Secondary Science Simplified™

Using phenomena is a great way to engage your students but it can be so overwhelming trying to figure out what to do or how to get started. If you’re using NGSS or other standards that utilize phenomena, but are struggling to incorporate them in a meaningful way, I’m going to break it down for you! In this episode, we’re diving into engaging students through phenomena.

Resources Mentioned:

• Next Generation Science Standards
• It’s Not Rocket Science Units
• Biology everyday phenomenon: Cancer Statistics
• Biology anchoring phenomenon: Comparing Genetics
• Ecosystem in a Bottle investigation
• Support and motion unit
• Anatomy everyday phenomena: Wellness Trends
• Anatomy everyday phenomena: Heart Health
• Antibiotic Resistance Lab
• Matter Unit
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.

I want to hear from you! We are coming up on our 50th episode! To celebrate, I am doing an “ask me anything” episode where no topic is off limits. Submit any question you have by DM-ing me on Instagram or send me an email to [email protected].

Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode45

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: [email protected]
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts

Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode101

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: [email protected]
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts

Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode92

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: [email protected]
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts

Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode108

Are you teaching Anatomy for the first time or have you taught it before but don’t feel super confident teaching it? This episode is for you! Today, I am sharing 5 tips for teaching anatomy to help both you and your students LOVE anatomy!

In many high schools, Anatomy is an elective class which allows you to have some flexibility and options in what you teach and how you teach it. In this episode, I am sharing 5 tips to help you teach an anatomy class that you and your students love and that is meaningful. I am sharing why and how to stick to YOUR goals for the class, the importance of prioritizing real world applications, why students should be doing research in Anatomy class, the importance of emphasizing the interconnectedness of the systems, and how to take advantage of seasonal opportunities to keep students engaged.

I need YOUR help! I am putting together an episode on tips to keep every learner engaged in science classes. I would love to hear from YOU on how you engage a diverse group of learners in your classes. All you have to do is record a short 30 second clip and it may be featured on an upcoming episode! Check out the details here!

Resources:

• How to be on the SSS podcast
• My Anatomy Curriculum
• Anatomy Exam Pack
• Control and Coordination Unit
• FREE Halloween Science Resources
• Protection Unit
• Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.

Check out the show notes for all resources mentioned in this episode: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode36