Secondary Science Simplified™

Feeling torn between getting ahead on lesson plans and fully embracing summer break? That’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode. Inspired by a thoughtful listener question, I’m sharing a realistic and flexible approach to summer planning for teachers that helps you make progress and prioritize rest. You’ll hear tips for setting intentional goals, deciding when it’s actually worth planning ahead, and how to give yourself permission to recharge—without the guilt. Whether you’re a planner, a napper, or a little of both, this episode will help you find your summer balance!➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode185Resources Mentioned:INRS Complete UnitsLabs When LimitedDownload 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 80, Strategizing Your Sequence: Curriculum Design Part 1Episode 182, End the Year Organized: Your ResourcesEpisode 183, End the Year Organized: Your ClassroomEpisode 184, End the Year Organized: Your Management

In this final episode of the “End Your Year Organized” series, we’re wrapping up by reflecting on the classroom management methods you used this year. I’m walking you through six simple but powerful reflection questions to help you evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and how to set yourself up for a smoother classroom experience next year. We’ll look at the difference between whole-class and individual behavior challenges, and I’ll share tips for improving routines, building stronger relationships, and being more intentional with your approach. Thinking through your classroom management methods now will make a big difference for your future self!Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode184Resources Mentioned:Classroom Management Spotify PlaylistCore Values Mini-Course Relationships Mini-Course Culture Mini-Course Secondary Science Simplified Virtual PD Bundle Subscribe on YouTubeFollow me on TpT (and leave a review to score credits!)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 35, Competency, Classroom Management, Teaching Chemistry, and MORE with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 41, 4 Practical Tips for Building Relationships with Your High School StudentsEpisode 134, Prioritizing Relationships Over Being Right Episode 182, End the Year Organized: Your ResourcesEpisode 183, End the Year Organized: Your Classroom

Are you overwhelmed by classroom clutter? Discover a simple four-step organization method to reset your physical space before summer break! The discussion emphasizes the importance of decluttering for both teachers and students. Practical strategies help you tackle everything from your desk to storage cabinets, ensuring a fresh start for the next school year. Plus, get inspired to involve senior students in the cleaning process for a collaborative effort!

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? Discover practical strategies to organize your teaching resources, both digital and physical. Learn how to create a central 'home base' for files and maintain efficient systems throughout the year. Explore personal tips for managing materials and the importance of regular audits. Get ready to end your school year with clarity and set yourself up for a smoother start come fall!

Teaching can feel like driving on autopilot - same route, same scenery, same old routine. So what happens when that journey starts to feel monotonous and uninspiring? In today’s conversation, I dive deep into a feeling that every teacher experiences at some point: boredom. Whether you're an AP Biology teacher counting down to exam day or a Earth Science instructor trudging through yet another semester of the same curriculum, staleness can creep into even the most passionate teacher’s classroom.I've been there, teaching multiple sections of general biology, repeating the same lessons over and over again, semester after semester. That's why I'm sharing eight practical strategies to reignite your teaching spark when your job feels stale. They worked for me, and I know they can work for you too! From considering a new course prep to collaborating with colleagues, investing in fresh resources, and shifting towards more student-centered approaches, these tips are designed to help you break out of your educational rut and rediscover the joy of teaching.➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode181Resources Mentioned:INRS PD CoursesLabs When Limited Virtual PD Course (free!)Core Values Mini-CourseTeach the Class Project Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send 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 29, Student-Centered Pedagogy: What It IsEpisode 30, Student-Centered Pedagogy: Why Make the ShiftEpisode 31, Student-Centered Pedagogy: How to Do ItEpisode 32, Student-Centered Pedagogy: One Way to StartEpisode 72, Review Strategies for EOC, Benchmark, and AP ExamsEpisode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change Episode 153, How to Make Boring Topics More EngagingEpisode 166, How to Use Your Students to Work Smarter Rather Than Harder 

Over the past few episodes, we’ve been diving into all things NGSS, and it’s time to wrap up the series with someone who’s not only in the classroom but has been using the NGSS for the last decade! The Next Generation Science Standards are all about helping our students think and act like real scientists, and in this episode, I’m joined by Christina Agurcia of Make Them Think to break down how to actually make that happen in your classroom.Christina has been working with NGSS since 2015, and she brings a refreshing, practical perspective on what these standards really mean for science educators. We unpack the why behind NGSS, including how Science and Engineering Practices and  Crosscutting Concepts can shift your classroom from passive to powerful. Christina shares how these elements help students think more critically, make cross-disciplinary connections, and engage with science in a way that mirrors what scientists actually do.➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode180Resources:Be on the podcast!The Wonder of ScienceBozeman SciencePhenomena for NGSSSkype a ScientistA Framework For K-12 Science EducationPhenomenon-Driven Storylines3D Molecular DesignsBronxZoo Teacher PD CoursesDownload 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 Christina:Instagram: @makethemthinktptTPT StoreMake Them Think NewsletterEmail: makethemthink@tpt.page Related Episodes:Episode 179, Unpacking the NGSS: Phenomena and StorylinesEpisode 178, Unpacking the NGSS: SEPs and CCCsEpisode 177, Unpacking the NGSS: What High School Science Teachers Need to Know

