Secondary Science Simplified™

Rebecca Joyner, High School Science Teacher
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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. 1H AGO

    221. Pacing Panic - What to Do When You Are So Far Behind Where You Thought You’d Be

    Pacing panic hits hard this time of year, and if you’re feeling behind (again), this episode is for you. I revisit the ever-relevant issue of pacing, helping you assess whether you’re truly behind or just holding yourself to unrealistic expectations. We look at the real math behind instructional time, the role of grace for both you and your students, and practical strategies like time audits, prioritization, and letting go of what doesn’t matter most. Consider this your permission slip to breathe, reassess, and move forward with confidence...chicken-head intact! Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode221 Resources Mentioned: Shop INRS full year curriculum bundlesComplete INRS unitsLabs When Limited free virtual PD course (with lab audit included!) 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 92, 5 Ways to Have Precise Pacing and Tight Transitions in Your Secondary Science ClassroomEpisode 116, Behind Schedule? What to Do and How to Prevent It in the FutureEpisode 147, Content Coverage - How to Get Through All the Standards Episode 202, What to Do When Your Students Fail the TestEpisode 203, Who Makes up The Deficit? How to Respond When Students Are Behind

    32 min

  2. FEB 2

    220. Biology Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Biology the Way That I Do

    Biology has always been my first love, and this episode felt like the perfect moment to come back to it! In this episode, I share the thinking behind my biology scope and sequence, why order matters so much, and the structures, experiences, and connections students need to truly understand biology. I also dig into my biggest sequencing hot takes and give an inside look at what makes my It’s Not Rocket Science® biology curriculum intentionally designed, practical, and effective. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode220 Resources Mentioned: Biology FULL YEAR Curriculum Biology curriculum on TpT (see all the 5 star reviews!!)Biology Units Biology Scope and Sequence Blogpost Get the FREE Biology Pacing Guide!Strategize Your SequenceDownload 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 60: Teaching with Packets - What They Are, Why I Love Them, and How to Use ThemEpisode 80: Strategizing Your Sequence: Curriculum Design Part 1Episode 179: Unpacking the NGSS: Phenomena and Storylines Episode 194: The Importance of Inquiry-Based Learning - And How to Implement It PracticallyEpisode 209: Anatomy Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Anatomy the Way That I Do

    31 min

  3. JAN 26

    219. Study Guides for High School Science Classes

    Something I realized early in my teaching career is that most students have absolutely no clue how to prepare for tests! That's why I'm diving into how intentional study guides can actually teach students how to study, not just what to study. I walk through my system for planning study guides alongside units, lessons, and assessments so they serve as clear roadmaps from day one (not last-minute cramming tools). You’ll hear how I break units into concepts, build in time for students to work on guides as they learn, keep them flexible and student-driven, and motivate kids who think guides are busy work. Plus, I give my honest take on grading, accountability, and using AI as a support. Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode219 Resources: How I Do Study Guides in High School ScienceShop INRS full year curriculum bundles.Complete INRS Units How to Write a GREAT Study Guide Help Sheet Study Guide Example 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 60: Teaching with packets: What They Are, Why I Love Them, and How to Use ThemEpisode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (and 6 Surprising Results)Episode 159, My Top Tips for Helping Students Learn and Retain Dense Topics in Your Science ClassesEpisode 174, 7 Ways to Teach Your Students to Use AI Productively Episode 214, Practical Scientific Inquiry Teaching Strategies

    26 min

  4. JAN 19

    218. 3 Things to Stop Doing This Semester

    I’ve sat through a lot of professional development over the years, and I don’t remember a single one that ever took something off my plate - it was always more! That’s why this episode exists: to simplify your workload by doing less of what isn’t actually serving you or your students. I share three things to consider stopping for a semester and explain why habits that feel productive often create more stress, more grading, and less meaningful learning. We also talk boundaries and time protection so you can test what happens when you finally take something off your plate! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode218 Resources: Winter science freebiesSSS Virtual PD Course Bundle Core 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: Episode 77, 5 Myths You Might Believe About Your Work EmailEpisode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)Episode 116, Behind Schedule? What to Do and How to Prevent It in the FutureEpisode 139, Sunday Scaries - How I Use Friday Planning to Prevent ThemEpisode 199, How to Not Take Work Home (in your head, or in reality) This School Year

