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Biology has always been my first love, and this episode felt like the perfect moment to come back to it! In this episode, I share the thinking behind my biology scope and sequence, why order matters so much, and the structures, experiences, and connections students need to truly understand biology. I also dig into my biggest sequencing hot takes and give an inside look at what makes my It’s Not Rocket Science® biology curriculum intentionally designed, practical, and effective. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode220 Resources Mentioned: Biology FULL YEAR Curriculum Biology curriculum on TpT (see all the 5 star reviews!!)Biology Units Biology Scope and Sequence Blogpost Get the FREE Biology Pacing Guide!Strategize Your SequenceDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes: Episode 60: Teaching with Packets - What They Are, Why I Love Them, and How to Use ThemEpisode 80: Strategizing Your Sequence: Curriculum Design Part 1Episode 179: Unpacking the NGSS: Phenomena and Storylines Episode 194: The Importance of Inquiry-Based Learning - And How to Implement It PracticallyEpisode 209: Anatomy Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Anatomy the Way That I Do

Something I realized early in my teaching career is that most students have absolutely no clue how to prepare for tests! That's why I'm diving into how intentional study guides can actually teach students how to study, not just what to study. I walk through my system for planning study guides alongside units, lessons, and assessments so they serve as clear roadmaps from day one (not last-minute cramming tools). You’ll hear how I break units into concepts, build in time for students to work on guides as they learn, keep them flexible and student-driven, and motivate kids who think guides are busy work. Plus, I give my honest take on grading, accountability, and using AI as a support. Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode219 Resources: How I Do Study Guides in High School ScienceShop INRS full year curriculum bundles.Complete INRS Units How to Write a GREAT Study Guide Help Sheet Study Guide Example Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes: Episode 60: Teaching with packets: What They Are, Why I Love Them, and How to Use ThemEpisode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (and 6 Surprising Results)Episode 159, My Top Tips for Helping Students Learn and Retain Dense Topics in Your Science ClassesEpisode 174, 7 Ways to Teach Your Students to Use AI Productively Episode 214, Practical Scientific Inquiry Teaching Strategies

I’ve sat through a lot of professional development over the years, and I don’t remember a single one that ever took something off my plate - it was always more! That’s why this episode exists: to simplify your workload by doing less of what isn’t actually serving you or your students. I share three things to consider stopping for a semester and explain why habits that feel productive often create more stress, more grading, and less meaningful learning. We also talk boundaries and time protection so you can test what happens when you finally take something off your plate! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode218 Resources: Winter science freebiesSSS Virtual PD Course Bundle Core Values Mini-CourseDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes: Episode 77, 5 Myths You Might Believe About Your Work EmailEpisode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)Episode 116, Behind Schedule? What to Do and How to Prevent It in the FutureEpisode 139, Sunday Scaries - How I Use Friday Planning to Prevent ThemEpisode 199, How to Not Take Work Home (in your head, or in reality) This School Year

Mid-year is when the cracks start to show - expectations fade, routines get sloppy, and classroom management feels heavier than it should. In this episode, I share why you can reset classroom management at any point in the year and walk you through the mindset shift, conversations, and practical steps that make a mid-year reset actually work. We’ll talk about identifying your biggest classroom pain points, clearly communicating new expectations, and consistently reinforcing procedures so they stick! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode217 Resources: Winter Science FREEBIESCulture Mini-CourseSSS Virtual PD Course Bundle SSS Podcast Episodes by Topic Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes: Episode 35, Competency, Classroom Management, Teaching Chemistry, and MORE with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 91, My Top 5 Classroom Management Routines and Procedures for High School Science TeachersEpisode 93, Simple Strategies for Classroom ManagementEpisode 133, Using Refrains When Teaching

The “new year, fresh start” energy feels exciting, but can also be overwhelming! This episode cuts through the noise with a refreshingly simple approach to goal setting. Instead of complicated systems, you’ll focus on just two questions: what you want to do more of this year and what you want to do less of, both personally and in your science classroom. We’ll talk about prioritizing yourself, identifying energy and time drains, getting specific with your goals, and making small, flexible shifts that actually stick. By the end, you’ll have a clear, manageable direction for the semester...and maybe even the motivation to reset alongside your science team! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode216 Resources Mentioned: Shop INRS full year curriculum bundles.Complete unitsWinter science freebiesCore Values Mini-Course SSS Virtual PD Course BundleDownload 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: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 55, Goal Setting for the New Year - A Different ApproachEpisode 56, Scheduling Rest - Why You Need to And How to Do ItEpisode 111, Priorities and Boundaries in the New YearEpisode 165, How Naming What Matters Most Can Change the Rest of Your School Year

