Secondary Science Simplified™

Remember the days when you were in school and thought, When I’m a teacher, I’m NEVER going to do this! But then you become a teacher and do exactly what you said you weren’t going to do. Don’t worry, I’m guilty of this too. As soon as I became a teacher, I followed suit with the cycle of assigning homework in my class. However, I had a mindset shift to where now I’m a huge advocate for not assigning homework. I know for some, this sounds crazy! Most of you probably have a list of questions that include how do you do this, what are the benefits, and how will I know if my students are understanding the concept? And while those are all valid questions, I’ve got answers for you! In today’s episode, I’m sharing why I chose not to assign homework, my strategy in doing so, and the 6 results I learned that may surprise you. Since not assigning homework is hard for us to grasp, I ask one simple question that asks you to reflect on the meaning of the homework you assign. Once I was truly honest with myself, the decision to not assign homework became easy. With a few tweaks to my lesson plans, pacing, and instructional time, the need for homework became nonexistent. Plus, this new change had a positive impact on my students’ motivation, focus, and academic success in my class. I acknowledge that making this type of change in your classroom can be scary and, honestly, not for everyone. However, my goal is to provide you with a new perspective and approach to how you view and implement grading in your class. When I stopped making homework a habit in my class, it was transformative for both me and my students, and I know it will be for you and yours, too! Resources Mentioned: Get the FREE Lab AuditIt’s Not Rocket Science Free Summer Podcast PDDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.comFollow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode96 

As teachers, we know that our time is valuable and we try to create that perfect work-life balance. However, time dedicated to instruction, engaging activities, and other teaching-related tasks can consume our time in and outside the classroom. But you can decrease the amount of time you spend on one task that will save you more time and energy, which is grading! Now, I know that grading is a mandatory and necessary component of teaching, but the amount of time teachers are spending on grading student work is way too much. I believe that there are ways you can truly stop grading everything while still having multiple preps and higher-level AP courses. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how to achieve this, two of the biggest criticisms I get, and my solutions to each. Once you decrease the amount you’re grading, you will begin to see how it benefits both you and your students. Yes, I said students! They will appreciate your more timely feedback and get a more energized and recharged teacher, which ultimately impacts your instruction and activities. Although the concept of not grading every assignment is scary, I promise it will be life-changing. I am living proof that this philosophy works, which has helped me create a more balanced work and home life, which also benefits my students. Join me in my grading challenge of collecting 1 thing per class per week and watch this simple change make a huge difference in your life! Resources Mentioned: Bell Ringers for Biology, Physical Science, and Anatomy Join me for my Summer PDEpisode 4, Engaging Your Students in the First 5 Minutes of ClassEpisode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science ClassesDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.comFollow, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsShow Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode95 

To wrap up our Summer of Podcast PD, we’re ending with a series on grading practices. And one of the hot topics that’s particularly relevant in secondary classrooms is the act of cheating. This is a topic that I feel very passionate about, so I’ve invested in my own research to find the best strategies and solutions. In today’s episode, I’m sharing what you can do to best prevent it, how to respond when it does occur, and specific strategies to use in your classroom. In this world we live in, technology is everywhere, and our students know how to use it to their advantage. And while cheating is an academic issue, it can be prevented. There are a lot of things I do in my own classroom that eliminate the pressure and act of cheating that’s related to how I choose to grade assignments, labs, and tests. I discuss what I do along with my reason for not giving homework. But since we know that cheating will eventually occur at some point during the year, what do you do? With different perspectives on how to handle the situation, I provide my must-haves and then encourage you to have conversations with colleagues and other staff to ensure common language and policies. And for those who use my It’s Not Rocket Science resources, I share ways to use them without the fear of cheating. Resources Mentioned: Join My Free Professional Development This SummerEpisode 89, Classroom Management in a Post-COVID World with Guest Casey O’HearnEpisode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me:” Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 70. “It isn’t an Attack on You”: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 35. Competency, Classroom Management, Teaching Chemistry and MORE with Guest Zach MatsonDecrease Grading Time: How to Stop Grading EverythingDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.comFollow, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsShow Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode94 

I loved talking all about classroom management this month, and we have finally made it to the last episode of the series! The biggest takeaway I wanted to convey was the importance of being proactive rather than reactive, and a way to do that is through simple strategies implemented in your classroom. In this last episode, I’m sharing my final five strategies for effective classroom management this school year. Sometimes the best strategies are the simplest ones, which is so true for the 5 classroom management strategies I’m sharing today. I’ve had personal experience and success with each one, and know you will too! As I explain each strategy, I also break down why I love it and how to use it, how it was helpful, or how to implement it in your classroom. Starting off the year with effective classroom management is critical to managing student behaviors and more efficient learning and instruction time. I encourage you to choose one of these simple strategies mentioned, along with all the other helpful tips from this series, and implement it in your classroom this school year that will guarantee to make a big difference for you! I’d love to hear which strategies have worked in your classroom, so make sure to DM me on Instagram at @its.not.rocket.science! And stay tuned for next month’s series involving various grading practices and my best advice for effective grading with minimal time required by you! Resources Mentioned: Join My Free Professional Development This SummerSimple Bell Episode 19, Collaboration, Classroom Management, Career Changes, and MORE with Jamie WhitlockBeginning of the School Year: 5 Mistakes to AvoidMy Favorite Classroom Management Strategy5 Ways to Reclaim Time in Your ClassroomDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.comFollow, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsShow Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode93 

My message in last week’s episode was all about how to be proactive rather than reactive using routines and procedures. Continuing with the classroom management series, I believe another way to be proactive in your classroom is through the pace of your class and how you handle transitions. In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing 5 practical tips to keep your class moving with efficiency. In my experience, one of the best ways to prevent disciplinary issues is by keeping your class moving. The pace of your classroom sets the tone and shows your students what’s expected of them. Because of this, I intentionally use my time more precisely and reap the benefits from it, which I share with you. Additionally, I discuss my 5 simple and practical tips, which include transitions, to help give you a more efficient classroom. The best time to implement new procedures, routines, activities, or habits is the beginning of a new school year. Instead of wishing for more classroom time, dealing with behavioral issues, or constantly trying to get your students’ attention, think about what you can do now to establish the pace of your classroom. Start being more precise with your time using these 5 tips! Stay tuned for next week’s episode, where I wrap up my classroom management series with more practice tips and simple strategies! Resources Mentioned: FREE Anatomy of a Class PeriodJoin me for Free Professional DevelopmentDesk Visual TimerDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.comFollow, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsShow Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode92 

Dealing with behaviors and problems in the classroom is inevitable, but our goal is to prevent as many as we can before they even happen. A simple way to achieve this is by implementing routines and procedures! In last week’s episode, I challenged you to reflect on your own classroom management philosophies and come up with 3-5 refrains that define your management style. Keeping those in mind, in today’s episode, I’m sharing how to use those routines and procedures as being proactive rather than reactive when managing the classroom. A teacher’s classroom management is personal to them regarding their own philosophy, personality, and style, so determining what routines and procedures you implement falls into that same category.  To give some context and guidance, I’m divulging my top 5 routines and procedures to teach at the beginning of the school year. By no means is there one “right way” to do any of the ones I share, so just think of them as ideas that are proactive instead of reactive. Even though summer is ending, it doesn’t mean you still can’t join or share the Summer Podcast PD! This 5-week mini-series is here to help you redefine your curriculum design for the start of a new year. Resources Mentioned: Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDBiology Bell Ringers or Exit Slips - Full Year BundlePhysical Science Bell Ringers or Exit Slips - Full Year BundleAnatomy and Physiology Bell Ringers or Exit Slips - Full Year BundleBlue Pocket Charts for Classroom Supplies OrganizerBigLight Push Lights Download your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.comFollow, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsShow Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode91 

