Secondary Science Simplified™

Why does it feel like I start every week organized, then somehow end it with a mile-long to-do list and lesson plans that still need fixing? In this episode, I’m answering a listener’s relatable question with six practical strategies that helped me stay ahead of planning in the classroom. We’re talking batch planning, overplanning, classroom routines, pacing with confidence, protecting your planning period, and reflecting now so next year feels easier. If lesson planning always feels like a m...

Pacing panic hits hard this time of year, and if you’re feeling behind (again), this episode is for you. I revisit the ever-relevant issue of pacing, helping you assess whether you’re truly behind or just holding yourself to unrealistic expectations. We look at the real math behind instructional time, the role of grace for both you and your students, and practical strategies like time audits, prioritization, and letting go of what doesn’t matter most. Consider this your permission slip to bre...

Something I realized early in my teaching career is that most students have absolutely no clue how to prepare for tests! That's why I'm diving into how intentional study guides can actually teach students how to study, not just what to study. I walk through my system for planning study guides alongside units, lessons, and assessments so they serve as clear roadmaps from day one (not last-minute cramming tools). You’ll hear how I break units into concepts, build in time for students to work on...

Mid-year is when the cracks start to show - expectations fade, routines get sloppy, and classroom management feels heavier than it should. In this episode, I share why you can reset classroom management at any point in the year and walk you through the mindset shift, conversations, and practical steps that make a mid-year reset actually work. We’ll talk about identifying your biggest classroom pain points, clearly communicating new expectations, and consistently reinforcing procedures so they...

It's time to hear the top episode of 2025, and it’s easy to see why this was a crowd favorite! I’m joined by high school chemistry and physics teacher Amanda Farrar, who shares her system for parent communication. She uses an intentional, data-driven approach that builds trust, lowers stress, and keeps the focus on student growth. From practical email scripts and real classroom stories to handling tough parent moments and using AI to save time, this episode is full of ideas you can try right ...

As we continue our end-of-year countdown, week three highlights one of 2025’s top episodes featuring Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins, an AP Biology teacher with 13 years of experience and a passion for creating free, high-impact review resources. In this conversation, Tiffany shares how her popular account began, her commitment to equity and access in AP prep, and practical strategies for simplifying labs, FRQs, grading, and student motivation. From managing double-block content to keeping assignm...

December is here, and we’re kicking off the month by bringing back your most-loved, most-listened-to episodes of Secondary Science Simplified to make the holiday chaos feel a little lighter! This week’s replay dives into practical, high-impact ways to differentiate for high achievers - without busywork or burnout. You’ll learn how to craft more challenging assessments, build a classroom culture that fosters autonomy and peer support, and weave in student choice, inquiry, and meaningful extens...

Anatomy holds a special place in my heart, and in this episode, I share how I teach it and why I designed the It’s Not Rocket Science® Anatomy curriculum the way I did. I focus on sparking curiosity, weaving in three big themes, and prioritizing breadth over depth (hot take!). You’ll hear how this hands-on, student-centered curriculum engages learners with discovery stations, model-building, and real-world skills, all designed to make students fall in love with the human body. ➡️ Show Notes: ...