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. 18H AGO

    224. Keeping Students’ Attention Engaged - Without Killing Yourself to Do It

    “I’m pouring everything I have into keeping my students engaged… and I’m completely drained, but nothing is changing.”  If that thought has been running through your head, you are not alone. In this episode, I challenge the belief that student disengagement is a personal failure and walk you through three essential mindset shifts before sharing six practical, low-energy strategies you can implement right away. From simple relationship builders and pacing your block with intention to minimizing Googling, increasing student choice, and making science feel relevant, you’ll leave with realistic ways to keep their attention, without sacrificing yourself in the process! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode224 Resources Mentioned: Podcast Episodes about Student Apathy Freebie: Anatomy of a Class Period Cheat SheetCore Values Mini-CourseRelationships Mini-CourseShop INRS full year curriculum bundlesComplete INRS units YouTubeBe 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 and Blog Posts: Episode 35: Competency, Classroom Management, Teaching Chemistry and MORE with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 64: How to Re-Engage Apathetic Students (and Manage Your Own Apathy!)Episode 70: “It Isn’t an Attack on You”: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 71: “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 123: What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students DoEpisode 127: Teaching AP Chemistry With Zach Matson

    40 min

  2. FEB 23

    223. What to Do When Students Simply Won’t Do Their Work

    When students flat-out refuse to work, it can feel impossible to stay in control. In this episode, I tackle what you can actually do when encouragement isn’t enough and resistance takes over. Instead of focusing on controlling students, I share the three levers you can control (clear expectations, consistent reinforcement, and meaningful follow-through), plus how to reset your classroom culture when things go off the rails. You’ll also hear my take on maximizing in-class work time, using humor to shift energy, and protecting your own peace while holding students accountable. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode223 Resources Mentioned: Podcast Episodes about Student ApathyCulture Mini-CourseShop INRS full year curriculum bundles.Complete INRS units 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 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students DoEpisode 156, What to Do When You Are Micromanaged By Your Admin or DistrictEpisode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science ClassroomEpisode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (and 6 Surprising Results)

    20 min

  3. FEB 16

    222. What to Do With Fast Finishers - Managing Different Students’ Paces

    Fast finishers can throw your whole class off pace when you’re already feeling behind. In this episode, I share how to manage fast finishers during notes, practice, labs, projects, and tests without adding more to your plate. I explain why differentiating notes is worth the effort, how to create a “no idle hands” classroom culture, and simple ways to give early finishers meaningful work. These are practical systems I used in my own classroom to reset expectations, keep students engaged, and work smarter, not harder, for the rest of the school year! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode222 🔗 Resources Mentioned: Shop INRS full year curriculum bundlesComplete INRS unitsProject PacksDownload 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 166: How to Use Your Students to Work Smarter Rather Than HarderEpisode 169, Differentiating for Higher Achieving Students (That Isn’t Just Extra Work)Episode 170, Differentiating for Lower Achieving Students (Without Lowering the Bar)Episode 171: Differentiating Within One Class Period (And How to Not Make it Obvious) Episode 172, Content-Specific Differentiation TipsEpisode 219: Study Guides for High School Science ClassesEpisode 221: Pacing Panic - What to Do When You Are so Far Behind Where You Thought You’d Be

    19 min

  4. FEB 9

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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
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5
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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
    225
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Secondary Science Simplified™
  • Show Website
    Secondary Science Simplified™

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