Secondary Science Simplified™

Rebecca Joyner, High School Science Teacher
  • 5.0 (125)
  • How To
  • Updated Weekly

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.

  1. 3d ago

    241. Simplified Grading Strategy: Major vs. Minor Grades

    A complicated gradebook can quickly create more work, more confusion, and more stress than it needs to. In this episode, I'm sharing the grading system I used for years to simplify grading, accurately reflect student learning, and make communication with students and parents much clearer. I'll walk you through how I organized and weighted my gradebook, managed grades efficiently, and handled student accountability without creating extra work. I also tackle a listener question about teaching in a 100% summative grading environment and share what teachers can focus on when formative work isn't graded. This conversation might just change the way you think about grading for the upcoming school year! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode241 Resources Mentioned: Assessments Mini-CourseINRS 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 95, How to Stop Grading EverythingEpisode 160, 4 Proven Tips to Instantly Decrease Your Grading TimeEpisode 196, Grading Game Changers: 6 Ways to Grade Differently This School YearEpisode 206, PRIME TIMES®: Everything You Need to Know Episode 235, Advocating for Yourself with Admin

    30 min

  2. Jun 22

    240. How to Time Block Your Work Week

    Do you feel like your planning period disappears before you've accomplished anything? In this episode, I share exactly how I would structure a 40-hour teacher workweek to stay productive, reduce overwhelm, and avoid bringing work home. You'll learn how a time audit can reveal where your hours are really going, plus practical strategies for time-blocking, batching grading and lesson prep, managing email, and setting boundaries that make teaching more sustainable. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode240 Resources Mentioned: Virtual PD BundleBalance Mini-CourseCore Values 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 and Blog Posts: Ep 62, 5 Ways to Instantly Make Your Planning Period More Productive Episode 77, 5 Myths You Might Believe About Your Work EmailEp 139, Sunday Scaries - How I Use Friday Planning to Prevent ThemEpisode 195, A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication With Guest Mandy Farrar

    20 min

  3. Jun 15

    239. No One Cares About Your Class: What to Do When Students Only Care About Their Dual Credit Courses and Not Yours

    How do you make your class matter when students are far more invested in their dual credit courses? In this episode, I share why student apathy isn't necessarily a reflection of your teaching and how shifting your expectations can reduce frustration for everyone. We’ll talk about creating a classroom students want to be in, respecting their competing priorities, maintaining accountability without adding pressure, and focusing on what you can control while helping students build responsibility and resilience! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode239 Resources: 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 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 ClassroomEpisode 197, Motivating the Unmotivated - 4 Practical Tips to Help Students CareEpisode 223, What to Do When Students Simply Won’t Do Their WorkEpisode 224, Keeping Students’ Attention Engaged – Without Killing Yourself to Do It

    17 min

  4. Jun 8

    238. Department Chairs: How to Lead Your Team Well

    Department chairs are carrying far more than a title and a tiny stipend! In this episode, I’m sharing practical ways to lead your science department well without burning yourself out. I’m talking about advocating for teachers, communicating with admin, running productive meetings, organizing shared resources, and supporting new science teachers in ways that actually make a difference! If you’re a department chair with ideas, strategies, or experiences that have worked well for your team, I’d love to hear from you! Send me an email or message me on Instagram so we can keep the conversation going. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode238 Resources Mentioned: Virtual PDLabs When Limited (FREE virtual PD course!)INRS UnitsINRS Full Year CurriculumNew Teachers Podcast Playlist (free!) 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.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 229, Balancing Unrealistic Admin ExpectationsEpisode 235, Advocating for Yourself With Admin Episode 237, End of Year Reflection - How to Know What Needs to Change

    29 min

  5. Jun 1

    237. End of Year Reflection - How to Know What Needs to Change

    You made it to summer… or you’re so close you can taste it! In this end of year reflection episode, I’m sharing how to look back on your school year without drowning in guilt or taking responsibility for things that weren’t yours to carry. We’re talking about meaningful goals, honest feedback, burnout, boundaries, and how your current life season impacts the way you view your year. I’m also walking you through 10 reflection questions to help you identify what drained you, what energized you, and what needs to change before next school year begins. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode237 Resources Mentioned: Virtual PDLabs When Limited (FREE!)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 182, End the Year Organized: Your Resources Episode 183, End the Year Organized: Your Classroom Episode 203, Who Makes up the Deficit? How to Respond When Students are Behind

    22 min

  6. May 25

    236. Teaching AP Science for the First Time? 6 Tips for Success

    If you are listening to this episode, I’m guessing you just found out you’ll be teaching AP Science for the very first time… and you’re probably equal parts excited and equal parts overwhelmed. I’ve been there! In this episode, I’m sharing the six biggest tips I wish someone had handed me before stepping into my first AP classroom, from navigating the overwhelm and letting go of perfectionism to creating a solid plan and teaching with confidence. My goal is simple: to help you feel more equipped than overwhelmed, and more excited than scared, as you step into this new role! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode236 Resources Mentioned: Podcast Playlist: Teaching AP Science!INRS UnitsINRS Full Year CurriculumBlog Post: Teaching AP Biology for the First Time 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 137, Work/Life Balance as a Mom and AP Teacher with Guest Kimberly LearyEpisode 142, Reflections From a First-Year AP Teacher with Guest Laura TiceEpisode 213, Everything You Need to Know About Teaching AP Biology with Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins

    27 min

  7. May 18

    235. Advocating for Yourself With Admin

    As the school year wraps up and end-of-year meetings approach, NOW is the moment to advocate for yourself with your admin. Yes, really! In this episode, I’m sharing why your voice matters right now as a secondary science teacher, how to clearly communicate your capacity, boundaries, and needs, and practical scripts for handling tough conversations about added responsibilities. You’ll also learn how to advocate for meaningful support, use data to strengthen your requests, and step into next year feeling lighter, clearer, and more in control. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode235 Resources Mentioned: 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 68, Evaluating Your Teaching Contract Episode 69, Admin Support - WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask For Episode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach Matson Episode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a ChangeEpisode 156, What to Do When You Are Micromanaged by Your Admin or District Episode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather BonannoEpisode 229, Balancing Unrealistic Admin Expectations

    26 min

  8. May 11

    234. My Biggest Regrets From My Time in the Classroom

    Recently, 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/episode234 Resources 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

    25 min
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5
out of 5
125 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Rebecca Joyner, High School Science Teacher
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    242
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Secondary Science Simplified™
  • Show Website
    Secondary Science Simplified™

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