Secondary Science Simplified™

How do you do all the things you want to do as a secondary science teacher while balancing multiple preps? I get it. You want to do it all and be it all, but you are only one person with so much time. On top of that, your energy levels vary from season to season. Teaching multiple preps can be an overwhelming task, and the solution is not to start working 60-70 hours a week.  In today’s episode, w...

What’s the difference between a 1-Dimensional classroom and a 3-Dimensional classroom, and how does a 3D classroom benefit our students? That’s what we’re talking about in today's episode. I’m interviewing my very first guest (yay!) and she is an expert in helping other teachers transform their classrooms from 1D to 3D with simple shifts. Skipper Coates started teaching in February of 2008, w...

Lectures don’t have to be boring! In fact, they can be engaging and effective when used correctly in a classroom that is balanced with active learning experiences and direct instruction. Lectures can still be a useful instructional strategy that can help solidify the learning our students do during active learning experiences.  In this episode, I’ll share why I still lecture, and I’ll give you my...

Do you find yourself wishing that teaching science could be fun without being exhausting? It's absolutely possible! Labs are one of the main ways we can engage our students in learning, but they require a lot of teacher prep. There are many other ways to get students involved in learning that are highly effective and take some of the workload off of you. In this episode, I share seven simple,...

Can the first 5 minutes of class really set the tone for the entire period? Absolutely! I believe the first 5 minutes are the most important part of each and every class. In today’s episode, I’m sharing exactly what I do during those first 5 minutes to get my students focused and moving in the right direction from the moment they walk in the door. GIVEAWAY: I’m celebrating the launch of the podcas...

In episode two, I discussed ways to reset the physical classroom space and the way you relate to and manage your students. In today’s episode, I’ll give you two ways you can reset the year personally and professionally and how you can simplify your job so you can enjoy your year both in and out of the classroom. Kick-off the New Year with me by celebrating Cheer for the New Year during the first w...

Have you ever had one of those school years where you wanted to start the summer countdown in January? Trust me, you’re not alone. I’ve experienced this myself, but  I’ve got good news! There is no student, class, or school year that is too far gone. You can recover! Implementing a mid-year reset in your classroom is a game-changer. You can do a classroom reset anytime, but implementing it during...

Welcome to the very first official episode of Secondary Science Simplified! To kick things off, I’m sharing a bit about who I am, my unexpected journey to becoming a secondary science teacher, the story behind It's Not Rocket Science, and my vision for Secondary Science Simplified. Throughout my years as a teacher, I quickly learned how demanding the job is and how difficult it can be to bala...

If you're drowning in lab reports and struggling to find time for anything besides work, I've got some great news for you. Teaching doesn't have to be rocket science AND it doesn't have to consume your entire life. This podcast will be your go-to resource for finally creating a sustainable work-life balance.  Tune in every Monday for practical and actionable strategies that you...