Do you think it's possible to reach your potential in just minutes a day? Hundreds of thousands of people have turned to Self Improvement Daily to get the encouragement, inspiration, and competitive edge they need to do become the best version of themselves! The podcast helps you prioritize personal development in a way that is practical, doable, and highly effective. Instead of feeling like life is passing you by, you will start showing up to every moment with more enthusiasm and confidence ...
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Player FM - Internet Radio Done Right
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محتوای ارائه شده توسط Rebecca Joyner, High School Science Teacher, Rebecca Joyner, and High School Science Teacher. تمام محتوای پادکست شامل قسمت‌ها، گرافیک‌ها و توضیحات پادکست مستقیماً توسط Rebecca Joyner, High School Science Teacher, Rebecca Joyner, and High School Science Teacher یا شریک پلتفرم پادکست آن‌ها آپلود و ارائه می‌شوند. اگر فکر می‌کنید شخصی بدون اجازه شما از اثر دارای حق نسخه‌برداری شما استفاده می‌کند، می‌توانید روندی که در اینجا شرح داده شده است را دنبال کنید.https://fa.player.fm/legal
مشابه Secondary Science Simplified™
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Every Day Is Saturday Podcast For Motivation, Inspiration And Success
Self Improvement Coach Sam Crowley
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One of the top motivational podcasts for 18 years and running. Motivational messages to keep you inspired throughout the week. Success comes in all shapes and sizes. Sam Crowley’s authentic message will provide the inspiration you need to conquer the challenges and claim your power.
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An award-winning cannabis podcast for women, by women. Hear joyful stories and useful advice about cannabis for health, well-being, and fun—especially for needs specific to women like stress, sleep, and sex. We cover everything from: What’s the best weed for sex? Can I use CBD for menstrual cramps? What are the effects of the Harlequin strain or Gelato strain? And, why do we prefer to call it “cannabis” instead of “marijuana”? We also hear from you: your first time buying legal weed, and how ...
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Do your eyes glaze over when looking at a long list of annual health insurance enrollment options – or maybe while you’re trying to calculate how much you owe the IRS? You might be wondering the same thing we are: Where’s the guidebook for all of this grown-up stuff? Whether opening a bank account, refinancing student loans, or purchasing car insurance (...um, can we just roll the dice without it?), we’re just as confused as you are. Enter: “Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult” a podcast dedicated ...
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Everyone has a dream. But sometimes there’s a gap between where we are and where we want to be. True, there are some people who can bridge that gap easily, on their own, but all of us need a little help at some point. A little boost. An accountability partner. A Snooze Squad. In each episode, the Snooze Squad will strategize an action plan for people to face their fears. Guests will transform their own perception of their potential and walk away a few inches closer to who they want to become ...
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Are you looking for more happiness, success and vitality in your life? Get inspired each week with wellness and performance expert, Integrative Medicine Fellow, author & keynote speaker, Kristel Bauer. Live Greatly shares empowering conversations and insights about happiness, wellness & success to support your personal and professional development. Kristel talks with top experts, leaders and inspiring individuals to help you embrace a growth mindset and excel in your work/life. Kristel then ...
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In each bite-sized, daily episode of Before Breakfast, host Laura Vanderkam shares a time management strategy or an answer to a listener’s schedule question. How can listeners make the most of their time, both at work and at home? The mission is to give listeners practical tools to feel less busy and get more done.
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Interviews with mathematics education researchers about recent studies. Hosted by Samuel Otten, University of Missouri. www.mathedpodcast.com Produced by Fibre Studios
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This Week in Evolution is a podcast on the biology of what makes us tick. Hosts Nels Elde and Vincent Racaniello take you through the new evolution that has been revolutionized by the field of genomics and molecular biology.
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We are often distracted in life and never really dive deep into the real foundation of self improvement, goal achieving, and wellbeing. - Join our team of experts every week as we discuss the real facets of manhood. Topics like: How to develop more self esteem, self love, deeper relationships. How to improve our wellbeing, mental toughness, resilience, and productivity. How to develop critical skills, become better leaders, expand our careers/business, create financial security and contribut ...
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We're trying something different this week: a full post-show breakdown of every episode in the latest season of Black Mirror! Ari Romero is joined by Tudum's Black Mirror expert, Keisha Hatchett, to give you all the nuance, the insider commentary, and the details you might have missed in this incredible new season. Plus commentary from creator & showrunner Charlie Brooker! SPOILER ALERT: We're talking about the new season in detail and revealing key plot points. If you haven't watched yet, and you don't want to know what happens, turn back now! You can watch all seven seasons of Black Mirror now in your personalized virtual theater . Follow Netflix Podcasts and read more about Black Mirror on Tudum.com .…
147. Content Coverage - How to Get Through All of the Standards
Manage episode 438949668 series 3324240
محتوای ارائه شده توسط Rebecca Joyner, High School Science Teacher, Rebecca Joyner, and High School Science Teacher. تمام محتوای پادکست شامل قسمت‌ها، گرافیک‌ها و توضیحات پادکست مستقیماً توسط Rebecca Joyner, High School Science Teacher, Rebecca Joyner, and High School Science Teacher یا شریک پلتفرم پادکست آن‌ها آپلود و ارائه می‌شوند. اگر فکر می‌کنید شخصی بدون اجازه شما از اثر دارای حق نسخه‌برداری شما استفاده می‌کند، می‌توانید روندی که در اینجا شرح داده شده است را دنبال کنید.https://fa.player.fm/legal
I don't have to tell you all how much is on your plates and everything you have to deal with as teachers on a daily basis. You're constantly juggling student behaviors, building relationships, parent communication, feedback and professional development from your administration and district, and so much more. But with all of those, one of the things I hear about most from my audience is how to fit in all of their content. With this being a very popular concern for teachers, I'm sharing ways to get through your content by covering all of your standards in today's episode.
As teachers, you know the importance of standards in your instruction, activities, assessments, and labs. They are the backbone of your course, which is why they're the key to covering all of the content in your course. And while I discuss how to use the standards to determine topics you focus on, I also share the importance of incorporating content-specific and life skills, which can easily be implemented in any science curriculum.
With so much to worry about, teachers tend to focus on covering all their content the most. And if I'm being honest, you might not cover it all, but by knowing and understanding your standards and determining the skills that matter most to you, you will be covering content you believe in and will help your students succeed.
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers
- Core Values Mini Course
- Lessons Mini Course
- Anatomy Curriculum
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode147
180 قسمت
اشتراک گذاریManage episode 438949668 series 3324240
محتوای ارائه شده توسط Rebecca Joyner, High School Science Teacher, Rebecca Joyner, and High School Science Teacher. تمام محتوای پادکست شامل قسمت‌ها، گرافیک‌ها و توضیحات پادکست مستقیماً توسط Rebecca Joyner, High School Science Teacher, Rebecca Joyner, and High School Science Teacher یا شریک پلتفرم پادکست آن‌ها آپلود و ارائه می‌شوند. اگر فکر می‌کنید شخصی بدون اجازه شما از اثر دارای حق نسخه‌برداری شما استفاده می‌کند، می‌توانید روندی که در اینجا شرح داده شده است را دنبال کنید.https://fa.player.fm/legal
I don't have to tell you all how much is on your plates and everything you have to deal with as teachers on a daily basis. You're constantly juggling student behaviors, building relationships, parent communication, feedback and professional development from your administration and district, and so much more. But with all of those, one of the things I hear about most from my audience is how to fit in all of their content. With this being a very popular concern for teachers, I'm sharing ways to get through your content by covering all of your standards in today's episode.
As teachers, you know the importance of standards in your instruction, activities, assessments, and labs. They are the backbone of your course, which is why they're the key to covering all of the content in your course. And while I discuss how to use the standards to determine topics you focus on, I also share the importance of incorporating content-specific and life skills, which can easily be implemented in any science curriculum.
With so much to worry about, teachers tend to focus on covering all their content the most. And if I'm being honest, you might not cover it all, but by knowing and understanding your standards and determining the skills that matter most to you, you will be covering content you believe in and will help your students succeed.
Resources Mentioned:
- Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers
- Core Values Mini Course
- Lessons Mini Course
- Anatomy Curriculum
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode147
180 قسمت
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Ever feel like your students are just going through the motions - memorizing facts without really connecting to what they're learning? I think we can all agree that we want our students to be able to apply their learning to real world context! That’s why I’m diving into two of my absolute favorite NGSS concepts in this episode: phenomena and storylines. I’ll explain the different types of phenomena, how they tie into storylines, and why giving students a role in the process transforms engagement. Plus, I’m sharing practical tips to start small and make these strategies work with what you’re already doing. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode179 Resources: Antibiotic Resistance Lab INRS Complete Units Ecosystem in a Bottle Project Using Phenomena to Teach the NGSS Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes: Episode 178, Unpacking the NGSS: SEPs and CCCs Episode 177, Unpacking the NGSS: What High School Science Teachers Need to Know Episode 153, How to Make Boring Topics More Engaging Episode 107, NGSS and Standards-Based Grading with Guest Boni Hamilton Episode 106, Standards-Based Grading, Citizenship Grades, Motivation and MORE with Guest Jennica Harrison…
In part two of our NGSS series, we’re diving into its three-dimensional nature —specifically, SEPs (Science and Engineering Practices) and CCCs (Crosscutting Concepts). You’ll hear my take on what they are and how you can practically teach them. Plus, I’ll share plenty of ideas for assessing them beyond traditional tests! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode178 Resources Mentioned: Culture Mini Course Photosynthesis Relay Activity Neuron Communication and Signal Transmission Inquiry Activity Female Cycle Inquiry Activity Secondary Science Simplified® Virtual PD Course Bundle Episode 177, Unpacking the NGSS: What High School Science Teachers Need to Know Episode 173, 9 Quick Ways to Use AI to Simplify Your Life as a Teacher Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 176, Teaching AP Biology, Exam Review, FRQ Prep, and MORE with Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins Episode 107, NGSS and Standards-Based Grading with Guest Boni Hamilton Episode 106, Standards-Based Grading, Citizenship Grades, Motivation and MORE with Guest Jennica Harrison…
Navigating the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, I break down the three pillars of NGSS as I see them. I also share what I love about NGSS, where I think it falls short, and practical strategies to help you implement it in a way that works for you and your students. Whether you’re new to NGSS or looking to refine your approach (or even if you aren't in an NGSS state!), this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to make small, impactful changes in your science classroom. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode177 Resources Mentioned: Human Impact Sustainability Project: An Investigation of Carbon Footprints All INRS units that come with NGSS Alignment Guides Lessons Mini-Course Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes; Episode 158, How to Not Feel Like You Are Teaching to the Test Episode 147, Content Coverage - How to Get Through All of the Standards Episode 116, Behind Schedule? What to Do And How to Prevent It In the Future Episode 107, NGSS and Standards-Based Grading with Guest Boni Hamilton…
AP Biology comes with big challenges—pacing, labs, and preparing students for that exam. But today’s guest, Tiffany from AP Bio Penguins, is here to help! Tiffany shares her best strategies for structuring class time, simplifying labs, and making test prep less stressful, all while keeping students engaged. She also reveals her advice for grading smarter (not harder!) and creating free, accessible resources to support all learners. Whether you're a seasoned AP Bio teacher or tackling the course for the first time, this episode is packed with practical tips to help you teach with more confidence. Don't forget to check out the resources linked below, and happy Cinco de Bio! 🎉 ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode176 Resources Mentioned: AP Bio Penguins 396 Page Review Guide AP Bio CED AP Bio Penguins Instagram AP Bio Penguins YouTube Become an AP Reader AP Review Notebook Blank Files for Review Notebook National AP Bio FB Group BioInteractive Learn.Genetics Never Work Harder Than Your Students and Other Principles of Great Teaching, by Robyn R. Jackson Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 125, Teaching AP Biology with Guest Beth Hines Episode 98, 5 Tips for Teaching Biochemical Reactions in Your Biology Class Episode 34, Teaching Biology - 4 Things NOT to Do Episode 15, Teaching Seniors, AP Biology, and MORE with Diana Price Mistakes Teachers Make When Teaching Biology…
Whether we like it or not, teaching students to take notes is an important part of being a high school teacher! Is that an unpopular opinion? Maybe, but I still stand by it! Beyond just understanding the content, strong note-taking skills set students up for success in life, no matter where their future takes them. When it comes to teaching these skills, there are plenty of options: typing, doodle-based notes, interactive notebooks…the list goes on! I’ve tried them all, and hands down, Cornell notes are my favorite. In this episode, I’m sharing exactly why I love the Cornell note taking method and how you can use it in your secondary science classroom. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode175 Resources Mentioned: Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do Episode 6, Engaging Students in Lecture How to Use Cornell Notes in High School Science The Cornell Note Taking System Otter.ai https://otter.ai/ Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 168, Differentiation in Your Science Classroom - Simple Tips to Decrease Overwhelm Episode 163, What I Wish I Knew in my First Year of Teaching High School Science: 5 Simple Tips Why I Don’t Use Interactive Notebooks in my Secondary Classroom and What I Use Instead…
