Podcast
Secondary Science Simplified™
Hosted by Rebecca Joyner, High School Science Teacher · EN
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 Rebecca, from It's Not Rocket Science, and her guests will share practical and easy-to-implement strategies for decreasing your workload so that you can stop working overtime and start focusing your energy doing what you love - actually teaching! Teaching doesn't have to be rocket science, and you'll learn exactly what you need to do to simplify your secondary science teaching life so that you can enjoy your life outside of school even more. Head to itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/challenge to grab your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
20episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
234. My Biggest Regrets From My Time in the Classroom
1w ago00:25:09Tap to summarizeRecently, I was asked a question that stopped me in my tracks: What’s one thing you wish you’d done differently in the classroom? My first answer came fast...I thought too much of myself and carried the weight of everything on my shoulders. But the more I thought about the question, the more I realized there were several things I would do differently! In this episode, I’m sharing four regrets from my early teaching years, four things I would do differently now after years of growth (and becoming a mom), and four classroom practices I’d do again in a heartbeat.➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode234Resources Mentioned:INRS UnitsINRS Full Year CurriculumFREE podcast playlist for NEW high school science teachersDownload 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 91, My Top 5 Classroom Management Routines and Procedures for High School Science TeachersEpisode 130, First Year Teaching? 5 Things I Wish I Had KnownEpisode 195, A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication with Guest Mandy FarrarEpisode 206, Prime Times® - Everything You Need to Know
Transcribe →233. How to Keep Up With Lesson Planning
2w ago00:23:43Tap to summarizeWhy does it feel like I start every week organized, then somehow end it with a mile-long to-do list and lesson plans that still need fixing? In this episode, I’m answering a listener’s relatable question with six practical strategies that helped me stay ahead of planning in the classroom. We’re talking batch planning, overplanning, classroom routines, pacing with confidence, protecting your planning period, and reflecting now so next year feels easier. If lesson planning always feels like a moving target, this episode will help you create systems that lighten the load!➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode233Resources Mentioned:INRS UnitsINRS Full Year CurriculumLAST CHANCE TO APPLY TO BE A GUEST!!! 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.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes and Blog Posts:Episode 62, 5 Ways to Instantly Make Your Planning Period More Productive Episode 92, 5 Ways to Have Precise Pacing and Tight Transitions in Your Secondary Science Classroom Episode 139, Sunday Scaries - How I Use Friday Planning to Prevent ThemEpisode 208, 5 Tips for How to Lesson Plan While Managing Constant Disruptions
Transcribe →232. Chemistry Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Chemistry the Way That I Do
3w ago00:24:52Tap to summarizeChemistry can be one of the most rewarding courses to teach, and in this episode I’m sharing why! I walk you through the scope and sequence I use in my yearlong chemistry curriculum, how I break down major topics so students build confidence step by step, and why I prioritize depth over rushing through standards. We’ll also cover the big themes that connect chemistry all year long, plus what makes my curriculum especially supportive for teachers through flexible labs, differentiation, and intentional organization.➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode232Resources:Chemistry FULL YEAR CurriculumChemistry curriculum on TpT (see all the 5 star reviews!!)Chemistry UnitsChemistry Scope and Sequence BlogpostFREEBIE - Get the Chemistry Pacing GuideBe a guest on the podcast! Apply here.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.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes:Episode 127, Teaching AP Chemistry with Zach MatsonEpisode 140, 5 Tips for Teaching ChemistryEpisode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather BonannoEpisode 209, Anatomy Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Anatomy the Way That I Do
Transcribe →231. Teaching on an Island: What to Do When Parents and Admin Won’t Help
Apr 2000:15:00Tap to summarizeCaring deeply about your students can feel exhausting when you’re the only one showing up! In this episode, I share how to support a student when admin and parents aren’t involved, without taking on everything yourself. You’ll learn how to do your due diligence through consistent communication, shift your perspective with empathy, and bring in additional support when needed. Most importantly, it’s about building a strong connection with your student while protecting your time and energy, setting boundaries, and reflecting on what it means to be faithful to your role without carrying what isn’t yours.➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode231Resources Mentioned:Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here!INRS UnitsINRS Full Year CurriculumDownload 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 and Blog Posts:Episode 70, “It Isn’t an Attack on You”: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach Matson Episode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom Episode 156, What to Do When You Are Micromanaged by Your Admin or DistrictEpisode 195, A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication With Guest Mandy Farrar Episode 229, Balancing Unrealistic Admin Expectations
Transcribe →230. How to Manage Test Retakes
Apr 1300:36:30Tap to summarizeIt’s been awhile since we’ve tackled a hot-button topic, so we’re going there today: test retakes. I’m breaking down the real pros and cons, sharing how I decide when retakes are actually necessary, and how to structure them in a way that supports mastery without adding more to your plate. It all comes down to clear expectations, strong boundaries, and putting responsibility back on students. Plus, I’m sharing strategies from other teachers to help you manage retakes in a way that protects your time, your sanity, and your standards!➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode230Resources Mentioned:Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here.INRS UnitsINRS Full Year CurriculumInstagram: @biowithmrs.macInstagram: @themathematicalmamaInstagram: @apbiopenguinsDownload 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 and Blog Posts:Episode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom Episode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather BonannoEpisode 197, Motivating the Unmotivated - 4 Practical Tips to Help Students CareEpisode 202, What to Do When Your Students Fail the TestEpisode 213, Everything You Need to Know About Teaching AP Biology with Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins Episode 229, Balancing Unrealistic Admin Expectations