The new school year is upon us, and to help you prepare, I am spending the whole month of August covering all things classroom management. Now, I know classroom management looks different for every teacher, but I hope that sharing my personal philosophy and tried and true strategies will help you develop your own. Classroom management is incredibly personal, and in order for it to be effective, it has to be authentic to you and your personality. This is why figuring out what your philosophy is is so important when developing your classroom management style. Today, I am sharing questions to ask yourself when determining your style, what refrains my personal philosophy centers around, and the two ways to look at classroom management. When figuring out your classroom management style, looking at your core values is key. We dive deep into core values in my Secondary Science Simplified course, so if you are looking for more support determining your core values, join the waitlist for when it opens again! Resources Mentioned: Join the Secondary Science Simplified course waitlistSign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDGrab the Anatomy of a Class Period FREEBIEDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.comFollow, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsShow Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode90 

Tomorrow is August which means that many of you are gearing up to head back to school. What better way to get back into the school mindset than to talk about classroom management? We know classroom management is so important to have a successful class, but these post-pandemic times are making things TOUGH! I have not personally been in the classroom since before the pandemic, so I invited Casey O’Hearn to join me today to share all about his post-COVID classroom management. Casey is a 4th-year science teacher at Sumner-Fredericksburg High School. He teaches biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, earth science, and astronomy. He has spent his entire teaching career teaching during COVID and post-COVID times, which we all know has presented many challenges for teachers and students. In his 3 years of classroom experience, Casey has found simple and practical ways to build relationships with students and successfully manage his classroom. In this episode, we talk all about reaching apathetic students, balancing the personalities in his classes, how he gets students to find meaning in school, cell phone and bathroom policies, cheating, and more! I was genuinely inspired by Casey, and I know that you will be able to take some of his tips to implement in your classroom this coming year! Resources Mentioned: Email Casey at ohernc@sfcougars.k12.ia.usSign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDGrab the Anatomy of a Class Period FREEBIEDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.comFollow, rate, and review on Apple PodcastsShow Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode89 

YOU DID IT!! It is the last episode of our Curriculum Design mini-series and we are wrapping it up with a little extra support with what I think is the most challenging assessment to write, the end-of-unit tests. Now, let’s be clear, no assessment is easy to write, and writing tests is NOT for the faint of heart. Of course, I want to give you as many helpful tips as I can, so in today's episode, I am giving you a glimpse into how I write my end-of-unit tests. As I mentioned, writing tests is challenging, and I don’t want you diving into this thinking it will be easy peasy because, quite honestly, it won’t be. However, I hope that hearing how I create my end-of-unit tests makes it a bit more manageable. In this episode, I am sharing what I recommend you use as a starting point, how I typically break down the types of questions on tests, how I like to divide up my end-of-unit tests, and why it is CRUCIAL you review your tests for bias. I hope you found this mini-series to be incredibly helpful and packed full of useful information! I am so grateful that you are spending your summer with me and preparing for the school year! Next up, we are jumping into classroom management so if you know a teacher friend who you think would love this topic, be sure to spread the love and share the Summer Podcast PD with them! Resources Mentioned: Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDPhysical Science CurriculumCheck Out the YouTube video tour of Physical ScienceIt’s Not Rocket Science UnitsBiology Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test PackAnatomy Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test PackPhysical Science Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test PackDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.comFollow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode88 

Huge CONGRATULATIONS, teacher friend! You made it to the final part of our curriculum design mini-series! I am so incredibly proud of you! Even if you only completed part 1, you still made progress, and small progress is better than no progress! We have spent the last few weeks walking through the first four parts of curriculum design, but today, we are diving into how to align your assessments. When I say “align your assessments,” I’m sure many think that means teaching to the test. That is NOT at all what I mean. What it does mean is that we are creating meaning and intentionality with everything we do in our instruction. We want our students to be motivated to complete their work and not just see it as busy work, which is why it is so important to ensure that your assessments are aligned to the learning and instructional activities that took place throughout the unit. In this episode, I’m sharing how I create formative and summative assessments for my curricula and the importance of making sure that every objective on the assessment is covered. I am so grateful that you have been following along with the Summer Podcast PD. If you are getting value from this series or if this podcast is serving you, I would love it if you left a rating and review! This helps me reach and serve more secondary science teachers who could benefit from the podcast. Thank you so much! Resources Mentioned: Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDDownload 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.Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode87