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. 3D AGO

    231. Teaching on an Island: What to Do When Parents and Admin Won’t Help

    Caring deeply about your students can feel exhausting when you’re the only one showing up! In this episode, I share how to support a student when admin and parents aren’t involved, without taking on everything yourself. You’ll learn how to do your due diligence through consistent communication, shift your perspective with empathy, and bring in additional support when needed. Most importantly, it’s about building a strong connection with your student while protecting your time and energy, setting boundaries, and reflecting on what it means to be faithful to your role without carrying what isn’t yours. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode231 Resources Mentioned: Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here!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 70, “It Isn’t an Attack on You”: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach Matson Episode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom Episode 156, What to Do When You Are Micromanaged by Your Admin or DistrictEpisode 195, A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication With Guest Mandy Farrar Episode 229, Balancing Unrealistic Admin Expectations

    15 min

  2. APR 13

    230. How to Manage Test Retakes

    It’s been awhile since we’ve tackled a hot-button topic, so we’re going there today: test retakes. I’m breaking down the real pros and cons, sharing how I decide when retakes are actually necessary, and how to structure them in a way that supports mastery without adding more to your plate. It all comes down to clear expectations, strong boundaries, and putting responsibility back on students. Plus, I’m sharing strategies from other teachers to help you manage retakes in a way that protects your time, your sanity, and your standards! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode230 Resources Mentioned: Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here.INRS UnitsINRS Full Year CurriculumInstagram: @biowithmrs.macInstagram: @themathematicalmamaInstagram: @apbiopenguinsDownload 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 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom Episode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather BonannoEpisode 197, Motivating the Unmotivated - 4 Practical Tips to Help Students CareEpisode 202, What to Do When Your Students Fail the TestEpisode 213, Everything You Need to Know About Teaching AP Biology with Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins Episode 229, Balancing Unrealistic Admin Expectations

    37 min

  3. APR 6

    229. Balancing Unrealistic Admin Expectations

    I get asked all the time if I’ll ever go back to teaching full time, and honestly… we’ll see. I miss teaching, but I don't miss the challenge of balancing admin expectations with what’s actually realistic in the classroom! In this episode, I’m sharing what to do when those expectations start to feel overwhelming, from getting perspective and finding support to having productive conversations with admin that lead to real solutions. And if it’s still not working, we’re talking about how to protect your time, focus on what matters most, and recognize when it might be time for a change, because the right environment and leadership can make all the difference. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode229 Resources: Relationships mini-courseBe 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: Episode 68, Evaluating Your Teacher ContractEpisode 69, Admin Support: WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask ForEpisode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a ChangeEpisode 156, What to Do When You Are Micromanaged By Your Admin or DistrictEpisode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather Bonanno

    20 min

  4. MAR 30

    228. The Lowdown on Labs: Finding, Funding, Prepping, Executing, and Assessing Labs

    Labs can easily become one of the most overwhelming parts of teaching science, so in this episode, I’m breaking down how to find, fund, prep, run, and assess labs in a way that’s actually sustainable. I share simple strategies for managing materials, planning for multiple classes, keeping labs purposeful (not just checking a box), and making them work for all students. Plus, we’re simplifying grading so you can focus on what really matters and get your time back!  Want more support? Sign up for my free Labs When Limited course, and if you’ve got lab strategies that work, apply to be a guest on the podcast! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode228 Resources Mentioned: Labs When Limited free virtual PD courseBe a guest on the podcast! Apply here.ANATOMY Supplies SpreadsheetBIOLOGY Supplies SpreadsheetCHEMISTRY Supplies SpreadsheetPHYSICAL SCIENCE Supplies SpreadsheetINRS UnitsINRS Full Year CurriculumDownload 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: Blog Post: EVERYTHING You Need to Know About Having a High School T.A. ProgramEpisode 69, Admin Support - WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask ForEpisode 105, What Happened When I Stopped Assigning Formal Lab ReportsEpisode 177, Unpacking the NGSS: What High School Science Teachers Need to KnowEpisode 186, True Life: I Am a Science Teacher Who Hates LabsEpisode 222, What to Do With Fast Finishers - Managing Different Students’ Paces

    38 min

  5. MAR 23

    227. A Quarter 4 Pep Talk

    The final stretch of the school year can feel heavy, especially if you’re not sure the year turned out the way you hoped. In this episode, I offer a Quarter 4 pep talk and a mindset shift to help you finish strong. I talk about redefining what success looks like, embracing seasons of survival when needed, and focusing on small moments that still make a BIG impact with students. I also give you permission to stop doing time-draining tasks, try something new in your classroom, and bring a little more fun into these final weeks! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode227 Resources Mentioned: Be a guest on the podcast!  Apply here.Ecosystem in a BottleEnd of year project packsReviewing for standardized testsBiology scope and sequencePrime Times Bell RingersSend 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: Episodes 12, Combating Senioritis Part 1: Getting Students Outside and Changing Up LectureEpisode 13, Combating Senioritis Part 2: Using Student-Centered ActivitiesEpisode 14, Combating Senioritis Part 3: Saving the Best for LastEpisode 15, Teaching Seniors, AP Biology, and MORE with Diana PriceEpisode 18, What to Do After End of Year Testing with StudentsEpisode 72, Review Strategies for EOC, Benchmark, and AP ExamsEpisode 165, How Naming What Matters Most Can Change the Rest of Your School YearEpisode 218, 3 Things to Stop Doing This Semester Episode 220, Biology Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Biology the Way That I DoEpisode 226, What to Do When You’ve Lost Your Spark in Teaching

    15 min

  6. MAR 16

    226. What to Do When You’ve Lost Your Spark in Teaching

    Spring might bring renewed energy, but sometimes the spark for teaching is still missing. In this episode, I share what to do when you’ve lost your passion for teaching or feel the weight of teacher burnout. I walk through four steps I call the 4 Rs: remember, reflect, reinforce, and reconsider to help you identify what’s draining your energy, reconnect with what brings you joy, and rebuild teacher motivation. And if the spark still isn’t there, we’ll also talk honestly about whether it might be time to rethink your role, your school, or how to enjoy teaching again in this season! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode226 Resources Mentioned: Be a guest on the podcast! Apply here.Core Values mini-courseSearch podcast episodes by topic!CTFAR ModelDownload 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 42, What to Do if You Hate What You TeachEpisode 65, Considering Changing Schools? 10 Questions to Think Through Episode 66, Tips for Teaching at a Public School vs. a Private School Episode 67, Considering a Teacher Career Change with Guest Daphne Gomez, The Teacher Career CoachEpisode 68, Evaluating Your Teacher ContractEpisode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change Episode 181, What to Do When Your Job Feels Stale (or Maybe Even Boring)

    25 min

  7. MAR 9

    225. What to Do When Your Class Won’t Talk With You

    You may have read the title of this episode and thought, “Wow, I cannot relate. My problem is getting my students to quiet down!” But if you’re facing a roomful of crickets, this one’s for you. I share my experience with nearly-silent classes and the five strategies I use to get even the quietest students talking. We’ll also talk about building trust through real relationships, shifting classroom culture (even mid-year), and creating consistent, low-pressure opportunities that help students grow in confidence and face-to-face communication skills. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode225 Resources Mentioned: Podcast Episodes about Student ApathyCulture Mini-CourseBe 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: Episode 41, 4 Practical Tips for Building Relationships with Your High School StudentsEpisode 134, Prioritizing Relationships Over Being RightEpisode 224, Keeping Students’ Attention Engaged - Without Killing Yourself to Do It

    18 min

  8. MAR 3

    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
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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
    232
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Secondary Science Simplified™
  • Show Website
    Secondary Science Simplified™

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