Transcribe →229. Balancing Unrealistic Admin Expectations
Apr 600:19:42Tap to summarizeI get asked all the time if I’ll ever go back to teaching full time, and honestly… we’ll see. I miss teaching, but I don't miss the challenge of balancing admin expectations with what’s actually realistic in the classroom! In this episode, I’m sharing what to do when those expectations start to feel overwhelming, from getting perspective and finding support to having productive conversations with admin that lead to real solutions. And if it’s still not working, we’re talking about how to protect your time, focus on what matters most, and recognize when it might be time for a change, because the right environment and leadership can make all the difference.➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode229Resources:Relationships mini-courseBe a guest on the podcast! Apply here.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.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes:Episode 68, Evaluating Your Teacher ContractEpisode 69, Admin Support: WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask ForEpisode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a ChangeEpisode 156, What to Do When You Are Micromanaged By Your Admin or DistrictEpisode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather Bonanno
Transcribe →228. The Lowdown on Labs: Finding, Funding, Prepping, Executing, and Assessing Labs
Mar 3000:38:03Tap to summarizeLabs can easily become one of the most overwhelming parts of teaching science, so in this episode, I’m breaking down how to find, fund, prep, run, and assess labs in a way that’s actually sustainable. I share simple strategies for managing materials, planning for multiple classes, keeping labs purposeful (not just checking a box), and making them work for all students. Plus, we’re simplifying grading so you can focus on what really matters and get your time back! Want more support? Sign up for my free Labs When Limited course, and if you’ve got lab strategies that work, apply to be a guest on the podcast!➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode228Resources Mentioned:Labs When Limited free virtual PD courseBe a guest on the podcast! Apply here.ANATOMY Supplies SpreadsheetBIOLOGY Supplies SpreadsheetCHEMISTRY Supplies SpreadsheetPHYSICAL SCIENCE Supplies SpreadsheetINRS UnitsINRS Full Year 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.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes and Blog Posts:Blog Post: EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Having a High School T.A. ProgramEpisode 69, Admin Support - WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask ForEpisode 105, What Happened When I Stopped Assigning Formal Lab ReportsEpisode 177, Unpacking the NGSS: What High School Science Teachers Need to KnowEpisode 186, True Life: I Am a Science Teacher Who Hates LabsEpisode 222, What to Do With Fast Finishers - Managing Different Students’ Paces
Transcribe →227. A Quarter 4 Pep Talk
Mar 2300:14:41Tap to summarizeThe final stretch of the school year can feel heavy, especially if you’re not sure the year turned out the way you hoped. In this episode, I offer a Quarter 4 pep talk and a mindset shift to help you finish strong. I talk about redefining what success looks like, embracing seasons of survival when needed, and focusing on small moments that still make a BIG impact with students. I also give you permission to stop doing time-draining tasks, try something new in your classroom, and bring a little more fun into these final weeks!➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode227Resources Mentioned:Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here.Ecosystem in a BottleEnd of year project packsReviewing for standardized testsBiology scope and sequencePrime Times Bell RingersSend 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 and Blog Posts:Episodes 12, Combating Senioritis Part 1: Getting Students Outside and Changing Up LectureEpisode 13, Combating Senioritis Part 2: Using Student-Centered ActivitiesEpisode 14, Combating Senioritis Part 3: Saving the Best for LastEpisode 15, Teaching Seniors, AP Biology, and MORE with Diana PriceEpisode 18, What to Do After End of Year Testing with StudentsEpisode 72, Review Strategies for EOC, Benchmark, and AP ExamsEpisode 165, How Naming What Matters Most Can Change the Rest of Your School YearEpisode 218, 3 Things to Stop Doing This Semester Episode 220, Biology Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Biology the Way That I DoEpisode 226, What to Do When You’ve Lost Your Spark in Teaching
Transcribe →226. What to Do When You’ve Lost Your Spark in Teaching
Mar 1600:25:02Tap to summarizeSpring might bring renewed energy, but sometimes the spark for teaching is still missing. In this episode, I share what to do when you’ve lost your passion for teaching or feel the weight of teacher burnout. I walk through four steps I call the 4 Rs: remember, reflect, reinforce, and reconsider to help you identify what’s draining your energy, reconnect with what brings you joy, and rebuild teacher motivation. And if the spark still isn’t there, we’ll also talk honestly about whether it might be time to rethink your role, your school, or how to enjoy teaching again in this season!➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode226Resources Mentioned:Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here.Core Values mini-courseSearch podcast episodes by topic!CTFAR ModelDownload 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 and Blog Posts:Episode 42, What to Do if You Hate What You TeachEpisode 65, Considering Changing Schools? 10 Questions to Think Through Episode 66, Tips for Teaching at a Public School vs. a Private School Episode 67, Considering a Teacher Career Change with Guest Daphne Gomez, The Teacher Career CoachEpisode 68, Evaluating Your Teacher ContractEpisode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change Episode 181, What to Do When Your Job Feels Stale (or Maybe Even Boring)
Transcribe →225. What to Do When Your Class Won’t Talk With You
Mar 900:18:20Tap to summarizeYou may have read the title of this episode and thought, “Wow, I cannot relate. My problem is getting my students to quiet down!” But if you’re facing a roomful of crickets, this one’s for you. I share my experience with nearly-silent classes and the five strategies I use to get even the quietest students talking. We’ll also talk about building trust through real relationships, shifting classroom culture (even mid-year), and creating consistent, low-pressure opportunities that help students grow in confidence and face-to-face communication skills.➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode225Resources Mentioned:Podcast Episodes about Student ApathyCulture Mini-CourseBe a guest on the podcast! Apply here.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.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes:Episode 41, 4 Practical Tips for Building Relationships with Your High School StudentsEpisode 134, Prioritizing Relationships Over Being RightEpisode 224, Keeping Students’ Attention Engaged - Without Killing Yourself to Do It
Transcribe →