Happy December, y’all! The one word that describes my life right now, which might describe yours as well, is frantic. So, I thought for the rest of the month, we’d revisit episodes from this past year that can either be good reminders for you during this last month of school or ideas you need to think about or reinforce when you return from break in January. In today’s episode, we’re listening to the third most popular episode, which focuses on five classroom management routines and procedures for your secondary classroom. The number of procedures and routines you have set up in your classroom is solely determined by your own teaching philosophies, personality, and style. So before setting up a procedure because “that’s what you should do,” make sure you reflect and ask yourself some questions regarding consistent conflicts, disruptions, and personal preferences.  My constant message when it comes to classroom management is finding ways to be proactive instead of reactive. With each of these five classroom management routines and procedures, they establish an effective work ethic and eliminate distractions and late or incomplete work. Even though you’re in the middle of the year, it’s never too late to reflect and examine your teaching and classroom behaviors to see if they need to be reworked or newly enforced. These are my top five classroom management routines and procedures, so whether you implement these or come up with your own, make sure they’re what you need and best fit your classroom. Resources Mentioned:  Biology Bell Ringers or Exit Slips – Full Year BundlePhysical Science Bell Ringers or Exit Slips – Full Year BundleAnatomy and Physiology Bell Ringers or Exit Slips – Full Year BundleBlue Pocket Charts for Classroom Supplies OrganizerBigLight Push Lights Download your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple PodcastsShow Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode108

You all know that I want to bring you as much information and perspectives on a topic as possible. With last week’s episode on standards-based grading being a new idea and way of grading for some of you, I wanted to bring on another teacher who has years of experience implementing this in her classroom. Boni Hamilton, a friend and experienced teacher, is sharing how to integrate NGSS and standards-based grading in both a middle school and high school science classroom. Boni has such a unique perspective, as she simultaneously used both a traditional grade report alongside a standards-based report. While this eased the minds of parents and students who were comfortable with traditional grading, it did bring up challenges. Boni is honest in our conversation, along with her students, as she navigated this type of grading system. She describes why she believes standards-based grading is more accurate, authentic, and honest as it pertains to mastering skills and content. As you listen to this episode, you will see how this conversation, and others involving this topic, has stretched my thinking and will stretch yours as well. Although work ethic, behavior, and responsibility need to be addressed, with standards-based grading, you truly get the best picture of how a student is performing academically in your content-specific classes. Resources Mentioned: Download your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple PodcastsShow Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode107 

I love talking about science content, curriculum, engaging activities, and practical strategies you can implement in your own classroom. But when my audience inquires about topics I’m not so sure about, I bring in experts who can share their knowledge. That’s exactly what I did when it came to discussing standards-based grading. My guest on today’s episode, Jennica Harrison, shares her perspective, experience, and implementation of standards-based grading in her secondary science classroom. Jennica is very open and honest about the challenges she faced when implementing standards-based grading but says the pros outweigh the cons. She discusses her transition to this type of grading, practical tips for doing it, and how it impacted her students. Since this might be a different way of thinking, Jennica shares examples from her own classroom and grade book that provide clarification on how this works in a secondary science classroom. As our conversation flowed, each topic she discussed brought up more questions from me about how standards-based grading worked, along with the mathematical side. Jennica explicitly explained her interpretation and how she has made this switch successful in her classroom. Ultimately, she says it really comes down to being transparent with your students, making mistakes and readjusting, and knowing it’s not going to be perfect all the time. Resources Mentioned: Grading for Equity by Joe FeldmanInner Orbit NGSS AssessmentsThe Wonder of Science Download your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple PodcastsShow Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode106

As science teachers, or teachers in general, we tend to have the mindset of doing things in our classroom the way we were taught, the way our department runs things, or what our colleague down the hall does. But if you really think about the reason behind what you’re doing, what you normally do might change. That’s exactly what happened with formal lab reports in my classroom. In this episode, I’m sharing why I ditched formal lab reports and how that decision impacted me and my students. When I started to examine why I was assigning formal lab reports, I realized I was doing them for all the wrong reasons. So, when I finally made the decision to ditch them altogether, it greatly benefited my students and me. The pressure was off, and labs started to become enjoyable again, along with many other positive benefits. And since students weren’t getting critical thinking and scientific writing skills from the formal lab reports, I incorporated supplemental activities that provided students opportunities to practice those skills. I’m aware that some science teachers feel very strongly about doing formal lab reports, and this might be a controversial episode, but for me, they didn’t serve a purpose in my classroom anymore. By ditching formal lab reports, it transformed the culture on lab days while still finding ways for students to practice skills that will help and support them later in their educational career. So whether you continue to do formal lab reports in your science classes or not, I hope this episode encourages you to make appropriate changes that are best for you and your students! Resources Mentioned: Grab your FREE Thanksgiving Science ActivityDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple PodcastsShow Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode105

After we teach a unit, what typically comes immediately after are summative assessments, and there are a lot of different types. Last week, I talked about authentic assessments, which still assess student learning but in a non-traditional way. And even though I value that type of assessment, I still believe in taking traditional tests. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how to use your unit test to prepare your students for taking any future standardized test. Giving traditional summative assessments does provide useful information for the teacher, such as personal benchmarks and self-reflection on teaching concepts. But it also benefits students as they learn valuable test-taking strategies for when they take standardized tests or other forms of assessments throughout their educational journey. The five tips I share will specifically help your students with standardized tests as they take your unit tests. Taking summative assessments is completely valuable to both teachers and students, so it’s important to highlight the benefits and show that test-taking skills and strategies are valuable. By giving unit tests, you are supporting students and building those skills needed to take standardized tests in the future. Resources Mentioned: Biology Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test PackPhysical Science Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test PackAnatomy Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test PackDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode104

If you ask any student what they didn’t like about school, I bet assessments would be toward the top of their list. But what if you could create assessments that students actually enjoyed and liked? Okay, well, maybe that’s going too far, but you can definitely create assessments that are the best representation of their knowledge. I call those authentic assessments. In today’s episode, I’m going to share why I incorporate non-traditional assessments and four practical tips on how to implement them in your own classroom.  Authentic assessments might be a new term, so I help break down what I mean and how it directly impacts students in a positive way. Additionally, I give reasons why authentic assessments should be used, especially in relation to expressing what students know in a way that’s more than multiple choice and memorization. Likewise, when it comes to implementation, keeping the whole child in mind, along with their qualities, is why they’re at the forefront of my mind.  With midterm exams, semester exams on the horizon, and other exams in your class, now seemed like a good time to discuss assessments. And while traditional assessments are necessary at times, I encourage you to think outside the box and give your students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge through authentic assessments. Stay tuned to next week’s episode for more on this topic as we continue our mini-series on summative assessments! Resources Mentioned: Biology Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test PackPhysical Science Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test PackAnatomy Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test PackEpisode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science ClassesEpisode 87, Aligning Your Assessments: Curriculum Design Part 5Episode 51, 5 Alternatives to Traditional Midterm ExamsDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode103 

