Secondary Science Simplified™
Secondary Science Simplified is a podcast specifically for high school science teachers that will help you to engage your students AND simplify your life as a secondary science educator. Each week Rebecca, from It's Not Rocket Science, and her guests will share practical and easy-to-implement strategies for decreasing your workload so that you can stop working overtime and start focusing your energy doing what you love - actually teaching! Teaching doesn't have to be rocket science, and you'll learn exactly what you need to do to simplify your secondary science teaching life so that you can enjoy your life outside of school even more. Head to itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/challenge to grab your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
Secondary Science Simplified™
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 experienced passive “sit and get” learning, and share ways to make inquiry part of your classroom culture. Plus, I give my thoughts on the 5E model, three simple steps to get started immediately, and a big THANK YOU for being part of this community as we head into a new year!
Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode214
Resources Mentioned:
- 2026 SSS Podcast Survey
- Be a guest in 2026 on the SSS podcast!
- INRS First Biology Unit
- INRS First Anatomy Unit
- INRS First Chemistry Unit
- INRS First Physical Science Unit
- ALL INRS Complete Units
- FREE: What is Life? Inquiry Activity
- Where to find POGILs
- Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
- Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD course
- Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
- Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
- Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.
- Follow, rate, and comment on Spotify.
Related Episodes and Blog Posts:
- Episode 47, 2 Ways That Learning Happens and How to Create a Classroom Culture That Fosters It
- Episode 64, How to Re-Engage Apathetic Students (And Manage Your Own Apathy!)
- Episode 123, What to Do When You Care More Than Your Students Do
- Episode 141, First Day of School Tips + What I Cover in My First Units of the Year
- Episode 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic
- Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
