Secondary Science Simplified™

• 181. What to Do When Your Job Feels Stale (And Maybe Even Boring)

  Teaching can feel like driving on autopilot - same route, same scenery, same old routine. So what happens when that journey starts to feel monotonous and uninspiring? In today’s conversation, I dive deep into a feeling that every teacher experiences at some point: boredom. Whether you're an AP Biology teacher counting down to exam day or a Earth Science instructor trudging through yet another semester of the same curriculum, staleness can creep into even the most passionate teacher’s classroom.I've been there, teaching multiple sections of general biology, repeating the same lessons over and over again, semester after semester. That's why I'm sharing eight practical strategies to reignite your teaching spark when your job feels stale. They worked for me, and I know they can work for you too! From considering a new course prep to collaborating with colleagues, investing in fresh resources, and shifting towards more student-centered approaches, these tips are designed to help you break out of your educational rut and rediscover the joy of teaching.➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode181Resources Mentioned:INRS PD CoursesLabs When Limited Virtual PD Course (free!)Core Values Mini-CourseTeach the Class Project Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Related Episodes and Blog Posts:Episode 29, Student-Centered Pedagogy: What It IsEpisode 30, Student-Centered Pedagogy: Why Make the ShiftEpisode 31, Student-Centered Pedagogy: How to Do ItEpisode 32, Student-Centered Pedagogy: One Way to StartEpisode 72, Review Strategies for EOC, Benchmark, and AP ExamsEpisode 121, Burned Out? When It’s Time to Make a Change Episode 153, How to Make Boring Topics More EngagingEpisode 166, How to Use Your Students to Work Smarter Rather Than Harder 

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• 180. Unpacking the NGSS With Christina Agurcia of Make Them Think

  Over the past few episodes, we’ve been diving into all things NGSS, and it’s time to wrap up the series with someone who’s not only in the classroom but has been using the NGSS for the last decade! The Next Generation Science Standards are all about helping our students think and act like real scientists, and in this episode, I’m joined by Christina Agurcia of Make Them Think to break down how to actually make that happen in your classroom.Christina has been working with NGSS since 2015, and she brings a refreshing, practical perspective on what these standards really mean for science educators. We unpack the why behind NGSS, including how Science and Engineering Practices and  Crosscutting Concepts can shift your classroom from passive to powerful. Christina shares how these elements help students think more critically, make cross-disciplinary connections, and engage with science in a way that mirrors what scientists actually do.➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode180Resources:Be on the podcast!The Wonder of ScienceBozeman SciencePhenomena for NGSSSkype a ScientistA Framework For K-12 Science EducationPhenomenon-Driven Storylines3D Molecular DesignsBronxZoo Teacher PD CoursesDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Take the Free Labs When Limited virtual PD courseSend me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Connect with Christina:Instagram: @makethemthinktptTPT StoreMake Them Think NewsletterEmail: [email protected] Related Episodes:Episode 179, Unpacking the NGSS: Phenomena and StorylinesEpisode 178, Unpacking the NGSS: SEPs and CCCsEpisode 177, Unpacking the NGSS: What High School Science Teachers Need to Know

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• 179. Unpacking the NGSS: Phenomena and Storylines

  Ever feel like your students are just going through the motions - memorizing facts without really connecting to what they're learning? I think we can all agree that we want our students to be able to apply their learning to real world context! That’s why I’m diving into two of my absolute favorite NGSS concepts in this episode: phenomena and storylines.I’ll explain the different types of phenomena, how they tie into storylines, and why giving students a role in the process transforms engagement. Plus, I’m sharing practical tips to start small and make these strategies work with what you’re already doing. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode179Resources:Antibiotic Resistance LabINRS Complete UnitsEcosystem in a Bottle ProjectUsing Phenomena to Teach the NGSSDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Related Episodes:Episode 178, Unpacking the NGSS: SEPs and CCCsEpisode 177, Unpacking the NGSS: What High School Science Teachers Need to KnowEpisode 153, How to Make Boring Topics More EngagingEpisode 107, NGSS and Standards-Based Grading with Guest Boni HamiltonEpisode 106, Standards-Based Grading, Citizenship Grades, Motivation and MORE with Guest Jennica Harrison 

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• 178. Unpacking the NGSS: SEPs and CCCs

  In part two of our NGSS series, we’re diving into its three-dimensional nature —specifically, SEPs (Science and Engineering Practices) and CCCs (Crosscutting Concepts). You’ll hear my take on what they are and how you can practically teach them. Plus, I’ll share plenty of ideas for assessing them beyond traditional tests!➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode178Resources Mentioned:Culture Mini CoursePhotosynthesis Relay ActivityNeuron Communication and Signal Transmission Inquiry Activity Female Cycle Inquiry Activity Secondary Science Simplified® Virtual PD Course BundleEpisode 177, Unpacking the NGSS: What High School Science Teachers Need to KnowEpisode 173, 9 Quick Ways to Use AI to Simplify Your Life as a TeacherDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Related Episodes and Blog Posts:Episode 176, Teaching AP Biology, Exam Review, FRQ Prep, and MORE with Tiffany of AP Bio Penguins Episode 107, NGSS and Standards-Based Grading with Guest Boni HamiltonEpisode 106, Standards-Based Grading, Citizenship Grades, Motivation and MORE with Guest Jennica Harrison

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• 177. Unpacking the NGSS: What High School Science Teachers Need to Know

  Navigating the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS) can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be! In this episode, I break down the three pillars of NGSS as I see them. I also share what I love about NGSS, where I think it falls short, and practical strategies to help you implement it in a way that works for you and your students. Whether you’re new to NGSS or looking to refine your approach (or even if you aren't in an NGSS state!), this episode will give you the clarity and confidence to make small, impactful changes in your science classroom. ➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode177Resources Mentioned:Human Impact Sustainability Project: An Investigation of Carbon Footprints All INRS units that come with NGSS Alignment Guides Lessons Mini-CourseDownload your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.scienceSend me an email: [email protected]  Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.Related Episodes;Episode 158, How to Not Feel Like You Are Teaching to the TestEpisode 147, Content Coverage - How to Get Through All of the StandardsEpisode 116, Behind Schedule? What to Do And How to Prevent It In the FutureEpisode 107, NGSS and Standards-Based Grading with Guest Boni Hamilton

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