247. Physical Science Scope and Sequence - Why I Teach Physical Science the Way That I Do

More from Secondary Science Simplified™ All episodes →

1. 

   14 Sep 2026 · 19 min

   252. New Year, New Boundaries: EMAIL

   A new school year calls for new boundaries, and it’s high time we stopped letting email rule our lives. Teaching is your job, not your whole identity, and nobody should expect you to be available 24/7! In this episode, I’m kicking off a 3-week mini-series on boundaries by tackling one of the biggest struggles for teachers: constant digital access. I get personal about my own journey with becoming unavailable, why these boundaries matter, and how they can help us teach others to become indepen...

2. 

   7 Sep 2026 · 35 min

   251. Back to Basics: 5 Life Skills to Teach High School Students

   Teaching science is about more than getting through the standards! In this episode, I’m sharing five critical life skills I want you to intentionally teach this school year. I’ll share practical ways to build these skills into what you’re already doing while helping students become more capable, confident, and resilient humans...not just successful science students! ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode251 Resources Mentioned: Life Skills PDF (FREE!)RADAR Signs (FREE...

3. 

   31 Aug 2026 · 40 min

   250. Ask Me Anything! Coworkers, Motivation, Biblical Integration, and More!

   To celebrate 250 episodes of Secondary Science Simplified, I’m answering listener questions covering everything from coworker relationships and classroom organization to block schedules and student connections. I’m sharing practical strategies for balancing direct instruction and inquiry, navigating scripted curriculum, managing a season when you don’t have the time or energy to do everything, and integrating faith into a science classroom. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom....

4. 

   24 Aug 2026 · 24 min

   249. Board Points: A Simple Whole Classroom Management Strategy

   I’ve mentioned Board Points on this podcast more times than I can count, but somehow I’ve never given them their own episode. Today, we’re finally fixing that! I’m sharing how I started using Board Points, why they became a game-changer for one challenging class, and exactly how I use them to build teamwork and reduce individual behavior management. I’ll walk you through my simple system, answer common questions, and share creative ways to use points, class competitions, and rewards to keep s...

5. 

   17 Aug 2026 · 17 min

   248. Last-Minute Prep Thrown on Your Plate? Here Is What to Do

   Getting handed a brand new prep just days before school starts can feel like every teacher's nightmare. I've been there, and in this episode, I'm sharing five practical tips to help you tackle a last-minute course assignment without putting impossible expectations on yourself. We'll talk about how to advocate for the support you deserve, when to lean on existing curriculum instead of reinventing the wheel, and the simple mindset shifts that will help you survive (and even thrive!) when you've...

6. 

   3 Aug 2026 · 26 min

   246. Grouping and Engaging Students With Popsicle Sticks

   One simple classroom tool has completely changed the way I manage my classroom, build relationships, and keep every student engaged…and it costs just a few dollars! In this episode, I'm sharing how I use popsicle sticks to create fair participation, build meaningful classroom discussions, and make sure every student feels seen. I'll walk you through how I make and use them, simple ways to reduce participation anxiety, and an alternative system from a fellow teacher that might be the perfect f...

7. 

   27 Jul 2026 · 49 min

   245. Connection and Consistency Over Content Coverage With Alex Crim

   The right mindset can completely change your teaching experience, and Alex Crim is proof of that. In this episode, Alex shares how switching schools, teaching high school biology and AP Environmental Science, and balancing coaching with his master's program helped him discover that connection and consistency matter more than simply covering content. We also dive into practical grading hacks, AP teaching strategies, responsible AI use, and why making science relevant can transform student enga...

8. 

   20 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 3 min

   244. Sanity-Saving Systems, Self Checks, and Starting a TA Program With Katie Dupuie

   Teaching gets a whole lot easier when your classroom runs on systems instead of constant reminders! In this conversation, Katie Dupuie shares the practical routines that help her manage large classes, build student independence, and stay adaptable through every challenge teaching throws her way. From self-check assignments and streamlined grading to creative chemistry instruction and launching a teacher assistant program, Katie offers simple, actionable ideas that can help you save time, redu...

9. 

   13 Jul 2026 · 58 min

   243. Creating Competition, Teaching AP, and 18 Preps With Brennan Koch of Stoich Decks

   Some teachers just have a way of making you rethink how you approach your classroom, and today's guest definitely does that. With 25 years of experience in the classroom, Brennan Koch shares practical strategies for creating a culture of striving, teaching AP science, simplifying lab grading, and using games to deepen student learning. I left this conversation feeling inspired, and I think you will too! After listening, you can head here to check out Brennan's games (use code ROCKET for 20% o...

10. 

    6 Jul 2026 · 34 min

    242. Classroom Jobs, Teaching Chemistry and Ai-Generated Labs for Absences With Maggie H. The Caffeinated Chemist

    One of my favorite parts of the year is finally here! I'm kicking off this summer's guest interview series with Maggie from The Caffeinated Chemist, and our conversation is full of practical ideas that made me wish we taught down the hall from each other. From making chemistry more visual to creating a classroom that practically runs itself, Maggie shares practical strategies for teaching Chemistry, building student ownership through classroom jobs, using AI to create virtual labs for absent ...