Is AI the future of learning or just another way for students to cut corners? In this episode, we’re talking all about how to help students use AI in a way that actually benefits their learning - without letting it do all the thinking for them. Instead of banning AI or ignoring it, we need to teach students how to use it as a tool for things like communication, skill practice, and test review. When used the right way, AI can be so helpful, but only if students know how to use it responsibly! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode174 Resources Mentioned: Episode 173, 9 Quick Ways to Use AI to Simplify Your Life as a Teacher Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and More with Guest Alyse of Keystone Science Episode 154, AI and ChatGPT with Guest Mitch Wieland Episode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science Classes AI for Education Magic School Diffit Otter.ai Google Translate Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 160, 4 Proven Tips to INSTANTLY Decrease Your Grading Time Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom Episode 110, How to Manage a Classroom of Apathetic Students Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results)…
Imagine having a virtual assistant to help with lesson plans, assessments, and student feedback. AI can make that a reality! In this episode, I’m sharing nine practical ways to use AI to streamline your workload, from generating transcripts to creating choice boards and assessments. You’ll hear quick examples, plus my favorite tools (including one that makes test reviews a breeze!). But AI isn’t perfect, and it’s definitely not a replacement for real teachers—so how can we use it wisely? Let’s dive in and explore how to make AI work for you, not the other way around! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode173 Resources Mentioned: Magic School Otter.ai Diffit Google Translate AI for Education Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and More with Guest Alyse of Keystone Science Episode 154, AI and ChatGPT with Guest Mitch Wieland Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 162, 5 Essential Hacks for High School and Middle School Science Teachers Episode 160, 4 Proven Tips to INSTANTLY Decrease Your Grading Time Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom Episode 62, 5 Ways to Instantly Make Your Planning Period More Productive…
In the final episode of our differentiation series, I’m sharing practical strategies for implementing content-specific differentiation. Whether you teach biology, chemistry, anatomy, or physical science, you’ll learn how to prioritize key concepts, adjust instruction for CP and honors students, and simplify your approach using built-in supports from It’s Not Rocket Science®. Plus, I’ll help you determine which topics deserve the most focus so you can confidently tailor your lessons to best support your students! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode172 Resources: 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 Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes: Episode 168, Differentiation in Your Science Classroom – Simple Tips to Decrease Overwhelm Episode 169, Differentiating for Higher Achieving Students (That Isn’t Just Extra Work) Episode 170, Differentiating for Lower Achieving Students (Without Lowering the Bar) Episode 171, Differentiation Within One Class Period (And How to Not Make it Obvious)…
Are you juggling a dozen different learning needs in one class period? You’re not alone! Differentiation can seem daunting, especially when you’re trying to support all students without making it obvious. In the fourth episode in our differentiation series, I’m sharing practical, low-stress strategies to help you meet diverse student needs…without doubling your workload or drawing unwanted attention to differences. We’ll talk about simple ways to adjust instruction, activities, labs, and more, so that differentiation feels seamless in your mixed level classes. Plus, I’ll share creative strategies for assessments, engaging fast finishers, and fostering a supportive classroom culture where students feel confident in their learning. Whether you’re balancing multiple levels of credit or just a wide range of abilities, these small tweaks can make a big difference. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode171 Resources Mentioned: Its 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 Start of a blog series on stations Relationships mini-course Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and More with Guest Alyse of Keystone Science Episode 154, AI and Chat GPT with Guest Mitch Wieland Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results) Episode 60, Teaching with Packets - What They Are, Why I Love Them, And How to Use Them Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 168, Differentiation in Your Science Classroom - Simple Tips to Decrease Overwhelm Episode 169, Differentiating for Higher Achieving Students (That Isn’t Just Extra Work) Episode 170, Differentiating for Lower Achieving Students (Without Lowering the Bar)…
Struggling to support lower-achieving students without lowering the bar? In this episode, I share nine practical strategies for using scaffolding and intentional support to help all students reach their full potential. These tips aren’t about making things easier but about making learning more accessible and meaningful. By making small, intentional shifts in your teaching, you can create a classroom where students feel capable, motivated, and confident in tackling the content! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode170 Resources: Complete Units Lessons Mini-Course Culture Mini-Course Genetic Disorder Research Project Elemental Superhero Project How to do Study Guides Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes: Episode 92, 5 Ways to Have Precise Pacing and Tight Transitions in Your Secondary Science Classroom Episode 168, Differentiation in Your Science Classroom - Simple Tips to Decrease Overwhelm Episode 169, Differentiating for Higher Achieving Students (That Isn’t Just Extra Work)…
In last week’s episode , I talked through practical ways to meet your students’ diverse needs without burning out. When it comes to planning, It’s common to put the majority of your energy into on-grade level classes or students who are struggling. But I know you want to serve your high achieving students just as well! In the second episode of our differentiation series, I’m sharing five strategies to help these students thrive without just giving them extra work. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode169 Resources: 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. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes: Episode 29, Student-Centered Pedagogy: What It Is Episode 30, Student-Centered Pedagogy: Why Make the Shift Episode 31, Student Centered Pedagogy: How to Do It Episode 32, Student-Centered Pedagogy: One Way to Start Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And Surprising Results) Episode 168, Differentiation In Your Science Classroom - Simple Tips to Decrease Overwhelm…
Differentiation in your science classroom doesn’t have to feel overwhelming! In this episode, I share practical strategies to meet your students’ diverse needs without burning out. By shifting your mindset and focusing on sustainable practices, you can create an inclusive environment that supports all learners, from struggling students to high achievers. We dive into three key steps to simplify differentiation. Start by seeking support from colleagues, resources, and tools - don’t go at it alone! Focus on one area to improve, like differentiated notetaking options, and keep your plans flexible to address students’ needs in the moment. Small, proactive changes can make a big difference over time. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode168 Resources: Complete Units Biology Curriculum Full Year Bundle Chemistry Curriculum Full Year Bundle Anatomy Curriculum Full Year Bundle Physical Science Curriculum Full Year Bundle Core Values Mini-Course Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes: Episode 166, How to Use Your Students to Work Smarter Rather Than Harder Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and MORE with Guest Alyse of Keystone Science Episode 151, Ask Me Anything! Part 2: Differentiated Instruction, Difficult Conversations, Work/Life Balance, and More!…
Teaching comes with relentless demands. Stress levels are high, burnout feels all too familiar, and breaks never seem long enough! These challenges take a serious toll on mental health, making it crucial for educators to learn effective strategies to manage it. That’s where today’s guest, Dr. Hayley Watson, comes in! In this episode, Dr. Watson dives into practical and straight forward strategies designed to support teacher mental health. She shares actionable techniques to help teachers care for their well-being while also providing tips for fostering mental health awareness among students. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode167 Resources: Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Connect with Dr. Hayley Watson: Open Parachute Website Finding the Words: Empowering Struggling Students through Guided Conversations by Dr. Hayley Watson LinkedIn Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 161, Relief for the Burdened Teacher: How to Deal With Caring More Than Your Students Do Episode 144, 4 Ways Having “No Rules” Has Changed My Life (And Could Change Your School Year) 4 Must Do Teacher Self-Care Tips 5 Strategies for Surviving Second Semester…
Teachers are always balancing a mountain of responsibilities while trying to create more time for themselves and their families. Finding the perfect work/life balance and mastering time management can feel like a never-ending challenge. But what if the key to working smarter, not harder, is already sitting in your classroom? In this episode, I’m sharing how to harness the unique strengths and skills of your students to lighten your workload and make your classroom run more efficiently. I’ll walk you through seven specific ways to work smarter, not harder with their help. From encouraging creativity and fostering critical thinking to completing service hours while benefiting the classroom, these strategies empower your students while simplifying your tasks! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode166 Resources Mentioned: Teach the Class! Midterm or End of Year Review Project Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 165, How Naming What Matters Most Can Change the Rest of Your School Year Episode 138, Serving Future You - How to Work Smarter, Not Harder Everything You Need to Know About Having a High School T.A. Program…
If you’ve been wondering where your “new year, new you” pep talk was, well you’re getting it in this episode! I love taking the opportunity to reflect, plan, dream, and set goals all year, but especially at the start of the new year. And while I usually have a list of things you can do to start the year off on the right track, this year I’m sharing ONE specific new year challenge. This challenge has the power to transform how the rest of your school year goes. Are you ready for it? It’s naming what matters most. This concept, introduced by Kendra Adachi, has become a cornerstone of how I approach both my personal and professional life. I’ve touched on this idea before on the podcast, but it’s so powerful that I keep coming back to it. In today’s episode, I’m diving deeper into why this principle is so crucial for achieving work-life balance and how you can apply it in your own life. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode165 Resources Mentioned: Core Values Mini-Course Virtual PD Course Bundle Kendra Adachi’s book, The PLAN: Manage Your Time Like a Lazy Genius The Lazy Genius Collective The Lazy Genius Podcast Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes: Episode 164, My Top Tips for Kicking Off a New Semester Episode 137, Work/Life Balance as a Mom and and AP Teacher With Guest Kimberly Leary Episode 57, Living and Working in Your Current Season Episode 55, Goal Setting For the New Year – A Different Approach…
Happy New Year, teacher friends! Can you believe we’re kicking off the FOURTH year of this podcast? Let’s celebrate with a super practical and helpful episode. As the new semester begins, it’s the perfect opportunity to start fresh with a new group of students to make meaningful changes with the same class. In this episode, I’m sharing my top tips to help you hit the ground running this semester. Whether you’re welcoming back familiar faces or meeting new ones, how you start this semester sets the tone for the months ahead. Your approach will depend on your goals and what you want to accomplish, so I’ve tailored specific strategies to fit different schedules. I’m also sharing recommendations for what to do on the very first day back to set yourself up for success. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode164 Resources: Virtual PD Courses for Teachers Winter Science Freebies FREE Biology Curriculum Pacing Guide FREE Chemistry Curriculum Pacing Guide FREE Anatomy & Physiology Curriculum Pacing Guide FREE Physical Science Curriculum Pacing Guide Heredity Unit Transport Unit Stoichiometry Unit Matter Unit Matter Lab Station Activity Waves Unit It’s Not Rocket Science Complete Units Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes: Episode 143, My Top 5 Favorite Teacher Hacks for the New School Year Episode 141, First Day of School Tips + What I Cover in My First Units of the Year Episode 120, How to Cut Your Grading Time in Half Episode 60, Teaching with Packets - What They Are, Why I Love Them, and How to Use Them…
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As we wrap up 2024, it’s only fitting to revisit the most popular episode of the year! Both new and experienced teachers are constantly searching for ways to make their classroom routines easier and more effective. I learned so many valuable lessons during my first few years of teaching, so in today’s replay episode, I’m sharing five things I wish I had known as a first-year high school science teacher. Each of these five tips are lessons that I learned the hard way. I sacrificed a lot of my own personal time, didn’t set clear boundaries, took on too many tasks which made me feel overwhelmed, and tried to do it all on my own. If you’re a new teacher, or even a veteran teacher, I don’t want that for you! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode163 Resources: Virtual PD Courses for Teachers FREE Labs When Limited Mini-Course Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 129, 4 Things I Learned From Other Teachers That Changed How I Teach Episode 117, How to Prep for a Long-Term Substitute Who Doesn’t Teach Science Episode 91, My Top 5 Classroom Management Routines and Procedures for High School Science Teachers Episode 77, 5 Myths You Might Believe About Your Work Email Episode 39, Organization Tips for Your Science Classroom Episode 16, 5 Strategies for Pain-Free Sub Plans What I Wish I Had Known as a First-Year Teacher Why You Shouldn’t Bring Work Home – And How to Accomplish That 4 Must-Have High School Classroom Systems A Manageable and Effective System for Parent Communication Making Sub Plans for Secondary Science…
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We all love discovering ways to simplify our lives and make managing our classrooms easier. We’re constantly on the hunt for tips, tricks, and strategies to help everything run smoothly while saving us time and energy. That’s why this episode became the second most listened-to of 2024! In this popular replay, I’m sharing my top five essential teacher hacks specifically designed for secondary science teachers. These game-changing strategies are simple to implement but can have a major impact on how your classroom operates and the culture you create throughout the year. I’ll walk you through each hack, showing you how to put them into action and explaining how they can improve your classroom procedures, routines, and behavior management. ➡️ Show Notes : https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode162 Resources Mentioned: Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers It’s Not Rocket Science Prime Times Academic Desk Calendar Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes: Episode 120: How to Cut Your Grading Time in Half Episode 108: 5 Must-Have Routines and Procedures for Secondary Teachers Episode 4: Engaging Your Students in the First 5 Minutes of Class Start Strong: 5 Beginning of the Year Procedures to Teach Prime Times: The Secondary Classroom Procedure You Can’t Live Without My Favorite Classroom Management Strategy 5 Reasons You May Hate Bell Ringers – And the Solutions to Run Them Easily…
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Teachers everywhere are feeling the weight of their students’ lack of motivation, and it’s no surprise this topic has resonated so strongly—it’s the third most-listened-to episode of 2024! The pressure to carry the burden of student success is exhausting and unsustainable, leaving many educators burned out and questioning their future in the profession. That’s why now is the perfect time to rethink your approach and head into the new year with a fresh perspective. In today’s episode, I dive into why students seem to care less and share three actionable strategies to address the issue. You'll hear real examples from my experience in the classroom, including how I’ve set and reinforced expectations while giving students the responsibility to take ownership of their success. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode161 Resources: Balance Virtual PD Course Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes: Episode 122, How to Nail Your Teacher Job Interview + 3 Mock Lesson Ideas Episode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change Episode 113, What to Do When You Have No Energy – Truths for the Classroom Episode 111, Priorities and Boundaries in the New Year Episode 57, Living and Working in Your Current Season Episode 56, Scheduling Rest – Why You Need To and How To Do It Episode 55, Goal Setting for the New Year – A Different Approach…
We all have unique experiences, but one thing teachers all seem to share is the overwhelming challenge of grading. When I talked about ways to cut your grading time in half on the podcast earlier this year, it was clear that it was a hot topic, so let’s dive into it again! In today’s replay episode, I’m sharing the number four most listened-to episode where I provide four tips that instantly decrease your grading time. If you think January is too late to switch things up, it’s not! The beginning of a new semester is the perfect time to rethink or redo how you approach grading. The four specific action items I share are ones I personally executed when I was in the classroom. And just a warning - they may feel drastic! But in order to provide quick and accurate grading while also allowing for more time for yourself, sometimes big changes are required. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode160 Resources Mentioned: Bell Ringers & Exit Slips Assessments Virtual PD Course Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 105, What Happened When I Stopped Assigning Formal Lab Reports Episode 96, Why I Stopped Assigning Homework (And 6 Surprising Results) Episode 4, Engaging Your Students – In the First 5 Minutes of Class Decrease Grading Time: 4 Practical Ways to Cut Your Grading Time in Half Why You Shouldn’t Bring Work Home – And How to Accomplish That Prime Times: The Secondary Classroom Procedure You Can’t Live Without 5 Reasons You May Hate Bell Ringers – And the Solutions to Run Them Easily…
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It’s crazy to think that we’re nearing the end of 2024! We’ve covered so many topics this year, so I wanted to spend the last five weeks of the year replaying the top five most listened to episodes. I want to encourage you to take this opportunity to either reinforce the routines, systems, and strategies in these episodes or prioritize them starting in 2025. In today’s episode, we’re starting with the fifth most listened to episode where I talk about how to increase student retention of content, specifically DENSE content! I not only give you encouragement and reasons why retention might be lacking in your students, but very practical tips you can easily implement in your science classes. If you are enjoying the content in this podcast, please leave your view on Apple Podcasts! It will only take a minute and is a simple way to support this show and reach more science teachers! ➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode159 Resources Mentioned: Biology Curriculum Chemistry Curriculum Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes: Episode 116. Behind Schedule? What to Do and How to Prevent It in the Future Episode 88. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Part 5 Episode 87. Aligning Your Assessments: Curriculum Design Part 5 Episode 86. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Part 4 Episode 85. Building Out Your Backbone: Curriculum Design Part 4 Episode 84. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Part 3 Episode 83. Forming Your Foundation: Curriculum Design Part 3 Episode 82. PRACTICAL IMPLEMENTATION: Parts 1 and 2 Episode 81. Analyzing Your Aims: Curriculum Design Part 2 Episode 80. Strategizing Your Sequence: Curriculum Design Part 1…
In teaching, there are a lot of balancing acts, but none come close to preparing your students for success while NOT teaching to the test. I hear from many of you that struggle with this, and honestly I did as well while I was teaching, but I have since adopted a few philosophies that will help minimize the pressure you feel and start prioritizing what matters most to you in your classroom. In today’s episode, I’m sharing two main ways that you can balance “good teaching” and the pressure of getting your students prepared for the test. I discuss how each of the two ideas work off of each other and various ways they can be implemented throughout your instructional resources and activities. ➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode158 Resources Mentioned: Core Values Mini-Course Biology Exam Pack Physical Science Exam Pack Anatomy Exam Pack Chemistry Exam Pack Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes: Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and MORE With Guest Alyse of Keystone Science Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom Episode 104, Using Summative Assessments to Prepare Students for Standardized Tests…
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1 157. Serving ELLs With AI and MORE With Guest Alyse of Keystone Science 1:03:15
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پخش در آینده 
پخش در آینده 
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پخش در آینده پخش در آینده لیست ها پسندیدن دوست داشته شدI don’t know about you, but I love growing and learning, especially when it has anything to do with teaching science. This is exactly what happened when I interviewed Alyse of Keystone Science. Throughout our entire conversation, we discussed a wide range of topics that will help students have success in a secondary science classroom, particularly English Language Learners. When it comes to the use of AI in the classroom, Alyse has embraced this innovative technology tool. She shares why her perspective is different and describes specific ways she utilizes it in her classroom. And since she works with many ELL students, Alyse discusses the countless possibilities that come with AI and how it contributes to their learning. Trust me when I say this episode is JAM PACKED with helpful tips! ➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode157 Resources: ELL Freebie AI Freebie ChatGPT Otter.AI Eduaide Magic School Diffit Google Translate Secondary Science PD Courses Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes & Blog Posts: Episode 154, AI and Chat GPT With Guest Mitch Wieland Episode 95, How to Stop Grading Everything Episode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science Classes Why I Don’t Assign Homework in High School…
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Let’s talk about something that is all too familiar for teachers: navigating micromanagement from school administrators or districts. I’ve encountered my fair share of overbearing directives, from mandated curricula to unreasonable data tracking, and I know you have too. I’ve heard from many of you about the struggles you face with being micromanaged when it comes to grading, classroom management, and more. Whether it’s coming from the district or your direct admin, being micromanaged never feels good. We know our students and we should be trusted to do what’s best for them! In today’s episode, I’m sharing practical tips and strategies to try if you are being micromanaged, and when it might even be time to consider a change for the better. You’ve been warned - I run hot when it comes to this topic! ➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode156 Resources: Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes & Blog Posts: Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom Episode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change Episode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me”: Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach Matson Episode 69, Admin Support - WHY You Need to Ask, HOW to Ask, and WHAT to Ask For…
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Over the past several years, one of the biggest complaints I’ve heard from teachers is the student apathy that exists in post-pandemic students. I’ve addressed this topic on the podcast before by the ways of classroom management and building resilience in students. And while those are important to tackling the problem, I want to share a new approach. So in today’s episode, I’m discussing how to get students to be active in their own learning and ways to hold them accountable! ➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode155 Resources Mentioned: Free Labs When Limited Audio Course Anatomy of a Class Period Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes & Blog Posts: Episode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic Episode 143, My Top 5 Favorite Teacher Hacks for the New School Year Episode 92, 5 Ways to Have Precise Pacing and Tight Transitions in Your Secondary Science Classroom Episode 89, Classroom Management in a Post-COVID World with Guest Casey O’Hearn Episode 32, Student-Centered Pedagogy: One Way to Start Episode 31, Student-Centered Pedagogy: How To Do It Episode 30, Student-Centered Pedagogy: Why Make the Shift Episode 29, Student-Centered Pedagogy: What It Is Episode 5, Engaging Your Students - Without Exhausting Yourself…
If you’ve been around long enough, you know just how quickly technology changes and advances. But one of the most resourceful and useful technology tools out there is AI. AI, or Artificial Intelligence, is quickly becoming how our world plans vacations, assists us with our work demands, and even plans lessons and activities for our students. And while half of teachers are embracing this new wave of technology, the other half have concerns and are apprehensive about its capabilities. No matter what side of the fence you’re on, there’s no denying that AI is here to stay! So why not start embracing it like my guest on today’s episode, Mitch Wieland. Mitch has adopted the idea that AI is actually more helpful than it is detrimental to education. He’s sharing different ways teachers can use AI tools to simplify their lives in the classroom and some practical tips for using it in all aspects of your teaching life. Mitch also highlights three of his personal favorite AI tools and how simple they are to use. ➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode154 Resources Mentioned: Magic School Diffit Chat GPT Prime Time Resources Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 120, How to Cut Your Grading Time in Half Episode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science Classes Prime Times: The Secondary Classroom Procedure You Can’t Live Without…
Even though you may love the science discipline you teach, that doesn’t mean that you’re excited to teach every topic, let alone your students enjoying everything you teach. Unfortunately, there are certain topics that are considered boring but still need to be taught! Knowing the topics that are deemed boring for you, how can you turn those around to be more engaging for everyone involved? In today’s episode, I’m discussing two concerns when it comes to approaching less than thrilling content in your science disciplines, and what to do about it! ➡️ Full Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode153 Resources Mentioned: Lessons Mini-Course Core Values Mini-Course Culture Mini-Course Free Anatomy of a Class Period Lesson Plan Free Lab Audit Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Related Episodes and Blog Posts: Episode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic Episode 78, Our LEAST Favorite Topics to Teach and How We Approach Them with Guest Sam Holcomb of Engineer Does Education Episode 6, Engaging Students in Lecture Episode 5, Engaging Your Students - Without Exhausting Yourself Episode 4, Engaging Your Students - In the First 5 Minutes of Class…
There are many elements of teaching that are unpredictable and out of your control, which can make it difficult to handle or prepare for. One of those things are student absences. Let’s be honest, it’s a miracle when all of your students are in class on the same day! So, you need to prepare and determine how you’re going to deal with the absences of your students and when you miss a day of teaching as well. I think we all can agree that the most tiresome aspect of a student’s absence is figuring out how to handle makeup work. Personally, I believe it’s important to catch them up with the class as soon as possible, so I’m sharing my makeup work policy and how I train my students on what to do when they’re absent. I also discuss my procedures and thoughts for when just one class is off from the rest of your classes, chronic absent students, transfer students, and how to handle when you’re gone for a day. Having students miss class or you missing a day of school is an inevitable aspect of teaching during the school year. And even though it makes things complicated, it’s important to think through how you’re going to deal with them. So if this is something you’re struggling with, take a listen to hear how to manage it all, my hot takes, what I learned while I was in the classroom, and how you can implement these ideas in your own classroom. Resources Mentioned: Culture Mini-Course Assessments Mini-Course Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do Episode 117, How to Prep for a Long-Term Substitute Who Doesn’t Teach Science Episode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science Classes Episode 16, 5 Strategies for Pain-Free Sub Plans Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge. Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts. Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode152…
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1 151. Ask Me Anything! Part 2: Differentiated Instruction, Difficult Conversations, Work/Life Balance, and More! 43:58
