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 you want to do more of this year and what you want to do less of, both personally and in your science classroom. We’ll talk about prioritizing yourself, identifying energy and time drains, getting specific with your goals, and making small, flexible shifts that actually stick. By the end, you’ll have a clear, manageable direction for the semester...and maybe even the motivation to reset alongside your science team!

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode216

Resources Mentioned:

• Shop INRS full year curriculum bundles.
• Complete units
• Winter science freebies
• Core Values Mini-Course
• SSS Virtual PD Course Bundle
• 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 55, Goal Setting for the New Year - A Different Approach
• Episode 56, Scheduling Rest - Why You Need to And How to Do It
• Episode 111, Priorities and Boundaries in the New Year
• Episode 165, How Naming What Matters Most Can Change the Rest of Your School Year

January 4th - 10th, I will be doing my BIGGEST sale of the year with DAILY discounts that are exclusively for my email list. Start your new year with some CHEER!

itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter

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-driven approach that builds trust, lowers stress, and keeps the focus on student growth. From practical email scripts and real classroom stories to handling tough parent moments and using AI to save time, this episode is full of ideas you can try right away to make parent communication a whole lot easier!

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode215

Resources Mentioned:

• Take the 2026 SSS Podcast Survey!
• Be a guest in 2026 on the SSS podcast.
• Secondary Science Simplified virtual PD course
• 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 70, It Isn’t an Attack on You: Dealing with Difficult Parents with Guest Zach Matson
• Episode 90, Classroom Management Philosophy for Secondary Science Teachers
• Episode 91, My Top 5 Classroom Management Routines and Procedures for High School Science Teachers
• Episode 93, Simple Strategies for Classroom Management

January 4th - 10th, I will be doing my BIGGEST sale of the year with DAILY discounts that are exclusively for my email list. Start your new year with some CHEER!

itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter

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

January 4th - 10th, I will be doing my BIGGEST sale of the year with DAILY discounts that are exclusively for my email list. Start your new year with some CHEER!

itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/winter