It's time to hear the top episode of 2025, and it’s easy to see why this was a crowd favorite! I’m joined by high school chemistry and physics teacher Amanda Farrar, who shares her system for parent communication. She uses an intentional, data-driven approach that builds trust, lowers stress, and keeps the focus on student growth. From practical email scripts and real classroom stories to handling tough parent moments and using AI to save time, this episode is full of ideas you can try right away to make parent communication a whole lot easier! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode215 Resources Mentioned: Take the 2026 SSS Podcast Survey!Be a guest in 2026 on the SSS podcast.Secondary Science Simplified virtual PD courseDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected]  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 MatsonEpisode 90, Classroom Management Philosophy for Secondary Science TeachersEpisode 91, My Top 5 Classroom Management Routines and Procedures for High School Science TeachersEpisode 93, Simple Strategies for Classroom Management

Our second most-listened-to episode of 2025 dives into inquiry-based teaching and why it’s essential, even when students push back. I break inquiry down into practical, classroom-ready strategies, explain why students struggle if they’ve only experienced passive “sit and get” learning, and share ways to make inquiry part of your classroom culture. Plus, I give my thoughts on the 5E model, three simple steps to get started immediately, and a big THANK YOU for being part of this community as we head into a new year! Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode214 Resources Mentioned: 2026 SSS Podcast SurveyBe a guest in 2026 on the SSS podcast!INRS First Biology Unit INRS First Anatomy Unit INRS First Chemistry Unit INRS First Physical Science UnitALL INRS Complete Units FREE: What is Life? Inquiry ActivityWhere to find POGILsDownload 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: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 47, 2 Ways That Learning Happens and How to Create a Classroom Culture That Fosters ItEpisode 64, How to Re-Engage Apathetic Students (And Manage Your Own Apathy!)Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students DoEpisode 141, First Day of School Tips + What I Cover in My First Units of the YearEpisode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-PandemicEpisode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom

As we continue our end-of-year countdown, week three highlights one of 2025’s top episodes featuring Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins, an AP Biology teacher with 13 years of experience and a passion for creating free, high-impact review resources. In this conversation, Tiffany shares how her popular account began, her commitment to equity and access in AP prep, and practical strategies for simplifying labs, FRQs, grading, and student motivation. From managing double-block content to keeping assignments authentic in the age of AI, she offers encouraging tips for teachers feeling stretched thin! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode213  Resources Mentioned: Take the 2026 SSS Podcast SurveyBe a guest in 2026 on the SSS podcast! AP Bio Penguins396 Page Review GuideAP Bio CEDAP Bio Penguins InstagramAP Bio Penguins YouTubeBecome an AP ReaderAP Review NotebookBlank Files for Review NotebookNational AP Bio FB GroupBioInteractiveLearn.GeneticsNever Work Harder Than Your Students and Other Principles of Great Teaching, by Robyn R. JacksonDownload 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: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes:  Episode 125, Teaching AP Biology with Guest Beth HinesEpisode 98, 5 Tips for Teaching Biochemical Reactions in Your Biology ClassEpisode 34, Teaching Biology – 4 Things NOT to DoEpisode 15, Teaching Seniors, AP Biology, and MORE with Diana PriceMistakes Teachers Make When Teaching Biology

In December, we’re airing the top five most-played episodes of the year - and this conversation with Macee Huseman easily earned its spot! As a one-woman science department juggling six preps and three kids at home, Macee balances a heavy workload while still staying sane. We dig into everything from engaging students across multiple science subjects to using labs, routines, and even candy to spark curiosity. She also shares practical strategies for classroom management, grading, handling varied math skills, and prepping labs without the overwhelm! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode212 Resources Mentioned: Take the 2026 SSS Podcast SurveyBe a guest in 2026 on the SSS podcast! INRS Biology Curriculum – FULL YEAR Bundle INRS Physical Science (IPC) Curriculum – FULL YEAR BundleDownload 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: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 125, Teaching AP Biology with Guest Beth HinesEpisode 176, Teaching AP Biology, Exam Review, FRQ Prep, and More with Tiffany of AP Bio PenguinsEpisode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather BonannoEpisode 191, Engaging Students, Serving ELLs, and Teaching Earth Science with Becca of Science Lessons That RockEpisode 200, Ask Me Anything! Going Over Work, NGSS, Labs, And More!

