Secondary Science Simplified™

Rebecca Joyner, High School Science Teacher
  • 5.0 (127)
  • 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. 4d ago

    244. Sanity-Saving Systems, Self Checks, and Starting a TA Program With Katie Dupuie

    Teaching gets a whole lot easier when your classroom runs on systems instead of constant reminders! In this conversation, Katie Dupuie shares the practical routines that help her manage large classes, build student independence, and stay adaptable through every challenge teaching throws her way. From self-check assignments and streamlined grading to creative chemistry instruction and launching a teacher assistant program, Katie offers simple, actionable ideas that can help you save time, reduce stress, and create a classroom that practically runs itself! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode244 Resources Mentioned: Blog Post: EVERYTHING you need to know about having a high school T.A. programDownload 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 49, Visuals, Middle School, Maternity Leave, and More with Guest Rachael LaskyEpisode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather BonannoEpisode 242, Classroom Jobs, Teaching Chemistry, and AI-Generated Labs for Absences with Maggie H. The Caffeinated ChemistEpisode 243, Creating Competition, Teaching AP, and 18 Preps with Brennan Koch of Stoich Decks

  2. Jul 13

    243. Creating Competition, Teaching AP, and 18 Preps With Brennan Koch of Stoich Decks

    Some teachers just have a way of making you rethink how you approach your classroom, and today's guest definitely does that. With 25 years of experience in the classroom, Brennan Koch shares practical strategies for creating a culture of striving, teaching AP science, simplifying lab grading, and using games to deepen student learning. I left this conversation feeling inspired, and I think you will too! After listening, you can head here to check out Brennan's games (use code ROCKET for 20% off!) and grab Reaction Time, a free print & play game. Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode243 Resources Mentioned: Brennan’s website (use code ROCKET for 20% off games!)Contact Brennan at stoichdecks@gmail.com. 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 PenguinsEpisode 236, Teaching AP Science for the First Time? 6 Tips for Success

  3. Jul 6

    242. Classroom Jobs, Teaching Chemistry and Ai-Generated Labs for Absences With Maggie H. The Caffeinated Chemist

    One of my favorite parts of the year is finally here! I'm kicking off this summer's guest interview series with Maggie from The Caffeinated Chemist, and our conversation is full of practical ideas that made me wish we taught down the hall from each other. From making chemistry more visual to creating a classroom that practically runs itself, Maggie shares practical strategies for teaching Chemistry, building student ownership through classroom jobs, using AI to create virtual labs for absent students, and simplifying classroom management with systems that save time! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode242 Resources Mentioned: The Virtual Lab for the Caffeinated ChemistClassroom Jobs and DescriptionsCanva AI AssistantDownload 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 201, AI Literacy for Science Teachers with Guest Amanda Bickerstaff of AI for EducationEpisode 210, 4 Ways AI Can Support You in Your Secondary Science ClassroomEpisode 232, Chemistry Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Chemistry The Way That I Do

  4. Jun 29

    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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. 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

  8. 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

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5
out of 5
127 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
    245
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Secondary Science Simplified™
  • Show Website
    Secondary Science Simplified™

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