Ever feel like your students are just going through the motions - memorizing facts without really connecting to what they're learning? I think we can all agree that we want our students to be able to apply their learning to real world context! That’s why I’m diving into two of my absolute favorite NGSS concepts in this episode: phenomena and storylines.I’ll explain the different types of phenomena, how they tie into storylines, and why giving students a role in the process transforms engagement. Plus, I’m sharing practical tips to start small and make these strategies work with what you’re already doing. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode179Resources:Antibiotic Resistance LabINRS Complete UnitsEcosystem in a Bottle ProjectUsing Phenomena to Teach the NGSSDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send 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 178, Unpacking the NGSS: SEPs and CCCsEpisode 177, Unpacking the NGSS: What High School Science Teachers Need to KnowEpisode 153, How to Make Boring Topics More EngagingEpisode 107, NGSS and Standards-Based Grading with Guest Boni HamiltonEpisode 106, Standards-Based Grading, Citizenship Grades, Motivation and MORE with Guest Jennica Harrison 

In part two of our NGSS series, we’re diving into its three-dimensional nature —specifically, SEPs (Science and Engineering Practices) and CCCs (Crosscutting Concepts). You’ll hear my take on what they are and how you can practically teach them. Plus, I’ll share plenty of ideas for assessing them beyond traditional tests!➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode178Resources Mentioned:Culture Mini CoursePhotosynthesis Relay ActivityNeuron Communication and Signal Transmission Inquiry Activity Female Cycle Inquiry Activity Secondary Science Simplified® Virtual PD Course BundleEpisode 177, Unpacking the NGSS: What High School Science Teachers Need to KnowEpisode 173, 9 Quick Ways to Use AI to Simplify Your Life as a TeacherDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send 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 176, Teaching AP Biology, Exam Review, FRQ Prep, and MORE with Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins Episode 107, NGSS and Standards-Based Grading with Guest Boni HamiltonEpisode 106, Standards-Based Grading, Citizenship Grades, Motivation and MORE with Guest Jennica Harrison

Navigating the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, I break down the three pillars of NGSS as I see them. I also share what I love about NGSS, where I think it falls short, and practical strategies to help you implement it in a way that works for you and your students. Whether you’re new to NGSS or looking to refine your approach (or even if you aren't in an NGSS state!), this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to make small, impactful changes in your science classroom. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode177Resources Mentioned:Human Impact Sustainability Project: An Investigation of Carbon Footprints All INRS units that come with NGSS Alignment Guides Lessons Mini-CourseDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send 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 158, How to Not Feel Like You Are Teaching to the TestEpisode 147, Content Coverage - How to Get Through All of the StandardsEpisode 116, Behind Schedule? What to Do And How to Prevent It In the FutureEpisode 107, NGSS and Standards-Based Grading with Guest Boni Hamilton

AP Biology comes with big challenges—pacing, labs, and preparing students for that exam. But today’s guest, Tiffany from AP Bio Penguins, is here to help! Tiffany shares her best strategies for structuring class time, simplifying labs, and making test prep less stressful, all while keeping students engaged. She also reveals her advice for grading smarter (not harder!) and creating free, accessible resources to support all learners. Whether you're a seasoned AP Bio teacher or tackling the course for the first time, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you teach with more confidence. Don't forget to check out the resources linked below, and happy Cinco de Bio! 🎉➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode176Resources Mentioned:AP Bio Penguins396 Page Review GuideAP Bio CEDAP Bio Penguins InstagramAP Bio Penguins YouTubeBecome an AP ReaderAP Review NotebookBlank Files for Review NotebookNational AP Bio FB GroupBioInteractiveLearn.GeneticsNever Work Harder Than Your Students and Other Principles of Great Teaching, by Robyn R. JacksonDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send 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 125, Teaching AP Biology with Guest Beth HinesEpisode 98, 5 Tips for Teaching Biochemical Reactions in Your Biology ClassEpisode 34, Teaching Biology - 4 Things NOT to DoEpisode 15, Teaching Seniors, AP Biology, and MORE with Diana PriceMistakes Teachers Make When Teaching Biology