I love celebrating podcast milestones with my listeners so much that I couldn’t celebrate with just one episode! Last week, I hit 150 episodes and decided to answer questions sent to me from listeners. Although I covered a variety of different topics, I received so many questions that I needed to do another episode to answer them all. So, in part 2, I’m continuing the celebration by answering more listener questions. These sets of questions range from content help, how to handle negative feedback, ways to get students to study or participate in note-taking, and how to achieve a work/life balance, especially after having a baby. I even answer It’s Not Rocket Science resource-specific questions and a few personal questions. But with each question, I answer authentically while trying to give both advice and strategies to help support you in your current teaching struggles. I thoroughly enjoy doing this podcast and creating content for y’all every single week. I love being able to connect and answer your questions or address struggles or concerns you have while teaching your science discipline. So I thank you and can’t wait to celebrate again after the next 50! Resources Mentioned: Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers Lessons Mini-Course Physical Science Independent Research Project Biology Independent Research Project Anatomy Independent Research Project Chemistry Independent Research Project Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode151…
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1 150. Ask Me Anything! Part 1: Difficult Coworkers, Engaging Labs, Classroom Management Strategies, and More! 41:40
Wow, y’all, I can’t believe I’m at episode 150! I’m always amazed at all we cover on the podcast, so I like to celebrate every 50 episodes with a “Dear Abby” style episode. Since I started this podcast to reach and support more teachers, I want to make sure I’m giving y’all exactly what you need to succeed. So, in today’s episode, I’m answering all your questions related to secondary science content, engaging labs, classroom management strategies, and more! There’s so much content I could cover, and I love individualizing it for my listeners, which is why I love doing episodes like this. I received such a wide range of questions, with a majority that are directed towards inside the classroom and a few personal questions, that I had to split the episode into two parts. With each question, I share my thoughts, suggestions, and advice. I thoroughly enjoy doing this podcast and being able to help and support so many teachers that I’m excited to see what topics we cover for the next 50! And don’t forget to tune in next week, where I continue answering all your questions in part 2! Resources Mentioned: Lab Audit Freebie Lessons Mini-Course Culture Mini-Course Murder and a Meal Lab Enzyme Lab Activity Simulation Photosynthesis Relay Protein Synthesis Scavenger Hunt Genetic Disorder Research Project Dinosaur Genetics Stations Natural Selection Lab Ecosystem in a Bottle Project Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode150…
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Over the last few weeks, I’ve been discussing how to cover all of your content in so little time. And while every teacher feels like they’re limited on time, if you teach on a block schedule, you actually have the least amount of instructional time in a school year. If you’re someone who teaches on a block schedule, you’re probably thinking about what you can do with the time you’re given. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing the positives of teaching on a block schedule, how to lean into those, and practical ideas on ways to still cover all your content. Despite having the least amount of instructional minutes on a block schedule, this type of schedule actually has a lot of positives for both students and teachers. I highlight those positives and share why leaning into those gives you the best perspective for making the most out of your instructional time. Additionally, I discuss how to practically narrow down your content and ways to find what you need to focus on pertaining to your content. I get it. Not having enough instructional minutes to get through your content is frustrating. However, there are many positives and things to love about teaching on a block schedule that I want you to focus on. So, if you’re a teacher who is on a block schedule, lean into what’s good about it and use that to your benefit and the positive impact it can have on your students. Resources Mentioned: Free Lab Audit Resource Free Anatomy of a Class Period Lesson Plan Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode149…
I know it's early in the school year, but at some point this year, you're going to ask yourself, "How am I going to get through all of this content before the end of the year?" And if I'm being completely honest, you're probably not. While that might seem harsh or pessimistic, that's unfortunately the reality. I'd love to be able to give you practical solutions to fix that problem, but I can't. Instead, I'm going to ask you to have a mindset shift when you have too much to do and too little time to do it all. As teachers, you know how precious class time is, but when you add interruptions such as drills, pep assemblies, and weather-related no-school days, your class time gets even more limited, which means less time for learning and getting through your content. And while most teachers stress about this, myself included when I was in the classroom, I want you to do the opposite. I'm sharing five things to help you make a mindset shift when you start to feel things are getting in the way of you making progress and feeling stressed about not covering all of your content. Making sure your students learn your academic content is important, but I challenge you to get clear and focus on your values, priorities, and the season of life you're currently in. The five ideas I share will help you identify what you value most and begin to focus on that instead of making sure your students know everything related to your content. So, if you're feeling overwhelmed by all you have to do with such little time, this pep talk episode is exactly what you need to listen to! Resources Mentioned: Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers Core Values Mini Course Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode148…
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I don't have to tell you all how much is on your plates and everything you have to deal with as teachers on a daily basis. You're constantly juggling student behaviors, building relationships, parent communication, feedback and professional development from your administration and district, and so much more. But with all of those, one of the things I hear about most from my audience is how to fit in all of their content. With this being a very popular concern for teachers, I'm sharing ways to get through your content by covering all of your standards in today's episode. As teachers, you know the importance of standards in your instruction, activities, assessments, and labs. They are the backbone of your course, which is why they're the key to covering all of the content in your course. And while I discuss how to use the standards to determine topics you focus on, I also share the importance of incorporating content-specific and life skills, which can easily be implemented in any science curriculum. With so much to worry about, teachers tend to focus on covering all their content the most. And if I'm being honest, you might not cover it all, but by knowing and understanding your standards and determining the skills that matter most to you, you will be covering content you believe in and will help your students succeed. Resources Mentioned: Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers Core Values Mini Course Lessons Mini Course Anatomy Curriculum Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode147…
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Secondary Science Simplified™
I remember being a new teacher and feeling nervous and panicked every time an administrator came into my room for an observation, either formal or informal. I had a pit in my stomach and wondered if I was doing what they wanted or anything right. However, as time went on, I got used to observations and actually welcomed the opportunity to have others in my room. But I didn’t get there overnight. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing what you need to do to nail your next observation, whether that’s planned or unannounced. By preparing for an administrator’s impending arrival, it can relieve some of the stress associated with them. I’m providing you with a few things you can do to prepare for any observation, including getting clear on expectations, meeting all the necessary mandates, having clear procedures and routines for your students, and running an efficient classroom. While observations can be intimidating at first, they’re meant to be helpful and informative, so I’ve got a few things to keep in mind when receiving feedback after your evaluation as well. I know you’re doing amazing things in your classroom, meeting expectations, and engaging your students in your lessons and activities. So why not showcase that to your administrators during your observations? The most important thing is to be authentic and true to yourself, and knowing how to prepare and know exactly what to do when they occur will help you feel ready for any observation, planned or unannounced. Resources Mentioned: Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers Virtual PD Mini-Course: Culture Virtual PD Mini-Course: Lessons Virtual PD Mini-Course: Core Values FREE Anatomy of a Class Period Lesson Plan Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode146…
I always tailor my podcast episodes towards topics that I know my listeners need, ask for, and would find helpful in a secondary science classroom. Today’s topic is one I know will resonate with y’all, which is seeing a lack of resilience in your students. Teachers are constantly struggling with this issue, so I’ve worked to find solutions and come up with ways to help build your student’s resilience. Although I’m not an expert in teaching in a post-pandemic classroom, I’m sharing six ways you can start building resilience in your students. Throughout the episode, I compare building resilience in students to potty training my two-year-old. While this may seem far-stretched, there are actually a lot of similarities between the two. Building resilience boils down to teaching a new skill and equipping them with the tools to push through, recover, adjust, and move forward when things become too hard. With each part of the process, I also explain how it would work with students in the classroom to help build their resilience. Resilience is like a muscle that needs to be strengthened. So, you need to find ways to help build them up and work on this new skill. In this post-pandemic world we’re living in, having resilience isn’t a skill many students have, but implementing my six tips will help your students build their resilience and begin to overcome the difficulties and struggles they face in the classroom. Resources Mentioned: Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers Relationships Virtual PD Mini-Course Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode145…
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Secondary Science Simplified™
In the past, I’ve always chosen a word of the year to help guide what I want for myself, my family, and my career in the upcoming year. However, this year, I chose a mental mindset for the year, which was “no rules.” I was so used to finding efficient ways to run my business and classroom when I was in it that I wanted to make a change and make decisions through a different lens. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing four ways having “no rules” has changed my life and how it could change your school year, too. As a disclaimer, I’m not saying you shouldn’t have any rules in your life or classroom. Instead, by adopting this concept, you’re learning to be more flexible, fun, and free and slow down with your responses. This requires you to think about the “why” behind everything you do and determine if there’s a true purpose for it or if you’re able to bend the rules and try something different. To help provide further understanding, I’m sharing life examples and how to apply this “no rules” concept in your classroom. Learning not to be as rigid and structured was a challenge I wanted to tackle this year. After seeing the positive changes having “no rules” impacted my life, I wanted to share my experience and challenge you to break free of some of the rules established in your classroom and try a new way of thinking or approach to changing your entire classroom culture. So join me in this new mental mindset shift and see how it impacts your thought process and classroom! Resources Mentioned: Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode144…
Whether you’ve been in school mode for a while or are still enjoying your summer, I always try to spend August helping teachers prepare for the upcoming school year. We all know how stressful and demanding the year can be, so I wanted to really be intentional about finding ways that were super helpful and simplify your life as a secondary science teacher. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing my top 5 favorite teacher hacks for the new school year. Each of my 5 teacher hacks is a personal thing that I have done during my teaching career. They cover different aspects of teaching but also have a focus on behavior management and building relationships. With each teacher hack, I go into detail explaining what it is, how it was implemented in my classroom, and how it directly benefits not only yourself as the teacher but also your students. While I could talk about hundreds of ways that would simplify your teaching life, I wanted to only choose 5 that are super simple and easy to implement no matter where you are in your back-to-school season. By finding a few teacher hacks that will work for you, you’re able to decrease behavior challenges, build relationships, get support from parents, spend less time grading, and stagger your workload for each of your courses. Who wouldn’t want all that at the beginning of a new school year!? Resources Mentioned: Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers It’s Not Rocket Science Prime Times Academic Desk Calendar Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode143…
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Secondary Science Simplified™
I’ve talked many times about my experience teaching AP science courses before, and I even did an entire series talking to teachers who teach various AP science disciplines, so y’all know how challenging it can be. However, think about if you’re still a beginning teacher and being thrown into teaching an AP course. That’s what happened to my guest on today’s episode, Laura Tice. Laura is sharing her reflections as a first-year AP teacher, including how her students did on the exam, her highs and lows from the year, and how she’s already revamping her curriculum for the upcoming school year. Teaching any AP course is no joke, but as Laura describes, it’s absolutely worth it. She loved working with AP level students and talked about how their work ethic and drive gave her the confidence to teach the course, but also with some humility throughout the year. While Laura discloses the things that didn’t go her way, she’s taking those challenges and making a point to make the necessary changes to fix them to help her students be successful in those areas. Laura even had two weeks left to review before the exam, in which she shared her one piece of advice for making that possible. After my conversation with Laura, I was so impressed by her wisdom, enthusiasm, and humility as a first-year AP teacher. She encountered a few challenges and struggles throughout the year, which is to be expected, but she is using her reflections as room for improvement for the upcoming school year. Laura shares a lot of strategies and advice as a first-year AP teacher that I know you all will want to take and implement in your own classrooms this school year. Resources Mentioned: Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode142…
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Secondary Science Simplified™
It’s hard to believe that the start of another school year is just around the corner, which means that planning for the first day of school and your first units is starting to take place. The first day of school can sometimes feel chaotic, and teachers are often unsure what they should even be covering on that day. So, to help those teachers out, I’m sharing the four things I always do on the first day of school and an overview of my first units for each science discipline. With so many things to cover in the first few days of school, it can be difficult to know what you should spend those days doing. However, it’s important to go back to what you care about most, which will help you and your students have a successful school year. So, if you’re looking for ideas on structuring your first day of school and first units of study in your science courses, this episode is for you! Resources Mentioned: Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers It’s Not Rocket Science Biology Basics Unit It’s Not Rocket Science Introduction to Anatomy Unit It’s Not Rocket Science Introduction to Chemistry Unit It’s Not Rocket Science Scientific Method Unit All It’s Not Rocket Science Complete Units Free Characteristics of Life Inquiry Activity Flinn Scientific Carolina Biological Supply Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode141…
With the school year quickly approaching, many teachers are getting their jobs and starting to figure out what science courses they’ll be teaching. And if you see chemistry on your course list, you might be hitting the freak-out button! Especially as a new teacher, chemistry can be intimidating to teach, but it also gives a lot of fun and freedom to add some creativity into your lessons. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing five chemistry tips to help you find success teaching this course this year. Since I taught chemistry, I wanted to share my advice and add my own personal experience to it as well. Chemistry is a science discipline that can intimidate a lot of students, which is why I always found it beneficial to teach students why it matters and use tools, models, and visuals to make it more relatable and approachable for them. This helps them find a real connection to the course and enjoy the class that much more. I also provide examples of my scope and sequence and a few classic labs and activities I incorporated throughout the year. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginning teacher, teaching chemistry has its challenges. But by keeping my five tips in mind, you will have success teaching this course this year, which is always the goal when a new school year begins again. Resources Mentioned: Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers Free Chemistry Curriculum Pacing Guide Chemistry Curriculum - Full Year Bundle It’s Not Rocket Science Chemistry Resources Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode140…
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Secondary Science Simplified™
These days, I'm all about doing things now that serve my future self. In last week's episode, I shared five principles I do in my business that serve my future self and how they can translate to the classroom. However, since those principles might serve you next month, quarter, or even school year, I wanted to share an immediate benefit for your future self. In today's episode, I'm sharing how Friday planning can be used to prevent Sunday scaries. If you are anything like I was in the classroom, I couldn't wait for my weekend to start and then felt the dread and overwhelm creep up on Sunday when I realized all I needed to do for the upcoming week. I hated this feeling so much that I created a process to prevent Sunday scaries from ever happening. Although you don't have to choose Friday to be the day you plan out your next week, make copies, and stay a little later, I'm going to share why I think it's the best day for it, how it'll make you feel, and my process for what it looks like and how to do it to maximize the prevention of Sunday scaries. Nothing dampens your Sunday like the realization of the papers you need to grade, copies you need to make for the lab the next day, or the number of emails you have to respond to sitting in your inbox. But by taking some time on Friday to plan your upcoming week, you will have eliminated the Sunday scaries and can enjoy your weekend without thinking about work! Resources Mentioned: Virtual PD Courses for Science Teachers Waitlist Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode139…
I frequently think about how much the principles I've learned from running a business (and parenting) have changed my perspective on teaching. This got me thinking about what I would implement based on what I know now if I ever return to the classroom. And whenever I realize something useful and helpful, I want to share it with y'all! So, in today's episode, I'm sharing five ways you can serve future you with what I've learned in business that would apply to the classroom. As teachers, we all live busy lives. We're constantly doing everything we can for our students while also having a busy personal life. So one way to work smarter and not harder is by doing things to serve future you. Each of the five ways includes performing tasks with a strategic plan, grouping similar items together, and being diligent about doing things correctly the first time. I also provide examples of how I'd use these ideas in the classroom. One of the best things you can do to save time in the long run is to give a gift to your future self. With key ideas I've learned from working on my business, I wanted to share how these tactics can be applied in your classroom to be more efficient and effective. So be sure to take a listen on ways to save time with five ways to serve future you! Resources Mentioned: It’s Not Rocket Science PD Waitlist Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode138…
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Secondary Science Simplified™
As teachers, we know how hard it is to manage and balance our work and personal lives. But when you add being a new mom and an AP teacher to the mix, it makes that even harder. We’re always looking for tips and secrets to find that balance. My guest on today’s episode, Kimberly Leary, just might have figured it out! In today’s episode, Kimberly is sharing her knowledge and experience on a variety of topics, including how to prepare for maternity leave as an AP teacher, advice for teaching AP Environmental Science, and how to achieve a work/life balance as a new mom. Being an AP teacher, especially in the discipline of Environmental Science, which covers a wide variety of topics, has its challenges, and Kimberly has faced them all. She credits her detailed personality for keeping pace and not deviating while teaching and how she handled substitute plans during her maternity leave. Teaching a discipline that most people aren’t familiar with required her to be thoughtful, intentional, and detailed with the plans she left while she was on leave. She shares how this helped the many teachers covering her classes and how that impacted her students once she returned. Once Kimberly became a mom, she knew setting boundaries that created a better work/life balance was necessary. Even though this required her to change her mindset and set realistic expectations for herself as it pertained to her workload and grading, she eventually found the right balance. She shares how she did it and the priority shift she had to make. It’s very natural to want to be the best mom you can be while still being passionate about your teaching career. That’s why creating a work/life balance the best you can is critical to your success at both. So take a listen and get advice from Kimberly, a first-time mom and AP teacher, on how to have it all! Resources Mentioned: National APES teachers Facebook group APES Teachers Unleashed Facebook group Mr. Smedes - APESvsEVERYBODY Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode137…
When I was a classroom teacher without any kids, I had no idea of the correlation or commonality that being a parent and a teacher would have. Now, being a parent, I would do some things differently and have a different lens on, which is why I’ve loved doing this series on things I’ve learned from parenting that can apply to teaching. In this episode, we’re wrapping up this series on ways to build a team mindset into your classroom culture. Classrooms and families are very similar in that they’re both run as a community or unit. Even though each person has individual roles, everyone needs to function as a whole. I know that building a positive and inclusive classroom culture is so important, but I’m also discussing ways you can build a team mindset, get your students involved, and have them get to know each other. Being the leader of your classroom, you will show them how and explain why it’s essential in building a classroom culture. Managing your classroom isn’t just about disruptive behaviors or challenging students. It’s also about how your classroom functions and the feelings students have within your four walls. Personally, I want my classroom and home to be a safe place with positivity and inclusion. So, if you want to create the same in your classroom, make sure you build a team mindset into your classroom culture! Resources Mentioned: Virtual PD Courses by It’s Not Rocket Science Waitlist Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode136…
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Secondary Science Simplified™
If you’ve been listening each week, you know that this month, I’ve been doing a special series where I’ve reflected on things I’ve done and learned as a parent and how they can transfer to the classroom. I’ve been surprised by how much is transferable and have loved hearing your responses to these ideas as well. Today’s topic is something I’ve talked about with another friend relating to parenting but practiced while in the classroom. That is anticipatory conversations. So, in this episode, I’m sharing what anticipatory conversations are, what they can look like, and how to use them in the classroom. I’ve always been a fan of finding ways to be proactive rather than reactive, and that’s exactly what anticipatory conversations do. They help lay the guidelines, expectations, and potential consequences before an event or activity takes place. This helps diffuse any potential chaos that could arise since students or kids already know what’s expected of them. I share examples of how I’ve used this with my own kids and ways I used it in the classroom before labs, tests, or any other activity where chaos could happen. In using anticipatory conversations in my life, I’ve found that repetition is key, along with other key tips that help make this strategy more effective. Providing expectation reminders helps you be proactive in certain situations rather than reactive during the heat of the moment. Likewise, students and kids know what’s expected of them ahead of time. So be sure to use anticipatory conversations to alleviate potential chaos in your personal and work life! Resources Mentioned: Virtual PD Courses by It’s Not Rocket Science Waitlist It’s Not Rocket Science Complete Units Call Bells Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode135…
As you all know, my outlook and perspective on life are usually black and white. Especially when it came to teaching, I gave clear rules and procedures that needed to be followed in my classroom. However, when I became a parent to three children, my perspective started to shift and change. This got me thinking about how what I’ve learned through parenting would affect me as a teacher and all the ways these lessons would transfer to the classroom. In the last episode, I discussed refrains to use in the classroom or at home. In this episode, I wanted to focus on a personal refrain: prioritizing relationships over being right. In my black-and-white world, I always wanted to be right, make my point, or show someone how something should be done. I ran a tight ship in my classroom, which honestly is beneficial at times, but that doesn’t outweigh the relationships and bonds you form with your students. So how can this refrain of prioritizing relationships over being right translate to the classroom? I share how I first used this with parenting, then discuss how to apply it to your teaching, particularly when it comes to classroom management. Should you always pick the relationship over the efficiency of your classroom? Or is there a way to establish rules, procedures, and routines before establishing relationships? I’m diving into all of this and more! Resources Mentioned: Virtual PD Courses by It’s Not Rocket Science Waitlist Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode134…
If you openly ask your students, What’s something I say often? You might be surprised by their answers or know exactly what they’d say. I know when I was in the classroom, there were certain phrases that I was known for saying and that I repeated to emphasize certain behaviors or life skills I wanted my students to learn. Now as a parent, I’m doing the same thing and have quickly learned that saying certain refrains can be beneficial and make a big impact in the classroom or in the home. So, in this episode, I’m sharing five refrains that you can use when teaching or with your children at home. Without realizing it, the refrains used in my classroom were memorable and often something students mimicked to each other. This reason, along with a few others, is why I love them and have become intentional with how I use them for different scenarios in my classroom. The five refrains that I share are ones that I’ve used in my classroom, at home, or even both. With each refrain, I provide the context in which they’re used and how they help my students and children learn life skills and reflect on their own ability to do something. I even have a few bonus refrain to use when teaching specific science disciplines. I didn’t go into teaching wanting to use specific refrains when teaching, but once I did, I saw the benefits and impact it had on students and their ability to problem solve and rely on themselves rather than others. As a bonus, I learned that certain refrains can be used when parenting my own children, which I’ve now started using as well. I hope the episode encourages you to think about your own refrains, how they’re benefiting your students, and a challenge for you if you’re already using them in your classroom! Resources Mentioned: Virtual PD Courses by It’s Not Rocket Science Waitlist Prime Time Bell Ringers Are My Kids on Track? by Sissy Goff and David Thomas Raising Emotionally Strong Boys by Sissy Goff and David Thomas Raising Worry-Free Girls by Sissy Goff and David Thomas Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode133…
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Secondary Science Simplified™
I love taking the time to reflect both professionally and personally because it helps me grow as a teacher and as a person. So when I was in the classroom, I made it a habit to spend some time at the end of the school year to reflect on how the year went. In last week’s episode, I had you reflect on your instructional resources in order to help prepare for next year, so now I’m going to ask that you reflect as a whole and think about how the year went. In today’s episode, I’m sharing six end-of-year reflection questions to ask yourself in order to be more effective as a teacher next school year. When it comes to the six end-of-year reflection questions, I want you to designate time to think, reflect, and take the space you need to answer them honestly and thoroughly. The questions range from what you did well, what didn’t go well, what you want to do more or less of, and how to improve your work-life balance. Even though your answers are going to be personalized and geared towards your individual needs and teaching experience, I do provide you with example answers to the questions to help spark your own ideas. As you approach the end of the school year, the long list of content you taught, activities you tried, labs you did, and so many more daily tasks can sometimes get lost in the transition to summer. However, I encourage you to find the time to ponder my six end-of-year reflection questions that are so valuable to your growth as a teacher, a way to close out the year while starting fresh with a new school year in the fall. Resources Mentioned: Free Lab Audit Bell Ringers Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode132…
With the end of the school year quickly approaching, your mind is on summer, relaxing, and taking a break from school. The last thing you probably want to do is start thinking about next school year. However, that’s exactly what I want you to do! While everything is still fresh in your mind, it’s important to take the time to reflect on the year and do an end-of-year audit. In the first episode of this two-part series, I’m going to share how to do an end-of-year audit as an assessment of your instructional resources and why that’s going to help you have a better year next school year. I love wrapping up the school year with an end-of-year audit because it truly helps serve me and my students in the future. It’s so important to have the right instructional resources in order to improve your student’s understanding and teach them the content in an effective and efficient way. Since I want this to be helpful for you, I’m going to walk you through how I do this resource audit with examples and questions to fully give you all the information you need to conduct an audit yourself. Even though you have a million things to do to wrap up the school year, take some time to do an end-of-year audit. Remember that instructional resources are the tools for connecting content with students and making it make sense for them, which is why this resource audit is so important and valuable. By doing it now, you will have the best opportunity to have a successful school year for you and your students when you return to school in the fall! Resources Mentioned: Lab Audit Freebie Biology Scope and Sequence Chemistry Scope and Sequence Anatomy Scope and Sequence Physical Science Scope and Sequence Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode131…
Something that I remember so vividly is my first year teaching. I was bright-eyed, bushy-tailed, and couldn’t wait to have my own classroom and make it my own. I had wanted this for so long that I was ready to jump in and do all that I could to be the best teacher I could be. And while that sounds like the right thing, it actually made me tired, stressed, and overwhelmed. So whether you’re fresh out of college, coming to teaching as a second career, or a veteran teacher wanting to learn from others, this episode is for you. To help out all three groups, I’m sharing five things I wish I had known in my first year of teaching. Each of these are lessons I learned the hard way or from others along the way in my teaching career. The lessons range from creating a work-life balance, developing effective systems, and learning not to do everything on your own. Your first year of teaching is exciting and new, and you’re so eager to try new things. But it can also be overwhelming, difficult, and a struggle to manage a whole classroom on your own. Therefore, if you keep in mind the five things I wish I had known during my first year of teaching, you will be more prepared to take on the challenges that teaching brings but also enjoy the joy it brings as well. Resources Mentioned: Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode130…
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Secondary Science Simplified™
As a former secondary science teacher, I know how hard y’all work and plan to create meaningful lessons and activities for your students and are always striving to do what’s best for them. That’s why whenever Teacher Appreciation Week rolls around, I want to take time to say thank you and appreciate the teachers in my life, which includes you! To help celebrate this time, I wanted to reflect on four of my personal favorite and most influential teachers and share what I’ve learned from each of them. While there are many teachers who influenced my life, four individuals stand out from the rest. Whether I was their student or co-worker, each of them taught me a valuable lesson, skill, or perspective that I implemented in my own teaching. Some of the things I mention might seem obvious, but it’s also the way they approached their classroom or students that made them so effective, memorable, and influential. After listening to each of the four things I learned, I hope they help show you that the small things really do matter, and even if you don’t think you are, you’re making a long-term impact on your students. So just like I took some time to reflect on the most influential teachers in my life, make some time to do the same and reach out to your most influential teachers to tell them how much you appreciate them! Resources Mentioned: Anatomy of a Class Period Freebie Sweet Tea Reaction Rate Lab Enzyme Lab Free Parent Communication Log Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode129…
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A group of people who are educators who don’t always get a lot of credit but also put in a lot of work are administrators. And with National Administration Appreciation Day a few days ago, I wanted to take some time to give some praise and kudos to those administrators who are trustworthy, support teachers, and care about the students in their school. So, in today’s episode, I’m reflecting back on a few of my favorite administrators and sharing some qualities they embodied that I appreciated so much. When I look back on my time as a teacher in the classroom, I had three really good administrators. Some of their great qualities I appreciated at the moment, and some of them I can see the position they took and their demeanor actually benefited me, my students, and our school, even though I didn’t see it at the time. Each administrator was so different, but each of them encompassed these same qualities: trustworthy, supported teachers, and cared for the students. I believe these three things are so important, but I also appreciated the other unique characteristics each of them had that I shared in the episode. It’s important to acknowledge that administrators are human too, so they aren’t perfect and won’t do everything that you agree with. However, if their heart is in the right place, you feel supported by them, which, in return, supports your students; there’s not much more you can ask for. So, take some time this week to share with your administrator just how much you appreciate their work, effort, and support! Resources Mentioned: Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes : https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode128…
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1 127. Teaching AP Chemistry With Guest Zach Matson 1:27:34
1:27:34 پخش در آینده پخش در آینده لیست ها پسندیدن دوست داشته شد1:27:34
پخش در آینده پخش در آینده لیست ها پسندیدن دوست داشته شدWe’ve made it to our final episode in our AP science teacher interview series, and I’ve saved the best for last! When I sent out a survey several months ago, y’all requested to have him make another guest appearance, so here he is, Zach Matson! Teaching AP Chemistry for several decades, he has gained so much experience, knowledge, and tips that are going to help you be successful in teaching in your classroom. Even if you teach another AP science discipline, Zach first shares general tips and advice for any teacher, which revolves around unit exams, practice AP exams, when and how often to use FRQs, and which resources give you the most bang for your buck. As we get further into discussing AP Chemistry content, Zach discusses even more valuable information. He has a wonderful outlook on which content you should cover, how to balance the content, exams, and labs, and still have enough time for review. His ideas and outlook on the life lessons students can get out of the class are refreshing and will help you feel less stressed about the final AP exam. Zach has always been so passionate about his philosophies in teaching and how he delivers content to his students, which is why he has so much to share and offer other AP Chemistry teachers or just teachers in general. There’s no question why he’s the most requested guest and I know that whatever subject you teach, AP or general, you will be left with a new perspective and ideas to implement in your own classroom! Resources Mentioned: Adrian Dingle AP Chem Prep Book AP Chemistry Facebook Group Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode127…
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I’ve had so much fun and really enjoyed listening to my guest science teachers during my AP science teacher interview series. Each guest has given incredible insight about the AP exam and helpful tips for other teachers in their respective science disciplines. But out of all the AP science courses, I received the most questions about teaching AP Environmental Science. My guest on today’s episode, Ashton Allgood, is the perfect person to answer all of your questions while also sharing how she manages to teach the content in a short amount of time while still preparing her students for their final exams. According to Ashton, AP Environmental Science, or APES as it’s commonly referred to, is truly the science course that meshes all the other science branches together. She loves how it’s relatable to her students and their ability to apply real-world scenarios and experiences to their everyday activities and discussions. With her class only a semester long, Ashton has come up with creative and engaging ways to make sure her students retain the information necessary to take the AP exam at the end of the year. She also shares how her experience as an AP reader helped prepare her students for the exam. I loved my conversation with Ashton because she has such a profound and realistic perspective when it comes to her student’s preparation and work ethic in her class. She sets clear expectations for them and is upfront about the hard work that’s ahead of them for the semester. However, she believes in meeting her students halfway, along with honesty and communication. I learned so much about AP Environmental Science but also engaging ways to run a classroom, and I know you will, too! Resources Mentioned: APES School of Shap Teaching AP Science AP Credit Search National APES Teachers Facebook Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode126…
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1 125. Teaching AP Biology With Guest Beth Hines 1:02:34
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پخش در آینده پخش در آینده لیست ها پسندیدن دوست داشته شدAs we move forward with focusing on the different AP science classes, this week, we’re focusing on AP Biology. This class comes with a lot of content, material, reading, and prior background knowledge to help students succeed and prepare for the end-of-year AP exam. I’m so lucky to have guest Beth Hines be the expert on this class since she is a veteran teacher and has been teaching AP biology for 3 years. In today’s episode, Beth shares so much information, wisdom, and encouragement, and how to keep your students accountable and truly prepare them for the course and final exam. Since there’s so much content to cover with AP Biology, I jump right into it with Beth. Her ability to be open about what she loves the most and her opinions on labs, homework, grading, and textbooks will help listeners get an idea of what’s most important when teaching AP Biology. Beth also answers the most common and pressing question of how to get through the content and effective ways to prepare students for the final AP exam. One way she serves her students is by having high expectations for them and holding them accountable for their actions and learning the content, which will benefit them in the class and future life skills. No matter how long you’ve been teaching, teaching an AP class can be intimidating and a lot to handle. So, if you’re in this situation, Beth shares advice and what resources to become familiar with to feel prepared before your students arrive. Whether you’re a teacher of an AP science class or not, I know you will gain beneficial information to use in your own classroom. Stay tuned to next week’s episode as we highlight another AP science class! Resources Mentioned: Bozeman Science Website Pivot Interactive Labs AP Bio Facebook group AP Bio Penguins Review Instagram Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode125…
It’s the beginning of April, and with the spring air around us, it reminds me of something fresh and new, so I decided to start a new series about teaching different AP sciences. Even though in my podcast episodes, I share ideas and strategies that will benefit all classes, I get a lot of questions targeted specifically toward teaching an AP class. So, in my first episode of the series, I have guest Laura Preiser, who shares how she prepares her students for the AP exam and what changes she’s made that have positively impacted them. For those who don’t know, AP stands for Advanced Placement and is a course through the College Board that offers the opportunity to earn college credit if students pass the exam at the end of the year. Since that’s the ultimate goal of students, Laura really relies on the various College Board resources to teach her students and prepare them for the exam. She made a new change this year with those resources that gave more time for practice and questions during class, extra review time before the exam, and increased test scores. Teaching an AP class can be intimidating, but Laura shares great advice for taking it one unit at a time and being honest with your students about where you’re at. Additionally, she shares how, while preparing her students for the AP exam, she also prepares them with life skills and finding strategies that work best for them. I thoroughly enjoyed my conversation with Laura about all things AP Physics and know you, too, will gain perspective, knowledge, and ideas you can implement in your own classroom. Resources Mentioned: Teach the Class Project Fiveable National AP Physics Teachers Facebook Group Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode124…
As educators, we decided to make this our career because we love to help people and care about students and their success. However, just because that’s our personality and mission, unfortunately, doesn’t mean that’s how our students feel. One of the resounding themes from the survey I sent out was how do I get my students to care as much as I do? I’ve heard this a lot, so I wanted to address it on the podcast. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing why this seems to be the case and what you can practically do to move forward and keep serving your students. It’s no secret that we seem to care more about our students’ success and learning of the content. Due to this, we need to always be reminded of the reality of our situation and how this impacts the disparity in how much our students care. But truly, what can we practically do? There are three things both you and your students need to implement and realize. While some might seem harsh, it’s what students need to realize or experience in order to change their outlook and work ethic in the future. Our students not caring as much as we do is a tale as old as time, but the disparity seems to be greater in recent years. This has sparked concern from teachers and required a need to take action in order to best serve students. So, if you’re looking for ways to get your students to care as much as you do or change your perspective on it, this episode is for you! Resources Mentioned: Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode123…
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In last week’s episode, I asked you to examine your current job situation to see if there were more things causing you stress than things that brought you joy. One solution might be changing your scenery, such as switching schools or even districts, which would mean a teacher interview is in your future. Or even if you’re a beginning teacher looking for their first teaching job, this episode is for you! One request I get a lot is to share my teacher interview tips, which is exactly what I’m going to share in today’s episode. To help get you ready and confident to nail your job interview, I’m sharing four tips and giving specific examples of what each of these four tips entails and how to impress the interview team. Additionally, teacher interviews are moving towards interviewing candidates performing mock lessons as part of their interview process. If this is a new concept for you, I share what these mock lessons look like and the different components you should display in your lesson. I also give you three mock lesson ideas that show your skills as a science educator that will also engage students. Interviewing for a job can make you nervous and anxious, but I want you to feel confident and ready to tackle your next teacher interview. So whether you’re a new teacher looking for their first job or a veteran teacher looking to try out a new school or district, these job interview tips and mock lesson ideas will help you land the job! Resources Mentioned: Biology Mock Lesson - Characteristics of Life Inquiry Chemistry Mock Lesson - Free Chemistry Inquiry Activity Physics Mock Lesson - Motion and Force Lab Station Activity Anatomy of a Class Period Cheat Sheet Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode122…
It’s no secret that teachers are constantly overwhelmed and stressed and often don’t feel appreciated for their work. Especially during this time of year, it can be hard to determine if the exhaustion you’re feeling is just temporary or a feeling that won’t go away. Trust me, I’ve been exactly where you’re at and want to help. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing my process to see if the burnout you’re feeling is fixable or if it’s time to make a change. Make no mistake: deciding to make a career change is a big decision. That’s why the process I share provides you with the opportunity to assess where you are and make changes accordingly. After making a list and labeling your priorities, it will make it easier to see what’s making you happy and what’s holding you back. Additionally, I give a list of things to consider before making a change in your career that will show you a different perspective and help you be sustainable in where you want to be professionally. Teaching is a mentally tough job. We’re juggling a lot of plates, and our responsibilities are endless at school, let alone when we go home. So it’s no wonder teachers are feeling exhausted and experiencing burnout. By sharing this process, I hope it clears up whether the feelings you’re experiencing are just in season or time for a permanent change. Resources Mentioned: Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode121…
Everyone is trying to achieve a work-life balance, but for teachers, that simple concept is actually very complicated. One of the reasons teachers struggle so much with having a life outside of school is the amount of grading that we have to do. While I’m biased, I believe secondary science teachers have the most grading, especially with the labs and having multiple preps. I want you to be able to manage and achieve this, so in today’s episode, I’m sharing four tips that will cut your grading time in half. Now, some of these ideas may seem drastic to you, but I encourage and challenge you to listen with an open mind if you really want to cut down on your grading. Each of my four tips includes limiting what you collect, which items you grade for accuracy, and trying batching when you grade. A lot of the pushback I get when I suggest ways to cut down your grading, are teachers’ concerns of not checking in or assessing students based on their work. But don’t you worry! I’ve thought of a way you can check in daily with your students to ease your concerns. Grading student work is part of teaching and we’re made to believe we should be spending hours a day on this one task of teaching. However, if we want to achieve a work-life balance, we need to find a better solution. And while the four tips I share in this episode might seem extreme, they will help cut your grading time in half and allow you to have a life outside of school while also checking in with your students daily. Resources Mentioned: Bell Ringers & Exit Slips Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode120…
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I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again - the reason I do this podcast is for you! I love sharing ideas, strategies, activities, and curriculum with you that help make your science classrooms more successful. This is why I reached out to you to hear what questions you had for me or for your science classrooms. So, for the next few months, I’ll be answering all your questions, starting today. This important question that was mentioned a lot revolved around increasing retention and how to get students to remember dense topics in your science curriculum. Instead of thinking this is your fault, I first want you to know it’s not. I share my own personal reasons why students have worse retention than ever before. But really, I share very practical tips that you can begin implementing in your classroom. Although they’re most effectively introduced at the beginning of the school year, there are still ideas you can start using today. Each tip requires you to reflect on your current practices, sequence, and instructional activities in order for students to increase their retention of dense topics. Sometimes, students struggle to retain information in general, let alone difficult content, so it’s important to find ways to increase that retention in any way possible. Whether you start using these tips now or get a jump start on how to structure your science course for next year, these practical ideas will increase the retention of dense science topics in your students! Resources Mentioned: Biology Curriculum Chemistry Curriculum Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode119…
If you’ve been in education long enough, you know that new acronyms and ideas are constantly being tossed out there. Once these ideas are presented, schools and districts want them implemented, which results in teachers stressing about incorporating them into their lessons. But in reality, teachers are already doing a lot of these ideas; they’re just called something different. This is exactly what happened with CER. So, in today’s episode, I’m explaining what CER is and why you’re already doing this in your science classroom. For those that don’t know, CER is an acronym for claim evidence reasoning. When this came onto the scene a few years ago, my inbox was flooded with questions on how to implement this and if it was incorporated into my curriculum resources. My response has always been the same - you’re already implementing this in your classroom because science is all about making claims and backing them up with evidence and reasoning. With that being said, I’m sharing how to be more intentional about using the language so your students learn to expect this type of response to any question. Although the term CER is new, the structure for how students construct an explanation is not. I know the stress and pressure of implementing something new in your classroom that your school is promoting, but I hope that this episode encourages and reinforces that you’re already doing this in your science classrooms despite it having a new name. Resources Mentioned: It’s Not Rocket Science Complete Units Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode118…
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We’ve all had someone who isn’t trained in our subject area be a substitute in our class before, but only for just a day or two, and we survived. But when it’s for an extended period of time, that’s when planning can get challenging. This episode is more than for those going on maternity leave. Most of us don’t anticipate when we need to go on extended leave, but it’s critical to think about and plan for it. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing how you can effectively plan for a long-term substitute who isn’t trained to teach science. In my years of teaching, I’ve encountered this situation twice in my career, so I’m familiar with the plans you need to make. Because, in reality, you need to prep for students to learn for an extended period of time without someone in the room to help them with the content. With this in mind, I have six tips on what you can do to prepare for a long-term sub who doesn’t teach your content. Each idea asks you to examine your plans, find alternative ways for students to learn content, and how to have your substitute grade assignments. It’s difficult to find substitutes who are trained in what we teach, especially in the subject of science. So when you need to be gone for an extended period of time, planning needs to go into it. In order to give yourself peace of mind and your students the best learning experience possible, implement my six tips for when your long-term substitute doesn’t teach science. Resources Mentioned: It’s Not Rocket Science Complete Units It’s Not Rocket Science Projects It’s Not Rocket Science YouTube Channel Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode117…
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No matter what subject or grade you teach or how long you’ve been teaching, you have been behind schedule at least at one point in your career. Trust me, I’ve been there, and it is stressful! Especially if you have an end-of-year test that you’re preparing for. But instead of feeling overwhelmed, in today’s episode, I’m sharing ways to assess why you’re behind schedule and providing practical ways to prevent it from happening in the future. When we start to get behind schedule, our natural reaction is to either rush students or cut instructional resources. However, I caution you to do either of those, for it can bring down student enthusiasm and change your demeanor as a teacher. Instead, I give you four questions to ask yourself where you can begin to assess why you’re behind, which can be eye-opening to what you find important and how much instructional time you actually have. Then, after assessing, I share practical ways you can get back on track or prevent you from being behind schedule in the future. It’s natural to get behind schedule when you have so much science content to teach, but it’s so important to learn where it’s coming from and how to fix it. So, if you’re struggling to fit all of your content in before a big test or the end of the year, this episode is for you! Resources Mentioned: Free Lab Audit Anatomy of a Class Period Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode116…
If you’re a beginning teacher or teaching a new prep for the first time, everyone’s advice is always to fake it till you make it ! We’re conditioned to believe that you need to project confidence to show your students that you’re qualified to be their teacher. But is that narrative what’s best for your students? I’ve had many conversations with teachers about how to act confident when you don’t feel that way, and my answer may surprise you. It’s normal to want to display a sense of confidence towards your students when you’re in charge of the classroom. But I want you to think about the benefits of being honest and humble with your students instead. Being able to humanize yourself, show your flaws, and share your mistakes with them lets them know it’s okay for them to do so as well. However, I do share the two things you should feel confident about and how to stay firm in those beliefs. It can be intimidating to stand in front of students for the first time and act like you’ve been there before. Although my answer on how to project confidence when that’s not how you feel may not be the answer you were looking for, I promise it’s exactly what you’ll need to be confident for your students. Resources Mentioned: Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode115…
Have you ever made a mistake in your classroom? Or handled a situation differently that caused more problems or regretted how you handled it? I am raising my hand high in the air! Even though it feels like you’re the only teacher something like this has ever happened to, in reality, you’re not alone. I received an email a few months back that resonated with me, and I knew it would resonate with y’all as well. It was from a second career teacher who shared her struggle with this exact topic. But how can you bounce back? Since I knew this was something every teacher could relate to, I wanted to make it a podcast episode to share some encouragement. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing my advice for when you make a mistake in the classroom and some ways to be proactive in the future. Even though we try everything to avoid it, making a mistake in the classroom is inevitable, but it’s how you bounce back that makes all the difference. While I offer words of encouragement and share my own mistakes from when I was in the classroom, I also provide advice. This advice includes a three-step process on ways to admit when you’re wrong, identify ways it could’ve been prevented, how to make it right, and, most importantly, move on and learn from it. It can be a defeating feeling when you’ve made a mistake, or a negative situation has happened in your classroom. Trust me, I’ve been there. However, it shows more about who you are as a teacher on how you bounce back than the actual mistake. So I’m here to remind you that trials and mistakes will happen, but use them as an opportunity to grow and learn from them to be better as an educator. Resources Mentioned: Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode114…
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If you are anything like I was in the classroom, this time of year is when I often felt the most drained, with little energy. The excitement of break seems so far away; it’s dark, and the days seem never-ending. And while I can’t change any of those things for you, I can give you some encouragement to make it through. Similar to last week’s episode, where I shared five systems for the home, in today’s episode, I’m sharing five truths for the classroom. Y’all know how much I thrive off a routine or system, which is exactly what I was going to share today. However, knowing the level of energy you possibly have, I decided on disclosing truths for the classroom instead. In seasons where you are the most drained, you actually need support the most. In the five truths I share, each gives you permission to be yourself, allows you grace, and focuses on what’s important, such as the connection you have with your students. Sometimes, hearing the truth can be difficult. It’s usually the things we don’t want to hear that we need to hear. In this case, these truths give you an opportunity to breathe until you regain your energy. So, if you’re struggling and need support during this season of your life, make sure you take to heart the five truths for the classroom. Resources Mentioned: Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode113…
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With the demands of teaching, we often come home with no energy but are faced with the demands of our home life as well. And just like we have routines put in place to make things easier at school, we can do the same when we’re at home. So, in today’s episode, I’m sharing my best systems for the home that will help you maximize your energy from the day. Each of the systems for the home that I share helps you manage the daily tasks of running a home, how to build in more time for yourself, and ways to relax and boundaries for a better mindset. Even though each of the five systems might not work for everyone, I encourage you to take what serves you, particularly depending on where you are in your season of life. I know this is a deviation from the normal topics we discuss on this podcast, but I believe it’s something that’s going to help you optimize your time at home. So, if you didn’t have enough time to recharge or get that energy boost over break like you had wished, implementing these systems for the home (and systems for school in next week’s episode) will help transform your life! Resources Mentioned: Meal Planning Notepad Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode112…
