Secondary Science Simplified™

If you’ve been wondering where your “new year, new you” pep talk was, well you’re getting it in this episode! I love taking the opportunity to reflect, plan, dream, and set goals all year, but especially at the start of the new year. And while I usually have a list of things you can do to start the year off on the right track, this year I’m sharing ONE specific new year challenge. This challenge has the power to transform how the rest of your school year goes. Are you ready for it? It’s naming what matters most. This concept, introduced by Kendra Adachi, has become a cornerstone of how I approach both my personal and professional life. I’ve touched on this idea before on the podcast, but it’s so powerful that I keep coming back to it. In today’s episode, I’m diving deeper into why this principle is so crucial for achieving work-life balance and how you can apply it in your own life.➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode165 Resources Mentioned:Core Values Mini-CourseVirtual PD Course BundleKendra Adachi’s book, The PLAN: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy GeniusThe Lazy Genius CollectiveThe Lazy Genius PodcastDownload 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 164, My Top Tips for Kicking Off a New SemesterEpisode 137, Work/Life Balance as a Mom and and AP Teacher With Guest Kimberly LearyEpisode 57, Living and Working in Your Current Season Episode 55, Goal Setting For the New Year – A Different Approach

Happy New Year, teacher friends! Can you believe we’re kicking off the FOURTH year of this podcast? Let’s celebrate with a super practical and helpful episode. As the new semester begins, it’s the perfect opportunity to start fresh with a new group of students to make meaningful changes with the same class. In this episode, I’m sharing my top tips to help you hit the ground running this semester.Whether you’re welcoming back familiar faces or meeting new ones, how you start this semester sets the tone for the months ahead. Your approach will depend on your goals and what you want to accomplish, so I’ve tailored specific strategies to fit different schedules. I’m also sharing recommendations for what to do on the very first day back to set yourself up for success.➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode164Resources:Virtual PD Courses for TeachersWinter Science FreebiesFREE Biology Curriculum Pacing GuideFREE Chemistry Curriculum Pacing GuideFREE Anatomy & Physiology Curriculum Pacing GuideFREE Physical Science Curriculum Pacing GuideHeredity UnitTransport UnitStoichiometry UnitMatter UnitMatter Lab Station ActivityWaves Unit It’s Not Rocket Science Complete UnitsDownload 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 143, My Top 5 Favorite Teacher Hacks for the New School YearEpisode 141, First Day of School Tips + What I Cover in My First Units of the YearEpisode 120, How to Cut Your Grading Time in HalfEpisode 60, Teaching with Packets - What They Are, Why I Love Them, and How to Use Them

As we wrap up 2024, it’s only fitting to revisit the most popular episode of the year! Both new and experienced teachers are constantly searching for ways to make their classroom routines easier and more effective. I learned so many valuable lessons during my first few years of teaching, so in today’s replay episode, I’m sharing five things I wish I had known as a first-year high school science teacher.Each of these five tips are lessons that I learned the hard way. I sacrificed a lot of my own personal time, didn’t set clear boundaries, took on too many tasks which made me feel overwhelmed, and tried to do it all on my own. If you’re a new teacher, or even a veteran teacher, I don’t want that for you! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode163Resources:Virtual PD Courses for TeachersFREE Labs When Limited 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 and Blog Posts:Episode 129, 4 Things I Learned From Other Teachers That Changed How I TeachEpisode 117, How to Prep for a Long-Term Substitute Who Doesn’t Teach ScienceEpisode 91, My Top 5 Classroom Management Routines and Procedures for High School Science Teachers Episode 77, 5 Myths You Might Believe About Your Work Email Episode 39, Organization Tips for Your Science ClassroomEpisode 16, 5 Strategies for Pain-Free Sub PlansWhat I Wish I Had Known as a First-Year TeacherWhy You Shouldn’t Bring Work Home – And How to Accomplish That4 Must-Have High School Classroom Systems A Manageable and Effective System for Parent Communication Making Sub Plans for Secondary Science

We all love discovering ways to simplify our lives and make managing our classrooms easier. We’re constantly on the hunt for tips, tricks, and strategies to help everything run smoothly while saving us time and energy. That’s why this episode became the second most listened-to of 2024!In this popular replay, I’m sharing my top five essential teacher hacks specifically designed for secondary science teachers. These game-changing strategies are simple to implement but can have a major impact on how your classroom operates and the culture you create throughout the year. I’ll walk you through each hack, showing you how to put them into action and explaining how they can improve your classroom procedures, routines, and behavior management.➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode162Resources Mentioned:Virtual PD Courses for Science TeachersIt’s Not Rocket Science Prime TimesAcademic Desk CalendarDownload 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 120: How to Cut Your Grading Time in HalfEpisode 108: 5 Must-Have Routines and Procedures for Secondary TeachersEpisode 4: Engaging Your Students in the First 5 Minutes of Class Start Strong: 5 Beginning of the Year Procedures to TeachPrime Times: The Secondary Classroom Procedure You Can’t Live WithoutMy Favorite Classroom Management Strategy 5 Reasons You May Hate Bell Ringers – And the Solutions to Run Them Easily

Teachers everywhere are feeling the weight of their students’ lack of motivation, and it’s no surprise this topic has resonated so strongly—it’s the third most-listened-to episode of 2024! The pressure to carry the burden of student success is exhausting and unsustainable, leaving many educators burned out and questioning their future in the profession.That’s why now is the perfect time to rethink your approach and head into the new year with a fresh perspective. In today’s episode, I dive into why students seem to care less and share three actionable strategies to address the issue. You'll hear real examples from my experience in the classroom, including how I’ve set and reinforced expectations while giving students the responsibility to take ownership of their success.➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode161Resources:Balance Virtual PD 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 122, How to Nail Your Teacher Job Interview + 3 Mock Lesson IdeasEpisode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change Episode 113, What to Do When You Have No Energy – Truths for the ClassroomEpisode 111, Priorities and Boundaries in the New YearEpisode 57, Living and Working in Your Current SeasonEpisode 56, Scheduling Rest – Why You Need To and How To Do ItEpisode 55, Goal Setting for the New Year – A Different Approach

