Secondary Science Simplified episodes by topic Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Related Episodes:Episode 38, A Beginning of the Year PEP TALKEpisode 53, School Counselor Partnerships, Life Hacks, and Laughter with Guest Lauren TingleEpisode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students DoEpisode 165, How Naming What Matters Most Can Change the Rest of Your School YearEpisode 166, How to Use Your Students to Work Smarter Rather Than Harder4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics.  Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/

August is wild because some of you are squeezing out those last drops of summer, while others are already knee-deep in grading. Wherever you are on that back-to-school spectrum, one thing is for sure: at some point this year, you’ll be staring down an unmotivated student (or ten!). In this episode, I’m sharing four practical tips to boost engagement, starting with a mindset check to make sure you’re not working harder than your students when it comes to caring. From highlighting course requirements and essential science skills to drawing real-world, cultural, and cross-curricular connections, these strategies will help make your class more relevant and meaningful!➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode197Resources:It’s Not Rocket Science® Complete Units Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com  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 DoEpisode 131, End-of-Year Resource AuditEpisode 145, How to Build Resilience in Post-Pandemic Students4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics.  Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/

Grading doesn’t have to take over your nights and weekends! In this episode, I’m sharing six practical grading game changers that helped me simplify my workload without lowering my standards. You’ll learn how to define your grading philosophy, reduce what you collect, give meaningful feedback faster, and keep students engaged, even when you're not grading everything. Plus, I’m breaking down how strategies like Prime Times and constant vigilance can make daily assessment and classroom management easier than ever!➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode196 Resources:Prime TimesDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Related Episodes:Episode 4, Engaging Students In the First 5 Minutes of ClassEpisode 95, How to STOP Grading EverythingEpisode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)Episode 97, 6 Grading Tips That Changed My LifeEpisode 189, True Life: I Grade Everything and Because of It, I Have No LifeEpisode 194, The Importance of Inquiry-Based Learning - And How to Implement it Practically Episode 195, A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication With Guest Mandy Farrar4 FREE Halloween-themed resources specifically for high school science - 1 for biology, 1 for chemistry, 1 for anatomy, and 1 for physics.  Be sure to grab them at https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/halloween/