252. New Year, New Boundaries: EMAIL

More from Secondary Science Simplified™ All episodes →

1. 

   12 Oct 2026 · 27 minNew

   256. What to Do When Students Show Up to Class Unprepared

   At this point in the year, the “new year, new you” energy has officially worn off, and students might be drifting into class a little less prepared than before. In this episode, I’m breaking down how to handle students who show up without the supplies they need by setting simple expectations, communicating them clearly, and consistently reinforcing them. I’m also sharing how to build in a little grace while still letting natural consequences do their job, plus how to teach absent students to ...

2. 

   5 Oct 2026 · 52 min

   255. Being a Department Chair, Teaching Earth Science, and Veteran Teacher Tips With Jaime Gratton

   How do you stay passionate about teaching after 24 years and multiple science preps? Veteran teacher and department chair Jaime Gratton is sharing her tricks of the trade. We’re talking about engaging students in 90-minute blocks, creating hands-on science experiences, mentoring new teachers, and building a supportive department culture. We also get into AI, classroom routines, grading, and Jamie’s reminder that sometimes the best thing we can do is give ourselves a little grace and remember ...

3. 

   28 Sep 2026 · 14 min

   254. New Year, New Boundaries: PARENTS

   Parent boundaries can make a huge difference in your school year, especially when you set them early! In this final episode of my 3-week boundaries series, I’m breaking down three key areas: availability and access, respect and care, and knowing when to bring in support. We’ll talk about setting clear expectations, using proactive communication to build stronger parent relationships, and bringing in admin when things get tricky. When you feel confident partnering with parents while still prot...

4. 

   21 Sep 2026 · 13 min

   253. New Year, New Boundaries: STUDENTS

   Teaching is your job, NOT your whole life, and that means setting healthy boundaries with your students, too! In week two of my New Year, New Boundaries miniseries, I'm sharing five boundaries to establish this school year around availability, respect, workload, consequences, and grading. The goal? To empower students to become more independent, hold the line in your classroom, and still have a life outside of teaching. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode253 Resour...

5. 

   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...

6. 

   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....

7. 

   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...

8. 

   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...

9. 

   10 Aug 2026 · 36 min

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

   Teaching physical science completely changed my perspective as an educator. It started out as the course I least wanted to teach, and somehow became the one I'd request if I ever returned to the classroom full-time! In this episode, I'm sharing why I fell in love with teaching physical science, the scope and sequence I used in my own classroom, and the big-picture goals that shaped every lesson. I'll also take you behind the scenes of the newly revamped It's Not Rocket Science® Physical Scien...