Happy New Year, everyone! I hope you were able to unplug over this winter break and recharge so you can tackle the last semester of the school year. Since the start of a new year is the perfect time to hit the reset button, I really wanted to start the year off by assessing where you are in life, what your priorities are, and the types of boundaries you should have. During today’s episode, I want to introduce you to what it means to be living in your current season and how to honor that with your priorities and boundaries. Different seasons require different things from us, so it’s important to find ways to make it through based on what your needs are and what matters in your life during your current season. One of the best ways to do that is by naming your priorities and defining boundaries. Your priorities filter through every decision you make during that time, which is why being selective with what matters most is so essential. Additionally, I discuss how to choose certain boundaries that align with your priority and that serve whoever is involved or connected to your priority. I want you to remember that seasons aren’t forever, and it’s going to require you to pick and choose or give and take during certain moments of your life. But by naming your priorities and defining your boundaries, you can make it through your current season. So, I want to encourage you to assess where you’re at so you can have a fresh start in this new year and end the school year strong! Resources Mentioned: The Lazy Genius Website The Lazy Genius Way Book The Lazy Genius Podcast The Lazy Genius on Instagram: @thelazygenius Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode111…
It’s officially the last week of 2023, so I wanted to end the year with the most listened to episode from the year. It was no surprise to me that my interview with Casey O’Hearn was the top episode because of his approach to teaching, his philosophies, and his outlook on how to interact and connect with his students. Adapting to teach in a post-pandemic world, Casey shares his approach to classroom management post-COVID and how you can implement his ideas. Post-pandemic, a lot of teachers have had to adapt their management and increase student motivation. These times have presented many challenges for teachers and students, so how can you experience success? My conversation with Casey spans from reaching apathetic students, finding new ways to motivate students, and his effective no-hassle cell phone policy. There’s so much I personally took from our conversation, but the general theme was finding ways to meet students where they’re at in this post-pandemic world. Casey has a great perspective on teaching and classroom management, and I encourage you to reflect on your own philosophies as you jump into 2024! Resources Mentioned: Grab the Anatomy of a Class Period FREEBIE Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode110…
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As I mentioned last week, I’m taking the last weeks of December to replay my top three episodes of the year based on your listens and downloads. I was shocked that this original episode was number two, but so excited because it’s something I’m passionate about, which is curriculum design, specifically strategizing your sequence. This was the first episode in our curriculum design series, which is a great place to start when developing your own curriculum. To get you started, I’m sharing 10 questions to think through when beginning how to strategize your sequence. Since I often get asked about my process for designing a curriculum, I wanted to present to you a series that helped you write your own curriculum for your own classroom. Whether you’re starting from scratch or tweaking the curriculum you’ve already written, after this series, you will be able to walk away with a well-developed curriculum that’s cohesive, aligned, creative, and effective. Resources Mentioned: Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD Biology Curriculum - FULL YEAR Bundle Physical Science Curriculum - FULL YEAR Bundle Anatomy and Physiology Curriculum FULL YEAR Bundle Chemistry Curriculum - FULL YEAR Bundle Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode109…
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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 Bundle Physical Science Bell Ringers or Exit Slips – Full Year Bundle Anatomy and Physiology Bell Ringers or Exit Slips – Full Year Bundle Blue Pocket Charts for Classroom Supplies Organizer BigLight Push Lights Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode108…
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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 Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode107…
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1 106. Standards-Based Grading, Citizenship Grades, Motivation and MORE With Guest Jennica Harrison 59:28
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 Feldman Inner Orbit NGSS Assessments The Wonder of Science Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode106…
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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 Activity Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode105…
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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 Pack Physical Science Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test Pack Anatomy Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test Pack Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode104…
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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 Pack Physical Science Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test Pack Anatomy Midterm and Final Exam Review and Test Pack Episode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science Classes Episode 87, Aligning Your Assessments: Curriculum Design Part 5 Episode 51, 5 Alternatives to Traditional Midterm Exams Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode103…
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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 Resources Sound Wave Stations EM Wave Instagram Profile Project Fantastic Four Stations - Kinematic Equations Pendulum Painting Lab - Conservation of Energy Light Waves Stations Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode102…
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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 Resources Stoichiometry Unit - including Magnitude of a Mole Chemistry Curriculum - Full Year Bundle Introduction to Chemistry Unit Dimensional Analysis Activity - Fudge Lab Expansion Pack Free Science Winter Resources - including Hot Chocolate Lab Activity Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode101…
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1 100. Your Questions Answered: Grading, Challenging Behaviors, Leave, Favorite Labs, Supporting ELs and MORE! 1:06:49
1:06:49 پخش در آینده پخش در آینده لیست ها پسندیدن دوست داشته شد1:06:49
پخش در آینده پخش در آینده لیست ها پسندیدن دوست داشته شدI’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 Resources Free Lab Audit Free RADAR Signs Natural Selection Lab Simulation Ecosystem in a Bottle Project: An Inquiry-Based Ecological Investigation Dinosaur Genetics Stations Activity Anatomy Body System Diagrams and Discovery Stations Bundle It’s Not Rocket Science Science Curriculum It’s Not Rocket Science Resources It’s Not Rocket Science TPT Resources Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode100…
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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 Resources Anatomy Body System Diagrams and Discovery Stations Bundle Anatomy and Physiology Curriculum FULL YEAR Bundle Control and Coordination Unit Neuron Communication and Signal Transmission Inquiry Activity Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode99…
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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 Resources Energy Flow Unit Food Web Lab Station Activity Photosynthesis Activity - Class Relay Biology Curriculum - Full Year Bundle Apply to be a guest on the podcast about Standards-Based Grading Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, 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 Calendar Apply to be a guest on the podcast about Standards-Based Grading Editable Midterm or End of Year Review Project Complete Units Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode97…
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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 Audit It’s Not Rocket Science Free Summer Podcast PD Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, 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 PD Episode 4, Engaging Your Students in the First 5 Minutes of Class Episode 94, How to Deal with Cheating in Your High School Science Classes Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode95…
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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 Summer Episode 89, Classroom Management in a Post-COVID World with Guest Casey O’Hearn Episode 71, “I’m the Problem, It’s Me:” Working with Difficult Coworkers and Admin with Guest Zach Matson Episode 70. “It isn’t an Attack on You”: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach Matson Episode 35. Competency, Classroom Management, Teaching Chemistry and MORE with Guest Zach Matson Decrease Grading Time: How to Stop Grading Everything Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show 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 Summer Simple Bell Episode 19, Collaboration, Classroom Management, Career Changes, and MORE with Jamie Whitlock Beginning of the School Year: 5 Mistakes to Avoid My Favorite Classroom Management Strategy 5 Ways to Reclaim Time in Your Classroom Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode93…
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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 Period Join me for Free Professional Development Desk Visual Timer Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode92…
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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 PD Biology Bell Ringers or Exit Slips - Full Year Bundle Physical Science Bell Ringers or Exit Slips - Full Year Bundle Anatomy and Physiology Bell Ringers or Exit Slips - Full Year Bundle Blue Pocket Charts for Classroom Supplies Organizer BigLight Push Lights Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode91…
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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 waitlist Sign up for the FREE Summer Podcast PD Grab the Anatomy of a Class Period FREEBIE Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode90…
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Daily Deals
Daily Deals
مشابه Secondary Science Simplified™
Do you think it's possible to reach your potential in just minutes a day? Hundreds of thousands of people have turned to Self Improvement Daily to get the encouragement, inspiration, and competitive edge they need to do become the best version of themselves! The podcast helps you prioritize personal development in a way that is practical, doable, and highly effective. Instead of feeling like life is passing you by, you will start showing up to every moment with more enthusiasm and confidence ...
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Every Day Is Saturday Podcast For Motivation, Inspiration And Success
Self Improvement Coach Sam Crowley
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One of the top motivational podcasts for 18 years and running. Motivational messages to keep you inspired throughout the week. Success comes in all shapes and sizes. Sam Crowley’s authentic message will provide the inspiration you need to conquer the challenges and claim your power.
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An award-winning cannabis podcast for women, by women. Hear joyful stories and useful advice about cannabis for health, well-being, and fun—especially for needs specific to women like stress, sleep, and sex. We cover everything from: What’s the best weed for sex? Can I use CBD for menstrual cramps? What are the effects of the Harlequin strain or Gelato strain? And, why do we prefer to call it “cannabis” instead of “marijuana”? We also hear from you: your first time buying legal weed, and how ...
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Do your eyes glaze over when looking at a long list of annual health insurance enrollment options – or maybe while you’re trying to calculate how much you owe the IRS? You might be wondering the same thing we are: Where’s the guidebook for all of this grown-up stuff? Whether opening a bank account, refinancing student loans, or purchasing car insurance (...um, can we just roll the dice without it?), we’re just as confused as you are. Enter: “Grown-Up Stuff: How to Adult” a podcast dedicated ...
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Everyone has a dream. But sometimes there’s a gap between where we are and where we want to be. True, there are some people who can bridge that gap easily, on their own, but all of us need a little help at some point. A little boost. An accountability partner. A Snooze Squad. In each episode, the Snooze Squad will strategize an action plan for people to face their fears. Guests will transform their own perception of their potential and walk away a few inches closer to who they want to become ...
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Are you looking for more happiness, success and vitality in your life? Get inspired each week with wellness and performance expert, Integrative Medicine Fellow, author & keynote speaker, Kristel Bauer. Live Greatly shares empowering conversations and insights about happiness, wellness & success to support your personal and professional development. Kristel talks with top experts, leaders and inspiring individuals to help you embrace a growth mindset and excel in your work/life. Kristel then ...
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In each bite-sized, daily episode of Before Breakfast, host Laura Vanderkam shares a time management strategy or an answer to a listener’s schedule question. How can listeners make the most of their time, both at work and at home? The mission is to give listeners practical tools to feel less busy and get more done.
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Interviews with mathematics education researchers about recent studies. Hosted by Samuel Otten, University of Missouri. www.mathedpodcast.com Produced by Fibre Studios
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This Week in Evolution is a podcast on the biology of what makes us tick. Hosts Nels Elde and Vincent Racaniello take you through the new evolution that has been revolutionized by the field of genomics and molecular biology.
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We are often distracted in life and never really dive deep into the real foundation of self improvement, goal achieving, and wellbeing. - Join our team of experts every week as we discuss the real facets of manhood. Topics like: How to develop more self esteem, self love, deeper relationships. How to improve our wellbeing, mental toughness, resilience, and productivity. How to develop critical skills, become better leaders, expand our careers/business, create financial security and contribut ...
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Player FM - برنامه پادکست
با برنامه Player FM !
با برنامه Player FM !
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