    19 min

  5. JAN 12

    217. How to Regain Control Mid-Year: Resetting Your Classroom Management

    Mid-year is when the cracks start to show - expectations fade, routines get sloppy, and classroom management feels heavier than it should. In this episode, I share why you can reset classroom management at any point in the year and walk you through the mindset shift, conversations, and practical steps that make a mid-year reset actually work. We’ll talk about identifying your biggest classroom pain points, clearly communicating new expectations, and consistently reinforcing procedures so they stick! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode217 Resources: Winter Science FREEBIESCulture Mini-CourseSSS Virtual PD Course Bundle SSS Podcast Episodes by Topic 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 35, Competency, Classroom Management, Teaching Chemistry, and MORE with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 91, My Top 5 Classroom Management Routines and Procedures for High School Science TeachersEpisode 93, Simple Strategies for Classroom ManagementEpisode 133, Using Refrains When Teaching

    18 min

  6. JAN 5

    216. Simple Goal Setting for the New Semester

    The “new year, fresh start” energy feels exciting, but can also be overwhelming! This episode cuts through the noise with a refreshingly simple approach to goal setting. Instead of complicated systems, you’ll focus on just two questions: what you want to do more of this year and what you want to do less of, both personally and in your science classroom. We’ll talk about prioritizing yourself, identifying energy and time drains, getting specific with your goals, and making small, flexible shifts that actually stick. By the end, you’ll have a clear, manageable direction for the semester...and maybe even the motivation to reset alongside your science team! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode216 Resources Mentioned: Shop INRS full year curriculum bundles.Complete unitsWinter science freebiesCore Values Mini-Course SSS Virtual PD Course BundleDownload 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 55, Goal Setting for the New Year - A Different ApproachEpisode 56, Scheduling Rest - Why You Need to And How to Do ItEpisode 111, Priorities and Boundaries in the New YearEpisode 165, How Naming What Matters Most Can Change the Rest of Your School Year

    20 min

  7. 12/29/2025

    215. A Systematic and Scientific Approach to Parent Communication With Guest Amanda Farrar

    It's time to hear the top episode of 2025, and it’s easy to see why this was a crowd favorite! I’m joined by high school chemistry and physics teacher Amanda Farrar, who shares her system for parent communication. She uses an intentional, data-driven approach that builds trust, lowers stress, and keeps the focus on student growth. From practical email scripts and real classroom stories to handling tough parent moments and using AI to save time, this episode is full of ideas you can try right away to make parent communication a whole lot easier! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode215 Resources Mentioned: Take the 2026 SSS Podcast Survey!Be a guest in 2026 on the SSS podcast.Secondary Science Simplified virtual PD 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: Episode 70, It Isn’t an Attack on You: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 90, Classroom Management Philosophy for Secondary Science TeachersEpisode 91, My Top 5 Classroom Management Routines and Procedures for High School Science TeachersEpisode 93, Simple Strategies for Classroom Management

    51 min

  8. 12/22/2025

    214. Practical Scientific Inquiry Teaching Strategies

    Our second most-listened-to episode of 2025 dives into inquiry-based teaching and why it’s essential, even when students push back. I break inquiry down into practical, classroom-ready strategies, explain why students struggle if they’ve only experienced passive “sit and get” learning, and share ways to make inquiry part of your classroom culture. Plus, I give my thoughts on the 5E model, three simple steps to get started immediately, and a big THANK YOU for being part of this community as we head into a new year! Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode214 Resources Mentioned: 2026 SSS Podcast SurveyBe a guest in 2026 on the SSS podcast!INRS First Biology Unit INRS First Anatomy Unit INRS First Chemistry Unit INRS First Physical Science UnitALL INRS Complete Units FREE: What is Life? Inquiry ActivityWhere to find POGILsDownload 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 47, 2 Ways That Learning Happens and How to Create a Classroom Culture That Fosters ItEpisode 64, How to Re-Engage Apathetic Students (And Manage Your Own Apathy!)Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students DoEpisode 141, First Day of School Tips + What I Cover in My First Units of the YearEpisode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-PandemicEpisode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom

    34 min
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5
out of 5
117 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
    222
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Secondary Science Simplified™
  • Show Website
    Secondary Science Simplified™

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