Secondary Science Simplified™

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 Sequence
Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
Send 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 Them
Episode 80: Strategizing Your Sequence: Curriculum Design Part 1
Episode 179: Unpacking the NGSS: Phenomena and Storylines 
Episode 194: The Importance of Inquiry-Based Learning - And How to Implement It Practically
Episode 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 Science
Shop 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 course
Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
Send 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 Them
Episode 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 Classes
Episode 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 freebies
SSS Virtual PD Course Bundle 
Core Values Mini-Course
Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
Send 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 Email
Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)
Episode 116, Behind Schedule? What to Do and How to Prevent It in the Future
Episode 139, Sunday Scaries - How I Use Friday Planning to Prevent Them
Episode 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 FREEBIES
Culture Mini-Course
SSS Virtual PD Course Bundle 
SSS Podcast Episodes by Topic 
Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
Send 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 Matson
Episode 91, My Top 5 Classroom Management Routines and Procedures for High School Science Teachers
Episode 93, Simple Strategies for Classroom Management
Episode 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 units
Winter science freebies
Core Values Mini-Course 
SSS Virtual PD Course Bundle
Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
Send 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 Approach
Episode 56, Scheduling Rest - Why You Need to And How to Do It
Episode 111, Priorities and Boundaries in the New Year
Episode 165, How Naming What Matters Most Can Change the Rest of Your School Year