Secondary Science Simplified™

Rebecca Joyner, High School Science Teacher
  • 5.0 (133)
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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. 20h ago

    259. How to Reset When You Return From a Long-Term Leave

    Returning to your classroom after a long-term leave can feel like walking into a completely different classroom. You’re trying to figure out what happened while you were gone, what students actually learned, and where to begin. In this episode, I’m sharing five tips from teachers who have experienced this exact situation, including how to approach your first days back, make decisions about your curriculum, and get your classroom running smoothly again. Most importantly, give yourself and your students grace as you adjust to a new normal. Remember, teaching is your job, not your life! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode259 Resources Mentioned: Download your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeTake 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 PodcastsFollow, rate, and comment on SpotifyRelated Episodes: Episode 49: Visuals, Middle School, Maternity Leave, and MORE with Guest Rachael LaskyEpisode 117: How to Prep for a Long-Term Substitute Who Doesn’t Teach ScienceEpisode 217: How to Regain Control Mid-Year: Resetting Your Classroom ManagementEpisode 244: Sanity-Saving Systems, Self Checks, and Starting a TA Program With Katie DupuieEpisode 260: Celebrating Small Success and Building Relationships With Grace Ratliff

  2. Oct 26

    258. How to Stay Organized With Multiple Preps

    If you’re teaching three or more preps this school year, you may be realizing that your current systems are either keeping you organized or need a little adjusting! In this episode, I’m sharing six of my top tips for staying organized, from color coding and unit packets to implementing PrimeTimes and an end-of-day checklist. These simple systems can help you stay on top of your workload, stagger the demands of multiple preps, and make those busy days feel a whole lot more doable. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode258 Resources Mentioned: Balancing multiple preps Spotify PlaylistPlastic binsPaper desktop calendarFrixion erasable pensDownload 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 PodcastsFollow, rate, and comment on SpotifyRelated Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 60: Teaching with Packets – What They Are, Why I Love Them, and How to Use ThemEpisode 182: End the Year Organized: Your ResourcesEpisode 183: End the Year Organized: Your ClassroomEpisode 184: End the Year Organized: Your Methods for ManagementEpisode 206: PRIME TIMES® – Everything You Need to KnowEpisode 244: Sanity-Saving Systems, Self Checks, and Starting a TA Program With Katie DupuieBlog: EVERYTHING you need to know about having a high school T.A. program

  3. Oct 19

    257. How to Deal With Disrespect

    A student in your class disrespects you in front of everyone. What are you supposed to do? As someone who runs a little hot myself, I know how tempting it can be to bite back with sarcasm or a quick retort, but keeping your cool is the real win. In this episode, I’m breaking down what to do (and what not to do) when things get heated, from resisting the power struggle and removing the audience to using calm scripts and proactive classroom routines. And if you’ve handled a tough interaction poorly before, remember that no single moment defines you as a teacher. You can apologize, reset, and model healthy conflict resolution for your students. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode257 Resources Mentioned: Download your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeTake 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 SpotifyRelated Episodes: Episode 249: Board Points: A Simple Whole Classroom Management StrategyEpisode 225: What to Do When Your Class Won’t Talk With YouEpisode 246: Grouping and Engaging Students With Popsicle SticksEpisode 136: Building a Team Mindset Into Your Classroom CultureEpisode 134: Prioritizing Relationships Over Being RightEpisode 92: 5 Ways to Have Precise Pacing and Tight Transitions in Your Secondary Science Classroom

  4. Oct 12

    256. What to Do When Students Show Up to Class Unprepared

    At this point in the year, the “new year, new you” energy has officially worn off, and students might be drifting into class a little less prepared than before. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to handle students who show up without the supplies they need by setting simple expectations, communicating them clearly, and consistently reinforcing them. I’m also sharing how to build in a little grace while still letting natural consequences do their job, plus how to teach absent students to find what they missed and take responsibility for getting caught up. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode256 Resources Mentioned: Lil baby calculatorsGiant pencilsDownload 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 PodcastsFollow, rate, and comment on SpotifyRelated Episodes: Episode 96: Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)Episode 152: Absences – How to Deal With ThemEpisode 206: PRIME TIMES® – Everything You Need to Know

  5. Oct 5

    255. Being a Department Chair, Teaching Earth Science, and Veteran Teacher Tips With Jaime Gratton

    How do you stay passionate about teaching after 24 years and multiple science preps? Veteran teacher and department chair Jaime Gratton is sharing her tricks of the trade. We’re talking about engaging students in 90-minute blocks, creating hands-on science experiences, mentoring new teachers, and building a supportive department culture. We also get into AI, classroom routines, grading, and Jamie’s reminder that sometimes the best thing we can do is give ourselves a little grace and remember that it gets better! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode255 Resources Mentioned: ChemventoryINRS Chemistry curriculumAP teacher episode playlistContact Jaime: Jaime.Gratton@sau19.org Jaime’s Amazon Resource List 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.Related Episodes: Episode 238: Department Chairs: How to Lead Your Team WellEpisode 212: 6 Preps, EOC Review, Biology and Work/Life Balance With Guest Macee HusemanEpisode 191: Engaging Students, Serving ELLs, and Teaching Earth Science With Becca of Science Lessons That RockEpisode 163: What I Wish I Knew in My First Year of Teaching High School Science: 5 Simple Tips

  6. Sep 28

    254. New Year, New Boundaries: PARENTS

    Parent boundaries can make a huge difference in your school year, especially when you set them early! In this final episode of my 3-week boundaries series, I’m breaking down three key areas: availability and access, respect and care, and knowing when to bring in support. We’ll talk about setting clear expectations, using proactive communication to build stronger parent relationships, and bringing in admin when things get tricky. When you feel confident partnering with parents while still protecting your time (and sanity!), you can focus on what matters most: your students. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode254 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 70: “It Isn’t an Attack on You”: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 195: A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication With Guest Mandy FarrarEpisode 207: Dealing With Combative Parents – 6 Tips and 2 Warnings

  7. Sep 21

    253. New Year, New Boundaries: STUDENTS

    Teaching is your job, NOT your whole life, and that means setting healthy boundaries with your students, too! In week two of my New Year, New Boundaries miniseries, I'm sharing five boundaries to establish this school year around availability, respect, workload, consequences, and grading. The goal? To empower students to become more independent, hold the line in your classroom, and still have a life outside of teaching. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode253 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 155: How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science ClassroomEpisode 202: What to Do When Your Students Fail the Test Episode 223: What to Do When Students Simply Won’t Do Their Work

  8. Sep 14

    252. New Year, New Boundaries: EMAIL

    A new school year calls for new boundaries, and it’s high time we stopped letting email rule our lives. Teaching is your job, not your whole identity, and nobody should expect you to be available 24/7! In this episode, I’m kicking off a 3-week mini-series on boundaries by tackling one of the biggest struggles for teachers: constant digital access. I get personal about my own journey with becoming unavailable, why these boundaries matter, and how they can help us teach others to become independent problem-solvers. I’ll also address the biggest pushback I get and share five practical tips for holding the line and responding to email strategically instead of reactively. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode252 Resources: Inbox When Ready (Chrome Extension)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 70: “It Isn’t an Attack on You: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 195: A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication with Guest Mandy FarrarEpisode 199: How to Not Take Work Home (In Your Head, or in Reality) This School YearEpisode 207: Dealing With Combative Parents - 6 Tips and 2 Warnings

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5
out of 5
133 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
    260
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Secondary Science Simplified™
  • Show Website
    Secondary Science Simplified™

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