Secondary Science Simplified™
Episodes
235 episodes
234. My Biggest Regrets From My Time in the Classroom
Recently, I was asked a question that stopped me in my tracks: What’s one thing you wish you’d done differently in the classroom? My first answer came fast...I thought too much of myself and carried the weight of everything on my shoulders. But...
233. How to Keep Up With Lesson Planning
Why does it feel like I start every week organized, then somehow end it with a mile-long to-do list and lesson plans that still need fixing? In this episode, I’m answering a listener’s relatable question with six practical strategies that helpe...
232. Chemistry Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Chemistry the Way That I Do
Chemistry can be one of the most rewarding courses to teach, and in this episode I’m sharing why! I walk you through the scope and sequence I use in my yearlong chemistry curriculum, how I break down major topics so students build confidence st...
231. Teaching on an Island: What to Do When Parents and Admin Won’t Help
Caring deeply about your students can feel exhausting when you’re the only one showing up! In this episode, I share how to support a student when admin and parents aren’t involved, without taking on everything yourself. You’ll learn how to do y...
230. How to Manage Test Retakes
It’s been awhile since we’ve tackled a hot-button topic, so we’re going there today: test retakes. I’m breaking down the real pros and cons, sharing how I decide when retakes are actually necessary, and how to structure them in a way that suppo...
229. Balancing Unrealistic Admin Expectations
I get asked all the time if I’ll ever go back to teaching full time, and honestly… we’ll see. I miss teaching, but I don't miss the challenge of balancing admin expectations with what’s actually realistic in the classroom! In this episode, I’m ...
228. The Lowdown on Labs: Finding, Funding, Prepping, Executing, and Assessing Labs
Labs can easily become one of the most overwhelming parts of teaching science, so in this episode, I’m breaking down how to find, fund, prep, run, and assess labs in a way that’s actually sustainable. I share simple strategies for managing mate...
227. A Quarter 4 Pep Talk
The final stretch of the school year can feel heavy, especially if you’re not sure the year turned out the way you hoped. In this episode, I offer a Quarter 4 pep talk and a mindset shift to help you finish strong. I talk about redefining what ...
226. What to Do When You’ve Lost Your Spark in Teaching
Spring might bring renewed energy, but sometimes the spark for teaching is still missing. In this episode, I share what to do when you’ve lost your passion for teaching or feel the weight of teacher burnout. I walk through four steps I call the...
225. What to Do When Your Class Won’t Talk With You
You may have read the title of this episode and thought, “Wow, I cannot relate. My problem is getting my students to quiet down!” But if you’re facing a roomful of crickets, this one’s for you. I share my experience with nearly-silent classes a...
224. Keeping Students’ Attention Engaged - Without Killing Yourself to Do It
“I’m pouring everything I have into keeping my students engaged… and I’m completely drained, but nothing is changing.” If that thought has been running through your head, you are not alone. In this episode, I challenge the belief th...
223. What to Do When Students Simply Won’t Do Their Work
When students flat-out refuse to work, it can feel impossible to stay in control. In this episode, I tackle what you can actually do when encouragement isn’t enough and resistance takes over. Instead of focusing on controlling students, I share...
222. What to Do With Fast Finishers - Managing Different Students’ Paces
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 diff...
221. Pacing Panic - What to Do When You Are So Far Behind Where You Thought You’d Be
Pacing panic hits hard this time of year, and if you’re feeling behind (again), this episode is for you. I revisit the ever-relevant issue of pacing, helping you assess whether you’re truly behind or just holding yourself to unrealistic expecta...
220. Biology Scope and Sequence: How and Why I Teach Biology the Way That I Do
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...
219. Study Guides for High School Science Classes
Something I realized early in my teaching career is that most students have absolutely no clue how to prepare for tests! That's why I'm diving into how intentional study guides can actually teach students how to study, not just wha...
218. 3 Things to Stop Doing This Semester
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...
217. How to Regain Control Mid-Year: Resetting Your Classroom Management
Mid-year is when the cracks start to show - expectations fade, routines get sloppy, and classroom management feels heavier than it should. In this episode, I share why you can reset classroom management at any point in the year and wal...
216. Simple Goal Setting for the New Semester
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 y...
215. A Systematic and Scientific Approach to Parent Communication With Guest Amanda Farrar
It's time to hear the top episode of 2025, and it’s easy to see why this was a crowd favorite! I’m joined by high school chemistry and physics teacher Amanda Farrar, who shares her system for parent communication. She uses an intentional, data-...
214. Practical Scientific Inquiry Teaching Strategies
Our second most-listened-to episode of 2025 dives into inquiry-based teaching and why it’s essential, even when students push back. I break inquiry down into practical, classroom-ready strategies, explain why students struggle if they’ve only e...
213. Everything You Need to Know About Teaching AP Biology With Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins
As we continue our end-of-year countdown, week three highlights one of 2025’s top episodes featuring Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins, an AP Biology teacher with 13 years of experience and a passion for creating free, high-impact review resources. In...
212. 6 Preps, EOC Review, Biology and Work/Life Balance With Guest Macee Huseman
In December, we’re airing the top five most-played episodes of the year - and this conversation with Macee Huseman easily earned its spot! As a one-woman science department juggling six preps and three kids at home, Macee balances a heavy workl...
211. 5 Differentiation Tips for High Achievers in Your High School Science Classroom
December is here, and we’re kicking off the month by bringing back your most-loved, most-listened-to episodes of Secondary Science Simplified to make the holiday chaos feel a little lighter! This week’s replay dives into practical, high-impact ...
210. 4 Ways AI Can Support You in Your Secondary Classroom
AI may be getting better every day, but it’s still not coming for my job anytime soon - because, well…it struggles with science! While it can’t write a reliable test or answer key, it can make day-to-day teaching easier in some surpris...