December is here, and we’re kicking off the month by bringing back your most-loved, most-listened-to episodes of Secondary Science Simplified to make the holiday chaos feel a little lighter! This week’s replay dives into practical, high-impact ways to differentiate for high achievers - without busywork or burnout. You’ll learn how to craft more challenging assessments, build a classroom culture that fosters autonomy and peer support, and weave in student choice, inquiry, and meaningful extensions that keep advanced learners truly engaged. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode211 Resources Mentioned: Take the 2026 Secondary Science Simplified Podcast Survey! Be a guest in 2026 on the SSS podcast. It’s Not Rocket Science® Complete Units Biology Curriculum Full Year Bundle Chemistry Curriculum Full Year Bundle Anatomy Curriculum Full Year Bundle Physical Science Curriculum Full Year Bundle PBL Packs Culture Mini Course 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: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes: Episode 29, Student-Centered Pedagogy: What It Is Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)Episode 168, Differentiation In Your Science Classroom – Simple Tips to Decrease OverwhelmEpisode 170, Differentiating for Lower Achieving Students (Without Lowering the Bar)

AI may be getting better every day, but it’s still not coming for my job anytime soon - because, well…it struggles with science! While it can’t write a reliable test or answer key, it can make day-to-day teaching easier in some surprisingly helpful ways. In this episode, I’m sharing four new strategies for using AI alongside the It’s Not Rocket Science® curriculum (or any curriculum you’re working with). These tools won’t replace great teaching, but they can definitely feel like a tiny assistant taking tedious tasks off your plate. Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode210 Resources Mentioned: Shop INRS full year curriculum bundles.Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseShop my TPT StoreSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 154, AI and ChatGPT with Guest Mitch WielandEpisode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and MORE with Guest Alyse of Keystone ScienceEpisode 173, 9 Quick Ways to Use AI to Simplify Your Life as a TeacherEpisode 174, 7 Ways to Teach Your Students to Use AI Productively

Anatomy holds a special place in my heart, and in this episode, I share how I teach it and why I designed the It’s Not Rocket Science® Anatomy curriculum the way I did. I focus on sparking curiosity, weaving in three big themes, and prioritizing breadth over depth (hot take!). You’ll hear how this hands-on, student-centered curriculum engages learners with discovery stations, model-building, and real-world skills, all designed to make students fall in love with the human body. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode209 Resources Mentioned: Anatomy FULL YEAR CurriculumAnatomy UnitsAnatomy Discovery Stations Bundle Anatomy Scope and Sequence Blog Post FREE - Get the Anatomy Pacing Guide  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: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 36, Teaching Anatomy: 5 Tips for the Best Year Ever!Episode 80, Strategizing Your Sequence: Curriculum Design Part 1Episode 99, How to Teach the Nervous and Endocrine Systems in Your Anatomy ClassBlog Post: 5 Reasons It’s Not Rocket Science® Anatomy Curriculum Rocks!

Are constant disruptions messing up your perfectly planned weeks? You’re not alone! When I taught at small schools in particular, it often felt like every week held a new disruption. Between spirit weeks, fire drills, and field trips, I sometimes wondered if I’d ever get a “normal” week with my students! In this episode, I'm sharing five practical tips for lesson planning that will keep learning moving even when weeks don’t go as planned. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode208 Resources Mentioned: Desktop Paper CalendarDownload 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: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 51, 5 Alternatives to Traditional Midterm ExamsEpisode 116, Behind Schedule? What to Do and How to Prevent It in the FutureEpisode 149 Teaching on a Block Schedule - Why It’s Not as Bad as You ThinkEpisode 152, Absences - How to Deal With ThemEpisode 185, When Is Preparation Worth It, and When Is It a Pipe Dream?

No matter how far we are into the school year, those dreaded surprise parent emails can still hit your inbox, often full of big emotions and even bigger accusations. In this episode, I’m diving into one of the most challenging parts of teaching: handling combative parents with confidence and professionalism. I’m sharing six practical strategies (plus two important warnings) to help you stay calm, protect your peace, and respond in ways that preserve relationships without sacrificing your boundaries. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode207 Resources Mentioned: Relationships Mini Virtual PD Course INRS Full Year CurriculaDownload 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: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes: Episode 70, “It Isn’t an Attack on You”: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach MatsonEpisode 114, How to Bounce Back After You Mess Up Episode 195, A Simple and Effective Process for Parent Communication With Guest Mandy FarrarEpisode 202, What to Do When Your Students Fail the Test

Today’s the day! I’m finally doing a deep dive into my number one classroom procedure: PRIME TIMES®. I share the origin story, why they’re essential for classroom management and formative assessment, and practical strategies for making them work in any secondary science classroom. You’ll learn how to overcome common challenges like missing papers, time limits, absences, and accommodations, plus tips for adapting Prime Times® to fit your schedule and students’ needs. This episode is your complete guide to implementing a simple five-minute routine that can transform your classroom! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode206 Resources Mentioned: Prime Times® in my resource shopPrime Times® on TpTMy favorite utility cartDownload 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: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)Episode 152, Absences - How to Deal With ThemEpisode 205, A Cell Phone Policy for High School StudentsPrime Times®: The Secondary Classroom Procedure You Can’t Live Without