All month long, I’ve been diving into the most difficult topics to teach in each of the science disciplines, and we have finally made it to the last discipline - physics. I love all things science, but physics is not a discipline I have a lot of experience in. So instead, I decided to bring on a listener of the podcast who is knowledgeable and has experience teaching physics. Laura Preiser is my guest on this episode and is sharing the two topics that are difficult for teachers and students and tips and advice for teaching each. As Laura identifies waves and kinematics as the most difficult topics to teach in physics, she also shares various activities, labs, and general tips that make these two topics engaging, fun, and enjoyable for her students and herself. By making small changes to the way topics are taught and the timing of when they’re taught, it can make a huge difference in how a student feels about the topic. With the help of Laura, we have concluded our series that tackles the most difficult topics to teach in each discipline while also sharing advice and tips that make the topics in those disciplines engaging for teachers and students. Make sure to listen or revisit any of the other episodes on biology, chemistry, and anatomy! Resources Mentioned: Grab the Free Halloween ResourcesSound Wave StationsEM Wave Instagram Profile ProjectFantastic Four Stations - Kinematic EquationsPendulum Painting Lab - Conservation of EnergyLight Waves StationsDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode102

When I decided to do this series, I knew exactly what I was going to discuss when it came to the difficulties of teaching chemistry. Students get overwhelmed by all the math and more intense content that comes with this science discipline, particularly teaching stoichiometry. However, there are several things you can do to ease their stress and make this unit fun for your students. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing 6 tips for teaching stoichiometry in your chemistry class.  There are a lot of concepts in chemistry that are difficult for students to grasp and understand, which is why it’s important to bring these up early or before you teach the content. Not only does this provide multiple opportunities to practice, but when it’s mentioned in the content, they already have seen it before. Additionally, teaching chemistry is more than just content. It’s teaching students problem-solving and critical thinking skills. And one of the best ways to achieve this is by incorporating real-world scenarios, labs, and activities in order for them to see the connection. Even though your students may be apprehensive about the chemistry content, there are still things you can do to help alleviate and diminish their stress. By implementing these 6 tips and other pieces of advice, I hope to encourage you that teaching stoichiometry to your students will be fun and academic at the same time. Tune in next week for the last episode in the series about the difficult topics teaching physics.  Resources Mentioned: Free Science Halloween ResourcesStoichiometry Unit - including Magnitude of a MoleChemistry Curriculum - Full Year BundleIntroduction to Chemistry UnitDimensional Analysis Activity - Fudge Lab Expansion PackFree Science Winter Resources - including Hot Chocolate Lab ActivityDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts  Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode101 

I’m doing a happy dance because it’s my 100th episode! Y’all, I can’t believe I’ve been supporting and sharing my thoughts, ideas, and resources with you for almost two years. Just like when I celebrated 50 episodes, I’m doing another special “Ask me anything” episode. I constantly get questions ranging from work, personal, curriculum, management, and more. And since I love connecting and supporting teachers, I knew answering all your questions was how I wanted to celebrate! I answer all your questions about maternity leave prep, group work, supporting ELs, absences, curriculum writing, and more. So take a listen to a fun episode that celebrates 100 episodes! Want to continue the celebration? I’m incredibly thankful to you, my listeners of Secondary Science Simplified, and would love to have you leave a rating or review of this podcast! Your review and support means so much to me.Resources Mentioned: Free Halloween ResourcesFree Lab AuditFree RADAR SignsNatural Selection Lab SimulationEcosystem in a Bottle Project: An Inquiry-Based Ecological InvestigationDinosaur Genetics Stations Activity Anatomy Body System Diagrams and Discovery Stations BundleIt’s Not Rocket Science Science CurriculumIt’s Not Rocket Science ResourcesIt’s Not Rocket Science TPT ResourcesDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode100 

We are starting week two of our difficult topics to teach with the different science disciplines. Last week’s episode, Episode 98, focused on biology and biochemical reactions. But this week, I’m focusing on anatomy! Since there’s a lot of content to cover in this subject and each teacher differs in what they choose to teach, that makes it difficult to decide what the most difficult topic to teach is. With the help of my listeners, I’m focusing on five tips on how to teach the nervous and endocrine systems in your anatomy class.  As I mentioned, there’s a lot of diversity in how a teacher approaches teaching anatomy in their classroom, but just like with teaching biology, I encourage you to focus on the big picture. Each of the five tips that I share assists in that overarching idea and showcases how both the nervous and endocrine systems work together. Both of these systems also spark curiosity among students, which leads to them asking a lot of questions. Although this is a great thing and piques their interest, it can be overwhelming for you. Therefore, some of my tips focus on providing students with the opportunity to be responsible for their own research. This idea creates a space where they can answer their own questions while you highlight the main topics. The nervous and endocrine systems can be overwhelming to teach, but I hope that my tips and ideas help motivate and excite you about approaching these topics in your anatomy class. In two weeks, I’ll come back to this series with the last two science disciplines, but next week will be a special episode. It’s my 100th episode, so be sure to tune in for an episode where you get to ask me anything! Resources Mentioned: Free Halloween Science ResourcesAnatomy Body System Diagrams and Discovery Stations BundleAnatomy and Physiology Curriculum FULL YEAR BundleControl and Coordination UnitNeuron Communication and Signal Transmission Inquiry ActivityDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts  Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode99 

Welcome to fall, y’all! We just wrapped up our Summer of Podcast PD, where we tackled curriculum design, classroom management, grading strategies, and so much more. But with a new season comes a new series. With so many of our recent topics involving general classroom tips, I decided it was time to focus on more content-specific topics for each science discipline. So, biology teachers, this one’s for you! I’m sharing biology’s most difficult topic and tips for teaching it in your classroom. With the help of my own personal experience and the responses I get from reacting with my audience on various social platforms, I determined some controversial aspects of teaching biochemical reactions. Therefore, each of my five tips highlights ways to keep the focus on the big picture and bring in ways to make the information stick with your students. I love creating resources and activities that are memorable for students, all of which I share and discuss in the episode. In every content area, there’s a topic that reigns difficult for either you or your students. However, it’s all about finding ways to make connections, engagement opportunities, and creating meaningful activities. By implementing my five tips for teaching biochemical reactions, it’ll make this challenging topic more manageable! Resources Mentioned: Free Halloween Science ResourcesEnergy Flow UnitFood Web Lab Station ActivityPhotosynthesis Activity - Class RelayBiology Curriculum - Full Year BundleApply to be a guest on the podcast about Standards-Based GradingDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts   Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode98 

Over this past month, I’ve been sharing my thoughts, practices, and strategies surrounding the topic of grading. You’ve probably realized how passionate I am about this topic because it’s something that I believe will give you more balance in your life between school and your personal life. And who doesn’t want that?! To wrap up this series, I’m sharing my own personal grading strategy and tips to help accomplish my grading goals.  Many teachers talk about the amount of time they spend grading student work but fail to have a strategy for minimizing that time. Spending time thinking about your personal grading strategy helps you be more intentional about decreasing the time you spend grading. In order to do that, it’s important to identify two key principles on which all your grading decisions are based. So, how do you accomplish those grading principles? That’s where my 6 grading tips come into play. Each tip keeps students’ learning at the forefront while making sure your classroom remains equitable. Not only do these tips help minimize time spent grading, but also provide more freedom for differentiation, feedback, and immediate adjustments to your lessons. Having a ton of assignments to grade can be overwhelming to teachers. However, if you create a personal grading strategy that aligns with your key principles, you won’t feel stressed from grading, and you’ll have a better work-life balance.  Resources Mentioned: Monthly Desk CalendarApply to be a guest on the podcast about Standards-Based GradingEditable Midterm or End of Year Review ProjectComplete UnitsDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode97 

Remember the days when you were in school and thought, When I’m a teacher, I’m NEVER going to do this! But then you become a teacher and do exactly what you said you weren’t going to do. Don’t worry, I’m guilty of this too. As soon as I became a teacher, I followed suit with the cycle of assigning homework in my class. However, I had a mindset shift to where now I’m a huge advocate for not assigning homework. I know for some, this sounds crazy! Most of you probably have a list of questions that include how do you do this, what are the benefits, and how will I know if my students are understanding the concept? And while those are all valid questions, I’ve got answers for you! In today’s episode, I’m sharing why I chose not to assign homework, my strategy in doing so, and the 6 results I learned that may surprise you. Since not assigning homework is hard for us to grasp, I ask one simple question that asks you to reflect on the meaning of the homework you assign. Once I was truly honest with myself, the decision to not assign homework became easy. With a few tweaks to my lesson plans, pacing, and instructional time, the need for homework became nonexistent. Plus, this new change had a positive impact on my students’ motivation, focus, and academic success in my class. I acknowledge that making this type of change in your classroom can be scary and, honestly, not for everyone. However, my goal is to provide you with a new perspective and approach to how you view and implement grading in your class. When I stopped making homework a habit in my class, it was transformative for both me and my students, and I know it will be for you and yours, too! Resources Mentioned: Get the FREE Lab AuditIt’s Not Rocket Science Free Summer Podcast PDDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode96 

As teachers, we know that our time is valuable and we try to create that perfect work-life balance. However, time dedicated to instruction, engaging activities, and other teaching-related tasks can consume our time in and outside the classroom. But you can decrease the amount of time you spend on one task that will save you more time and energy, which is grading! Now, I know that grading is a mandatory and necessary component of teaching, but the amount of time teachers are spending on grading student work is way too much. I believe that there are ways you can truly stop grading everything while still having multiple preps and higher-level AP courses. In today’s episode, I’m sharing how to achieve this, two of the biggest criticisms I get, and my solutions to each. Once you decrease the amount you’re grading, you will begin to see how it benefits both you and your students. Yes, I said students! They will appreciate your more timely feedback and get a more energized and recharged teacher, which ultimately impacts your instruction and activities. Although the concept of not grading every assignment is scary, I promise it will be life-changing. I am living proof that this philosophy works, which has helped me create a more balanced work and home life, which also benefits my students. Join me in my grading challenge of collecting 1 thing per class per week and watch this simple change make a huge difference in your life! Resources Mentioned: Bell Ringers for Biology, Physical Science, and Anatomy Join me for my Summer PDEpisode 4, Engaging Your Students in the First 5 Minutes of ClassEpisode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science ClassesDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple PodcastsShow Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode95 

To wrap up our Summer of Podcast PD, we’re ending with a series on grading practices. And one of the hot topics that’s particularly relevant in secondary classrooms is the act of cheating. This is a topic that I feel very passionate about, so I’ve invested in my own research to find the best strategies and solutions. In today’s episode, I’m sharing what you can do to best prevent it, how to respond when it does occur, and specific strategies to use in your classroom. In this world we live in, technology is everywhere, and our students know how to use it to their advantage. And while cheating is an academic issue, it can be prevented. There are a lot of things I do in my own classroom that eliminate the pressure and act of cheating that’s related to how I choose to grade assignments, labs, and tests. I discuss what I do along with my reason for not giving homework. But since we know that cheating will eventually occur at some point during the year, what do you do? With different perspectives on how to handle the situation, I provide my must-haves and then encourage you to have conversations with colleagues and other staff to ensure common language and policies. And for those who use my It’s Not Rocket Science resources, I share ways to use them without the fear of cheating. Resources Mentioned: Join My Free Professional Development This SummerEpisode 89, Classroom Management in a Post-COVID World with Guest Casey O’HearnEpisode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me:” Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 70. “It isn’t an Attack on You”: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 35. Competency, Classroom Management, Teaching Chemistry and MORE with Guest Zach MatsonDecrease Grading Time: How to Stop Grading EverythingDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple PodcastsShow Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode94 

I loved talking all about classroom management this month, and we have finally made it to the last episode of the series! The biggest takeaway I wanted to convey was the importance of being proactive rather than reactive, and a way to do that is through simple strategies implemented in your classroom. In this last episode, I’m sharing my final five strategies for effective classroom management this school year. Sometimes the best strategies are the simplest ones, which is so true for the 5 classroom management strategies I’m sharing today. I’ve had personal experience and success with each one, and know you will too! As I explain each strategy, I also break down why I love it and how to use it, how it was helpful, or how to implement it in your classroom. Starting off the year with effective classroom management is critical to managing student behaviors and more efficient learning and instruction time. I encourage you to choose one of these simple strategies mentioned, along with all the other helpful tips from this series, and implement it in your classroom this school year that will guarantee to make a big difference for you! I’d love to hear which strategies have worked in your classroom, so make sure to DM me on Instagram at @its.not.rocket.science! And stay tuned for next month’s series involving various grading practices and my best advice for effective grading with minimal time required by you! Resources Mentioned: Join My Free Professional Development This SummerSimple Bell Episode 19, Collaboration, Classroom Management, Career Changes, and MORE with Jamie WhitlockBeginning of the School Year: 5 Mistakes to AvoidMy Favorite Classroom Management Strategy5 Ways to Reclaim Time in Your ClassroomDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple PodcastsShow Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode93 

My message in last week’s episode was all about how to be proactive rather than reactive using routines and procedures. Continuing with the classroom management series, I believe another way to be proactive in your classroom is through the pace of your class and how you handle transitions. In today’s episode, I’ll be sharing 5 practical tips to keep your class moving with efficiency. In my experience, one of the best ways to prevent disciplinary issues is by keeping your class moving. The pace of your classroom sets the tone and shows your students what’s expected of them. Because of this, I intentionally use my time more precisely and reap the benefits from it, which I share with you. Additionally, I discuss my 5 simple and practical tips, which include transitions, to help give you a more efficient classroom. The best time to implement new procedures, routines, activities, or habits is the beginning of a new school year. Instead of wishing for more classroom time, dealing with behavioral issues, or constantly trying to get your students’ attention, think about what you can do now to establish the pace of your classroom. Start being more precise with your time using these 5 tips! Stay tuned for next week’s episode, where I wrap up my classroom management series with more practice tips and simple strategies! Resources Mentioned: FREE Anatomy of a Class PeriodJoin me for Free Professional DevelopmentDesk Visual TimerDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple PodcastsShow Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode92 

Dealing with behaviors and problems in the classroom is inevitable, but our goal is to prevent as many as we can before they even happen. A simple way to achieve this is by implementing routines and procedures! In last week’s episode, I challenged you to reflect on your own classroom management philosophies and come up with 3-5 refrains that define your management style. Keeping those in mind, in today’s episode, I’m sharing how to use those routines and procedures as being proactive rather than reactive when managing the classroom. A teacher’s classroom management is personal to them regarding their own philosophy, personality, and style, so determining what routines and procedures you implement falls into that same category.  To give some context and guidance, I’m divulging my top 5 routines and procedures to teach at the beginning of the school year. By no means is there one “right way” to do any of the ones I share, so just think of them as ideas that are proactive instead of reactive. Even though summer is ending, it doesn’t mean you still can’t join or share the Summer Podcast PD! This 5-week mini-series is here to help you redefine your curriculum design for the start of a new year. Resources Mentioned: Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDBiology Bell Ringers or Exit Slips - Full Year BundlePhysical Science Bell Ringers or Exit Slips - Full Year BundleAnatomy and Physiology Bell Ringers or Exit Slips - Full Year BundleBlue Pocket Charts for Classroom Supplies OrganizerBigLight Push Lights Download your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple PodcastsShow Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode91 

The new school year is upon us, and to help you prepare, I am spending the whole month of August covering all things classroom management. Now, I know classroom management looks different for every teacher, but I hope that sharing my personal philosophy and tried and true strategies will help you develop your own. Classroom management is incredibly personal, and in order for it to be effective, it has to be authentic to you and your personality. This is why figuring out what your philosophy is is so important when developing your classroom management style. Today, I am sharing questions to ask yourself when determining your style, what refrains my personal philosophy centers around, and the two ways to look at classroom management. When figuring out your classroom management style, looking at your core values is key. We dive deep into core values in my Secondary Science Simplified course, so if you are looking for more support determining your core values, join the waitlist for when it opens again! Resources Mentioned: Join the Secondary Science Simplified course waitlistSign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDGrab the Anatomy of a Class Period FREEBIEDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple PodcastsShow Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode90 

Tomorrow is August which means that many of you are gearing up to head back to school. What better way to get back into the school mindset than to talk about classroom management? We know classroom management is so important to have a successful class, but these post-pandemic times are making things TOUGH! I have not personally been in the classroom since before the pandemic, so I invited Casey O’Hearn to join me today to share all about his post-COVID classroom management. Casey is a 4th-year science teacher at Sumner-Fredericksburg High School. He teaches biology, anatomy and physiology, chemistry, earth science, and astronomy. He has spent his entire teaching career teaching during COVID and post-COVID times, which we all know has presented many challenges for teachers and students. In his 3 years of classroom experience, Casey has found simple and practical ways to build relationships with students and successfully manage his classroom. In this episode, we talk all about reaching apathetic students, balancing the personalities in his classes, how he gets students to find meaning in school, cell phone and bathroom policies, cheating, and more! I was genuinely inspired by Casey, and I know that you will be able to take some of his tips to implement in your classroom this coming year! Resources Mentioned: Email Casey at [email protected] up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDGrab the Anatomy of a Class Period FREEBIEDownload your FREE Classroom Reset ChallengeSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple PodcastsShow Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode89 

YOU DID IT!! It is the last episode of our Curriculum Design mini-series and we are wrapping it up with a little extra support with what I think is the most challenging assessment to write, the end-of-unit tests. Now, let’s be clear, no assessment is easy to write, and writing tests is NOT for the faint of heart. Of course, I want to give you as many helpful tips as I can, so in today's episode, I am giving you a glimpse into how I write my end-of-unit tests. As I mentioned, writing tests is challenging, and I don’t want you diving into this thinking it will be easy peasy because, quite honestly, it won’t be. However, I hope that hearing how I create my end-of-unit tests makes it a bit more manageable. In this episode, I am sharing what I recommend you use as a starting point, how I typically break down the types of questions on tests, how I like to divide up my end-of-unit tests, and why it is CRUCIAL you review your tests for bias. I hope you found this mini-series to be incredibly helpful and packed full of useful information! I am so grateful that you are spending your summer with me and preparing for the school year! Next up, we are jumping into classroom management so if you know a teacher friend who you think would love this topic, be sure to spread the love and share the Summer Podcast PD with them! Resources Mentioned: Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDPhysical Science CurriculumCheck Out the YouTube video tour of Physical ScienceIt’s Not Rocket Science UnitsBiology Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test PackAnatomy Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test PackPhysical Science Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test PackDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode88 

Huge CONGRATULATIONS, teacher friend! You made it to the final part of our curriculum design mini-series! I am so incredibly proud of you! Even if you only completed part 1, you still made progress, and small progress is better than no progress! We have spent the last few weeks walking through the first four parts of curriculum design, but today, we are diving into how to align your assessments. When I say “align your assessments,” I’m sure many think that means teaching to the test. That is NOT at all what I mean. What it does mean is that we are creating meaning and intentionality with everything we do in our instruction. We want our students to be motivated to complete their work and not just see it as busy work, which is why it is so important to ensure that your assessments are aligned to the learning and instructional activities that took place throughout the unit. In this episode, I’m sharing how I create formative and summative assessments for my curricula and the importance of making sure that every objective on the assessment is covered. I am so grateful that you have been following along with the Summer Podcast PD. If you are getting value from this series or if this podcast is serving you, I would love it if you left a rating and review! This helps me reach and serve more secondary science teachers who could benefit from the podcast. Thank you so much! Resources Mentioned: Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode87 

Ready for more help with building out the backbone of your curriculum? I’m ready to help! I know that this part might feel hard, and that is totally okay! Although it is one of my favorite parts of designing curriculum, I know that is not the case for everyone. Coming up with instructional activities and resources is not necessarily an easy thing to do, but I will gladly share the behind-the-scenes thought process I go through to help YOU come up with ideas for your own curriculum. Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and if designing this curriculum feels hard, please don’t feel discouraged! I want to provide you with the support you need to take this on if it is something you want to do. I am sharing how I think through what activities to include for different concepts in my Electrons unit and how I balance out the activities that are included in each unit. And I hope that giving you a glimpse into my thought process is helpful for you as you work through building out the backbone for your own curriculum. Teacher friends, we are already 3 weeks into our double episodes for the Curriculum Design mini-series inside the summer Podcast PD! I hope you are loving all this extra content and getting so much practical information! If you are, it would mean so much to me if you would leave a rating and review and let me know how the podcast has served you. If you are leaving a review outside of Apple, shoot me a DM on Instagram or send me an email and let me know!Resources Mentioned: Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDIntroduction to Chemistry UnitThe Atom UnitElectrons UnitChemical Bonds UnitChemical Reactions UnitDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode86 

We have made it to part 4 of the Curriculum Design mini-series! The first three parts weren’t exactly “fun,” I get it! But this is the point in the design process where we get to start being creative, and the process becomes a bit more interesting! BUT, if you have not done steps 1 through 3, it is crucial that you complete them before moving on to part 4 - building out the backbone of your curriculum! Ready to dive into the fun part of curriculum design, teacher friend? Building the backbone of your curriculum means planning out all of your instructional resources - think labs, activities, projects, and all the memorable learning experiences for your students! This is where you get to be creative and think of all the ways you can engage your students in their learning! Now, don’t be intimidated and think you need to add tons of activities and labs and projects into your curriculum right away. And, of course, you do not need to figure this all out on your own! In this episode, I am sharing how to approach building out your backbone if you have taught the course before and if you have not taught it before, what I try to include in my units, and my action step for you to work on part 4 of the curriculum design process. If you are loving the Podcast PD or, specifically, the Curriculum Design mini-series, I would so appreciate it if you left a rating and review to help us reach more teacher friends! Resources Mentioned: Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDGet the FREE Lab AuditDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode85 

Lecture is the foundation when designing a curriculum. Now I know that may make some of you not very happy, but it’s true. However, when I say lecture is the foundation, I do not mean that it’s my top priority or what I spend most of my time doing in the classroom. When we talk about foundation, I mean the baseline of which I build my curriculum on. To give you a better understanding of how I build my curriculum off my foundation, I am sharing how I use my foundation of lecture notes so that my whole class isn’t lecture. When I think back to when I took anatomy & physiology, I remember reading textbooks, memorizing information, and labeling diagrams. That is NOT what I wanted my curricula to be. I didn’t want every lesson to be a lecture and my students memorizing things from their textbook. Because of this, I began thinking of ideas for instructional resources I could use to make my lectures shorter, the activities more engaging, and keep my classroom student-centered. Today, I am sharing all about how I use 4 different activities to decrease the content in lecture and how I break up content if it is still too much after incorporating these activities. Plus, I am sharing what actionable step you can do TODAY to help you reduce the amount of time spent lecturing. This is A LOT to do on your own. I get it! But now is the perfect time to get the other science teachers at your school to join in on our Podcast PD! Two (or three!) minds are better than one and can make this process a little easier. Resources Mentioned: Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDWatch the YouTube video tour of the Anatomy CurriculumCheck out the Anatomy CurriculumAnatomy Body System Diagrams and Discovery StationsDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode84

We are at the tipping point in our Curriculum Design mini-series! I am so excited that you have worked through this process with me up to this point. So far, we have covered strategizing your sequence and analyzing your aims. If you haven’t done that, be sure to complete those steps before moving on to step 3, forming your foundation.So what is a foundation? When I am talking about the foundation for your curriculum, I am talking about the core direct instruction delivery strategy (AKA lecture notes). Now I know that lecture notes and direct instruction have a bad rap, BUT I think I approach them a little differently than what we’re all used to. And as I share my process for designing a curriculum for personal use, take what serves you and leave what doesn't! In this episode, I am breaking down my process for forming the foundation of my curriculum. I am sharing why I like using lecture notes, how I build out my .PPTX files, and why I love using Cornell note outlines with my students. I am so grateful you have been joining me in this Summer Podcast PD! If you are enjoying the Curriculum Design mini-series or the Podcast PD as a whole, I would love for you to leave a rating and review so I can hear how this podcast is serving you! Resources Mentioned: Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDThe Cornell Note Taking SystemDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode83

Have you been following along with our Curriculum Design mini-series and need just a little bit more support and context to complete parts 1 and 2? I’ve got you covered, teacher friend! I know the process of designing a curriculum is A LOT, but if we work through it together, step-by-step, it will make it much more manageable and will be so beneficial in the end! Sometimes when taking on new, big projects, it is helpful to have examples and reference points to guide you along the way. Hearing the practical implementation of these steps can be incredibly helpful as you work your way through the curriculum design process. And because I want to ensure that I am providing you with as much help along the way as I can, I am sharing how I strategized the sequence for my Biology curriculum by thinking through the 10 questions from episode 80 and why it is so crucial and beneficial to do the not so fun work of analyzing your aims like we discussed in episode 81.Designing your own curriculum is a challenge, but I know you’re up for it! These first steps are not the most fun parts of the process but are so incredibly important to complete before moving on. I am here to motivate and encourage you if you are finding it hard to take action. So let’s get these steps done and continue working through this process together!It’s not too late to get your teacher friends in on the Podcast PD! Share with them and subscribe to Secondary Science Simplified podcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss the weekly episodes and BONUS Curriculum Design episodes that’ll be released on Thursdays for the month of July!Resources Mentioned:Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDWatch the YouTube video tour of the INRS Biology CurriculumCheck out the INRS Biology CurriculumDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode82

We are moving on to step two in our curriculum design mini-series! If you did not complete the first step in the process about strategic sequencing, you NEED to go back and start there before tackling step two. This week, we are going to dive into analyzing your aims. Although this isn’t the flashiest or most fun part of the process, it is crucial to designing your curriculum. I am walking you through how to analyze your aims, step by step, and covering why you need to accurately identify what standards you need to use, the importance of finding out if there are any specific materials you need to follow, and why you need to translate your standards into practical objectives. This may be a part of the curriculum design process you want to skip over, but you NEED to do this. This step is so important - you need to learn what you need to be teaching and to what depth you need to teach it! And if you still need a little help, be sure to tune in to episode 82 where we will be covering examples of how I did this in one of my units!Make sure you don’t miss a single episode of the summer Podcast PD! Subscribe to Secondary Science Simplified podcast wherever you listen to podcasts to get the incredible info in the weekly episodes and BONUS Curriculum Design episodes that’ll be released on Thursdays for the month of July. It’s not too late to grab a teacher friend and tackle this bite-sized PD together!Resources Mentioned:Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected], rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode81

You asked for it so I’m going to give you what you want! One of the most frequent requests I get is for my curriculum design process. What better time to break down my process for you than during our Summer Podcast PD!? We are kicking off our curriculum design series by starting with the absolute first thing you need to do when designing a curriculum to use in your classroom. Whether you are trying to figure out what to teach in a prep you have nothing for, or you have curricula for all your preps, you are going to walk away from this series knowing how to write a curriculum for you to use in your own classroom because I am breaking down my process step-by-step. In this episode, I am sharing what this series is and what it is not, how to best use this series to achieve your goals, the importance of strategizing your sequence, and what action step you can take today to get started creating your own curriculum. Not sure how to strategize your sequence? Think through these 10 questions:What overall themes do I want to thread throughout my entire course?What are the hardest topics traditionally for students?What are the hardest times of year you typically experience for yourself?Does it make more sense to go macro to micro? Or micro to macro?Are there any units that HAVE to be taught in a certain sequence?Are there any units (or concepts within units) that might make more sense taught in a different order?What units best lend themselves to spring weather and getting students outside?What units naturally have some fun projects in them that would be great for ending the year with?Which unit in my course BEST ties all the other units together? Is the sequence I have been using really effective or are there changes I could make to improve it?Resources Mentioned:Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode80

Summer is in full swing and I could not be happier! It’s time to soak up the sunshine and enjoy the much needed time off. But if I’m honest, summer has always been a time of tension where I struggled with feeling guilty when I’m enjoying the fun because I’m not preparing for the next school year and also feeling guilty while I was working because I should have been enjoying summer more. I know if I’ve struggled with this, most likely there are others that do as well!! I am here to tell you that there totally can be a balance between using the summer to reset while still preparing for the upcoming school year and I am giving you all the details of the 4 things I do to achieve this balance. In this episode, I am sharing the importance of playing during the summer, why you need to unplug, how you can serve future you, and my number 1 way to use summer well. Be sure to follow or subscribe to the Secondary Science Simplified podcast wherever you listen to podcasts so you don’t miss any of the summer Podcast PD episodes or the BONUS Curriculum Design 101 episodes that’ll be released on Thursdays for the next 5 weeks. Better yet, share the Podcast PD with a friend so they can join in with you!Resources Mentioned:Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode79

Let’s be honest, we all have certain topics that we have to teach but just absolutely dread teaching. Whether it’s because they are boring, unnecessary, or just depressing, we just don’t want to teach them! I’m sure you know exactly what topics you would skip over if you could and you are not alone, teacher friend! Sam Holcomb of Engineer Does Education is joining me today to chat about our least favorite topics to teach.Be sure to reach out to your secondary science teacher friend and encourage them to join you in the FREE Podcast PD! It’s the perfect way to get your teacher friends together and take in some bite-sized PD episodes all summer!Resources Mentioned:Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDSam’s Energy Hero ProjectSam’s Current Event ProjectGrab the Photosynthesis Relay ActivityWatch the City of the Future VideoGet the Human Impact ProjectGrab Rebeca’s FREE Children’s Book ProjectSimple Systems with Sam - Ep. 2: Delegate Tasks: Is it really yours?Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Connect with Sam:Listen to her PodcastShop her TpT StoreFollow her on InstagramCheck out her YouTube Channelhttp://engineerdoeseducation.com/episode-2/Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode78 

Are you an email addict feeling like you need to constantly be checking your inbox and responding immediately to anything that comes in? Guilty!! I like to think of myself as a recovering email addict. For years, I let email take way too much of my time and energy that I should have been focusing on other things. I want to help you break away from the constant email checking so you can have a much healthier outlook on your work email as you head into summer! In this episode, I’m debunking 5 lies you might be believing about your work email and 5 practical ways you can combat them so you can spend your time focusing on more important things. Plus, I’m sharing some of my favorite tools to help with limiting the time you spend in your inbox!If you have a teacher friend who needs some help setting email boundaries, share this episode with them! Better yet, send them the FREE Podcast PD so they can join in on all the goodness that’s coming this summer!Resources:Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDInbox When Ready for Gmail™How to Record Calls on Google VoiceDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.For all resources mentioned, head to the show notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode77 

If you’re anything like me, you want to just make it through the last couple weeks of school and say GOODBYE AND GOOD RIDDANCE to another school year! But, before you close up your classroom for the summer, I encourage you to take a few minutes to reflect on the school year and ask yourself, “How did I do?” In this episode, I’m sharing six questions to ask yourself to help you reflect on the year. Once you reflect on these questions, WRITE them out and put them in your pencil drawer or paper clip them to your planner so when you return in August, it is the first thing that you see!Remember to grab the calendar for the next few months of our FREE Podcast PD and share it with a science teacher friend and encourage them to join you in a summer filled with practical, relevant, and SIMPLIFIED PD.Resources Mentioned:Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.For all resources mentioned, head to the show notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode76 

Get out your big black trash bags and label makers, because it’s time for an end of year classroom cleanout! If cleaning out your classroom causes immediate overwhelm (or dread if you’re also tackling the supply closet 🤢) don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. Simple systems are my love language, and over the years I’ve managed to get cleaning out a classroom down to a science. In this episode, I’ll will walk you through exactly how to handle your end of year classroom cleanout in a stress-free way.  I know you’re ready for summer, but I promise if you take the time to do this well, your future self will thank you!Do you know a secondary science teacher friend who you want to join you in the FREE Podcast PD? Get your teacher friends together, hold each other accountable, and take action on these bite-sized PD episodes all summer!Resources Mentioned: Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PDJoin the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlistSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Grab your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge!Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.For all resources mentioned, head to the show notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode75

We are kicking off our Summer Podcast PD with a topic I get asked about most - LABS! There is so much to cover when it comes to labs and how to simplify them.  But let’s be honest, you likely aren’t in the headspace at this point of the school year to strategize about how to simplify your lab days. So today, I am sharing the one thing you can do NOW to help simplify every future lab day. In today’s episode, I am walking you through, step by step, how to audit your current labs so you have all the information you need to improve your labs and ensure you are doing the right labs! Be sure to grab the FREE lab audit sheet to help you audit your labs.  Do you know a secondary science teacher friend who you want to join you in the FREE Podcast PD? Get your teacher friends together, hold each other accountable, and take action on these bite sized PD episodes all summer!Resources Mentioned:Grab the FREE Lab Audit HereSign up for the Summer Podcast PD SeriesJoin the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlistSend me a DM on Instagram:@its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Grab your Classroom Reset ChallengeFollow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.For all resources mentioned, head to the show notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode74 

Happy teacher appreciation week, my friend! I truly hope that you are being celebrated and shown how much you are appreciated this week! Unfortunately, I know that Teacher Appreciation Week doesn’t always go the way that we hope it would. Sometimes, how we are shown “appreciation” is simply unbelievable and today, we are hearing some stories from listeners about their ridiculous teacher appreciation gifts.I want you to know that you ARE appreciated for all your efforts! So to show my appreciation, I am offering 10% off the It’s Not Rocket Science resource shop for the month of May using code MAYPOD10. This code is stackable so you can use it in addition to any other codes! PLUS, I am doing FREE PD all summer on the podcast! Each week, I’ll be sharing practical, actionable, and specific PD on the Secondary Science Simplified podcast so you can take the information to prepare for next year. I am so excited to share this with you starting next week!Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode73 Resources Mentioned: Grab your calendar and notes sheet for the FREE Summer PD on the podcastShop the It’s Not Rocket Science Shop with code MAYPOD10 Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlistSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Grab your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge!Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.

The end of the year is fast approaching which means that benchmark and EOC exams will be here soon. If you’re anything like me, you HATE reviewing! If you dread review days as much as I do, I have some ideas and tips to help make them a little less painful for you. Today, I am sharing 4 tips for review strategies for your upcoming EOC and benchmark exams. End of the year exams can be incredibly stressful for students and for teachers as student performance can impact your job. I want to help reduce the stress of preparing your students for these exams by sharing tips to simplify this year’s test prep and review. In this episode, I am sharing 2 tips for if you are working on a team and 2 tips for all secondary science teachers. We are diving into how to divide and conquer review topics, the benefits of rotating teachers/students, why you should prepare with as many practice problems as possible, and how to effectively use review stations.Let me know if you’ll be using any of the tips I shared today. I love it and feel so encouraged when you send me a DM on Instagram and share the podcast with others!Resources Mentioned:Giant Sticky Notes to use in review stationsBiology Vocabulary Review GameAnatomy and Physiology Vocabulary Review GamePhysical Science Vocabulary Review GameJoin the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlistSend me a DM on Instagram:@its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Grab your Classroom Reset ChallengeFollow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode72 

Working with difficult admin or difficult coworkers can make or break a teaching position. Last episode, my high school chemistry teacher Zach Matson joined us to talk all about dealing with difficult parents. He is joining us again today to share all about his experience and insight into dealing with difficult admin and coworkers. Talking with Zach is always so incredible, entertaining, and helpful! In his 20+ years of teaching, he has experienced some difficult situations that he is sharing to help other teachers who may be working with challenging admin or coworkers. In this episode, we are discussing, working with difficult coworkers and in PLCs, advice for how to know when it’s time to move on because of difficult admin, tips for what to look for in admin when interviewing, and his advice for new teachers. We covered so much information in this episode and I know you are going to love this conversation as much as I did!Resources Mentioned:Check out Zach’s YouTube Channel, Matson ChemistryJoin the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlistSend me a DM on Instagram:@its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Grab your Classroom Reset ChallengeFollow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode71

Dealing with difficult parents can be one of the worst things about teaching secondary science. So many of us would love advice on how to handle challenging situations, what to say when issues arise, or how to stop taking things personally from teachers who have been there and figured it out. That is one of the reasons I brought my high school chemistry teacher, Zach Matson, back on the podcast!Zach is a 20 year teaching veteran who is full of amazing insight and advice for high school science teachers and today, he is talking all about dealing with difficult parents. He has had his share of difficult parents over the course of his career and he is sharing some great advice and tips for handling these situations. In this episode, we are talking about how to handle emails from difficult parents, setting boundaries, how to deal with a potentially failing student, and what he has done in cheating situations.Zach will be back again next week talking about admin and coworkers. Be sure to follow or subscribe to the Secondary Science Simplified podcast wherever you listen so you don’t miss it!Resources Mentioned:Check out Zach’s YouTube Channel, Matson ChemistrySend me a voice recording for the “Teacher Appreciation Week Gone Wrong” episodeJoin the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlistSend me a DM on Instagram:@its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Grab your Classroom Reset ChallengeFollow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode70 

Admin support can completely make or break your job as a secondary science teacher. As high school science teachers, we have so much on our plates already - planning, prepping labs, grading, teaching how many preps, pressure from parents, etc. Without support from admin, this job can be even more challenging. So how can you get support from admin? ASK! That’s right, you need to actually ask for what you need and ask in an effective way.I spent my first few years struggling because I was afraid to ask my admin for what I needed to effectively teach my classes. I learned the hard way that I needed help and I needed to ask my admin for that help. I also learned a few things along the way about asking for support from admin and I’m sharing those lessons with you so you can confidently ask your admin for support. In this episode, we are covering why you need to ask for help, my best tips for how to ask your admin, and ways admin can support you that do not cost money. As always, if something is holding you back from asking your admin for help, reach out to me and I’d LOVE to empower you to ask for the support and resources you need!There is still time to submit your stories for the Teacher Appreciation Week gone wrong episode!. Please DM or send me a voice recording about a time when you received a “gift” or “treat” for Teacher Appreciation Week that we just wouldn’t believe. I’ll be giving away five $10 TpT gift cards to people who share with us. I can’t wait to hear all your stories!Resources Mentioned:Send me a voice recording for the “Teacher Appreciation Week Gone Wrong” episodeOverview of It’s Not Rocket Science Biology Curriculum for AdminOverview of It’s Not Rocket Science Anatomy Curriculum for AdminOverview It’s Not Rocket Science Physical Science Curriculum for AdminJoin the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlistSend me a DM on Instagram:@its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Grab your Classroom Reset ChallengeFollow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode69

It’s contract season! Have you received your teacher contract for next year yet? If not, it will likely be coming soon and regardless of if you are staying or not, you may be feeling a lot of emotions. If you are on the fence about staying in your current position or leaving, I strongly suggest you think through it in a neutral way without letting fear or exhaustion make the decision for you. One way to do this is to look closely through your teacher contract and determine if it best serves you in this season.Being a teacher these past few years has been incredibly challenging which has led many teachers to question whether they should return to teaching next year, stay in their current position, or try switching schools. When I left teaching in early 2020, I too had to make tough decisions and one thing that helped to make my decision to leave was looking through my contract. If you are unsure what to do next year, I want to help you by talking you through four things to consider when evaluating your teacher contract. Today, we are taking a close look at requirements vs. expectations, school and district culture, financial implications, and considering where you are in your current season of life.We have been covering some hard topics lately and I would love to be able to give us all a much-needed laugh, but I need YOUR help! For Teacher Appreciation Week, I would love to do an episode on Teacher Appreciation Week gone wrong. Please DM or send me a voice recording about a time when you received a “gift” or “treat” for Teacher Appreciation Week that we just wouldn’t believe. I’ll be giving away five $10 TpT gift cards to people who share with us. I can’t wait to hear all your stories!Resources Mentioned:Send me a voice recording for the “Teacher Appreciation Week Gone Wrong episodeJoin the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlistSend me a DM on Instagram:@its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Grab your Classroom Reset ChallengeFollow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode68 

You know I am always here to support you and want to see you thrive in the classroom! I know, however, that even with all the tips, advice, and resources I share, you may still be considering whether or not being in the classroom is the best choice for you. If that’s where you currently find yourself, I want you to feel supported, too. That’s why I am so excited that our guest today, Teacher Career Coach, Daphne Gomez, is here to share some amazing advice for you.It’s that time of year when contracts start coming out and you are deciding what your plans are for next year. You may be set on staying in your current role or you may be considering other options. If you are thinking of exiting the classroom but are unsure where to start, Daphne’s got you! She is sharing what led her to leave the classroom, specific indicators of if it is time to make a shift, examples of types of careers teachers can transition into, advice for what to do if you are ready to leave or starting to consider it, and how she helps teachers who are looking to transition out of teaching. Resources:Free Career QuizTeacher Career Coach CourseFree Month Trial of LinkedIn LearningBuilding a Second Brain BookJoin the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlistSend me a DM on Instagram:@its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Grab your Classroom Reset ChallengeFollow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode67 

Are you unsure if you want to teach in a public school or a private school next year? In my experience, there are definitely differences between the two and pros and cons to both and finding which school is the best fit for you is so important. So today, I am sharing tips that I have learned from my experience in both public and private schools to help you wherever you end up next year.I want to help you THRIVE and not just survive in whatever school you teach at so I am sharing my best advice for teaching at private schools and public schools. In this episode, I am giving you 10 tips for teaching in a private school, 10 quick tips for teaching in a public school, and how these tips helped me while teaching at different schools.No matter where you end up teaching next year, I truly believe the most important thing about your happiness and job satisfaction is the support you receive. I hope you find a school that you have good support from your admin, parents, and coworkers and that fits well with your current season of life!Be sure to follow the Secondary Science Simplified podcast on your favorite podcast player! We have some amazing episodes coming up that you do not want to miss!Resources:FREE Parent Communication LogJoin the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlistSend me a DM on Instagram:@its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Grab your Classroom Reset ChallengeFollow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode66 

Contract season is quickly approaching, meaning soon, you’ll have to decide if you will return to the same school next year or look for someplace new. If you’re unsure if you will sign or not, I want to help you make this decision. I am sharing 10 things to take into consideration when you are deciding whether to stay at your current school or look for a new school.We are all aware that every school has its issues and that no school is perfect. We also know that every school is very different. That is why I think it’s important to reevaluate whether to stay or move on every couple of years so you can decide if where you’re at is serving you and what’s most important to you in your current season.All schools have their downfalls but I think it’s so important to find a place where you feel supported in your current season of life. That means it may be time to look at your family and priorities and weigh the positives and negatives of staying or leaving your school. If you have any specific questions about this conversation or need support in this decision-making process, PLEASE REACH OUT on Instagram or by email! I am here for you!  Resources Mentioned:Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlistSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected] Grab your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge!Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode65

Quarter 3 is a doozy! There is definitely an energy shift after winter break and both students and teachers feel it. Everyone is just drained. So how are we going to get through the rest of the school year and re-engage our students? I’ve got 5 tips to help re-engage your students and YOU in quarter 3. Spring break and the end of the school year seem so far away. We and our students are likely just going through the motions at this point in the school year which means now is the perfect time to make some changes and get them engaged and excited for your class again.  You may be thinking that you just don’t have the time or energy to figure out ways to re-engage them but the good news is that you can get them enthusiastic without a ton of extra work on your part.In this episode, I am sharing why you should be connecting with them on a personal level, how a change of scenery can be beneficial, the importance of giving them autonomy, and how to get inspired to do what is FUN! If you tune in and like what you hear on the podcast, I would be so grateful if you would leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. It’s so encouraging to me to read your reviews and it helps other science teachers find the show! Resources Mentioned: Physical Science Independent Research Project Biology Independent Research Project Anatomy Independent Research Project Ecosystem in a Bottle Project: An Inquiry-Based Ecological Investigation Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist Flinn Scientific (POGIL) Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: [email protected]  Grab your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge! Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode64 

Students and teachers with ADHD have unique struggles and challenges when it comes to work and school tasks. Whether you are a teacher who has ADHD or you have students who have ADHD, understanding how different strategies may help can be incredibly beneficial. I am no expert in ADHD so I am so grateful that Bri Plyler is joining us today to share some amazing information on ADHD in the secondary science classroom. We all likely know someone who has ADHD, diagnosed or not, so having a better understanding of how it may affect people and strategies to help is so important. In this episode, Bri is sharing her career history and background, some ADHD markers, actionable tips for teachers and students with ADHD, and recommendations specifically for helping secondary science teachers tackle everything on their plate. Resources Mentioned: Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist ADHD Symptom Checker Classroom Visual Timers TimeTimer Check out Michelle Brosseau’s grading video Loop Earplugs Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: [email protected]  Grab your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge! Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode63 

How are we supposed to have a work/life balance when we have a million things to do on a daily basis and a 45 minute (or 90 minute if you’re lucky!) planning time to get them all done? Finding ways to have the most productive planning period possible is essential to working only your contracted hours and having a life outside of work. If you’re not sure where to start, I’m sharing my 5 best tips for optimizing your planning period so work can stay at work. At one point, I was working about 60 hours a week. 60 hours! Once I figured out how to maximize the effectiveness of my planning period, I was able to cut down my working hours to only my contracted time and finally have the work/life balance I needed. If you’re ready to take control of your planning period and use the little time you have to the fullest, I have some tips for you! I am giving you 5 specific things you can do TODAY to maximize the effectiveness of your planning period. I am sharing how to shut out external distractions, what to do to avoid wasting this time on things that will throw off your focus, how to force yourself to focus on what needs to be done, and what to do to ensure you are getting everything that needs to be done, done. These tips are super easy to implement and can help you be more productive right away! Resources Mentioned: Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist Weekly Planning Note Pad Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: [email protected]   Grab your Classroom Reset Challenge Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode62 

Many of us are looking ahead to the end of the school year because we are just burnt out. The last thing we want to think about is coming up with or preparing demos for our classes. I get it! That is one of the reasons I am so excited to have who I consider to be the “Demo Queen” joining us today. Prepare to be inspired, brecause Dr. Erica Colón, from @nittygrittyscience, is here to share her tips and insights with us about demos and so much more! Erica has so much great advice for new and veteran teachers. In this episode, she is sharing her background and experience, why she started Nitty Gritty Science Jr., misconceptions about demos, advice on rethinking demos, and what she wishes she could go back and do differently as a new teacher. Resources Mentioned: Join the Secondary Science Simplified virtual professional development course waitlist FREEBIE: Valentine’s themed high school science activities  A category in my store of ALL my complete units Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: [email protected]  Grab your Classroom Reset Challenge Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode61