Secondary Science Simplified™

Do you feel like your planning period disappears before you've accomplished anything? In this episode, I share exactly how I would structure a 40-hour teacher workweek to stay productive, reduce overwhelm, and avoid bringing work home. You'll learn how a time audit can reveal where your hours are really going, plus practical strategies for time-blocking, batching grading and lesson prep, managing email, and setting boundaries that make teaching more sustainable. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotr...

Fast finishers can throw your whole class off pace when you’re already feeling behind. In this episode, I share how to manage fast finishers during notes, practice, labs, projects, and tests without adding more to your plate. I explain why differentiating notes is worth the effort, how to create a “no idle hands” classroom culture, and simple ways to give early finishers meaningful work. These are practical systems I used in my own classroom to reset expectations, keep students engaged, and w...

Biology has always been my first love, and this episode felt like the perfect moment to come back to it! In this episode, I share the thinking behind my biology scope and sequence, why order matters so much, and the structures, experiences, and connections students need to truly understand biology. I also dig into my biggest sequencing hot takes and give an inside look at what makes my It’s Not Rocket Science® biology curriculum intentionally designed, practical, and effective. ➡️ Show Notes:...

I’ve sat through a lot of professional development over the years, and I don’t remember a single one that ever took something off my plate - it was always more! That’s why this episode exists: to simplify your workload by doing less of what isn’t actually serving you or your students. I share three things to consider stopping for a semester and explain why habits that feel productive often create more stress, more grading, and less meaningful learning. We also talk boundaries and time protect...

The “new year, fresh start” energy feels exciting, but can also be overwhelming! This episode cuts through the noise with a refreshingly simple approach to goal setting. Instead of complicated systems, you’ll focus on just two questions: what you want to do more of this year and what you want to do less of, both personally and in your science classroom. We’ll talk about prioritizing yourself, identifying energy and time drains, getting specific with your goals, and making small, flexible shif...