We all have unique experiences, but one thing teachers all seem to share is the overwhelming challenge of grading. When I talked about ways to cut your grading time in half on the podcast earlier this year, it was clear that it was a hot topic, so let’s dive into it again! In today’s replay episode, I’m sharing the number four most listened-to episode where I provide four tips that instantly decrease your grading time. If you think January is too late to switch things up, it’s not! The beginning of a new semester is the perfect time to rethink or redo how you approach grading. The four specific action items I share are ones I personally executed when I was in the classroom. And just a warning - they may feel drastic! But in order to provide quick and accurate grading while also allowing for more time for yourself, sometimes big changes are required. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode160Resources Mentioned:Bell Ringers & Exit SlipsAssessments Virtual PD 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 and Blog Posts:Episode 105, What Happened When I Stopped Assigning Formal Lab ReportsEpisode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)Episode 4, Engaging Your Students – In the First 5 Minutes of ClassDecrease Grading Time: 4 Practical Ways to Cut Your Grading Time in HalfWhy You Shouldn’t Bring Work Home – And How to Accomplish ThatPrime Times: The Secondary Classroom Procedure You Can’t Live Without5 Reasons You May Hate Bell Ringers – And the Solutions to Run Them Easily

It’s crazy to think that we’re nearing the end of 2024! We’ve covered so many topics this year, so I wanted to spend the last five weeks of the year replaying the top five most listened to episodes. I want to encourage you to take this opportunity to either reinforce the routines, systems, and strategies in these episodes or prioritize them starting in 2025. In today’s episode, we’re starting with the fifth most listened to episode where I talk about how to increase student retention of content, specifically DENSE content! I not only give you encouragement and reasons why retention might be lacking in your students, but very practical tips you can easily implement in your science classes. If you are enjoying the content in this podcast, please leave your view on Apple Podcasts! It will only take a minute and is a simple way to support this show and reach more science teachers!➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode159Resources Mentioned:Biology CurriculumChemistry CurriculumDownload 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 116. Behind Schedule? What to Do and How to Prevent It in the FutureEpisode 88. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Part 5 Episode 87. Aligning Your Assessments: Curriculum Design Part 5Episode 86. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Part 4Episode 85. Building Out Your Backbone: Curriculum Design Part 4Episode 84. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Part 3Episode 83. Forming Your Foundation: Curriculum Design Part 3Episode 82. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Parts 1 and 2Episode 81. Analyzing Your Aims: Curriculum Design Part 2Episode 80. Strategizing Your Sequence: Curriculum Design Part 1

In teaching, there are a lot of balancing acts, but none come close to preparing your students for success while NOT teaching to the test. I hear from many of you that struggle with this, and honestly I did as well while I was teaching, but I have since adopted a few philosophies that will help minimize the pressure you feel and start prioritizing what matters most to you in your classroom. In today’s episode, I’m sharing two main ways that you can balance “good teaching” and the pressure of getting your students prepared for the test. I discuss how each of the two ideas work off of each other and various ways they can be implemented throughout your instructional resources and activities. ➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode158Resources Mentioned:Core Values Mini-CourseBiology Exam PackPhysical Science Exam PackAnatomy Exam PackChemistry Exam PackDownload 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 157, Serving ELLs with AI and MORE With Guest Alyse of Keystone ScienceEpisode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science ClassroomEpisode 104, Using Summative Assessments to Prepare Students for Standardized Tests

I don’t know about you, but I love growing and learning, especially when it has anything to do with teaching science. This is exactly what happened when I interviewed Alyse of Keystone Science. Throughout our entire conversation, we discussed a wide range of topics that will help students have success in a secondary science classroom, particularly English Language Learners.When it comes to the use of AI in the classroom, Alyse has embraced this innovative technology tool. She shares why her perspective is different and describes specific ways she utilizes it in her classroom. And since she works with many ELL students, Alyse discusses the countless possibilities that come with AI and how it contributes to their learning. Trust me when I say this episode is JAM PACKED with helpful tips!➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode157Resources:ELL FreebieAI FreebieChatGPTOtter.AIEduaideMagic SchoolDiffitGoogle TranslateSecondary Science PD CoursesDownload 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 & Blog Posts:Episode 154, AI and Chat GPT With Guest Mitch WielandEpisode 95, How to Stop Grading Everything Episode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science ClassesWhy I Don’t Assign Homework in High School

Let’s talk about something that is all too familiar for teachers: navigating micromanagement from school administrators or districts. I’ve encountered my fair share of overbearing directives, from mandated curricula to unreasonable data tracking, and I know you have too.I’ve heard from many of you about the struggles you face with being micromanaged when it comes to grading, classroom management, and more. Whether it’s coming from the district or your direct admin, being micromanaged never feels good. We know our students and we should be trusted to do what’s best for them!In today’s episode, I’m sharing practical tips and strategies to try if you are being micromanaged, and when it might even be time to consider a change for the better. You’ve been warned - I run hot when it comes to this topic!➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode156 Resources: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 & Blog Posts:Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science ClassroomEpisode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a ChangeEpisode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach Matson Episode 69, Admin Support - WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask For