Do you find yourself absolutely dreading lab days? If so, you’re in good company. I’m kicking off a new series of Teacher True Life Confessions, and today’s episode is inspired by several of you who were brave enough to admit that you HATE lab days. I’m sharing why labs feel so overwhelming and practical ways to make them less chaotic and more effective. You’ll learn how to select labs for quality over quantity, build in breathing room, train your students for smoother experiences, and simplify grading!

Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode186

Resources:

• Labs When Limited Free Course
• Labs Virtual PD Mini-Course
• Secondary Science Simplified Course Bundle
• Ecosystem in a Bottle
• Download your FREE Classroom Reset Challenge.
• Send me a DM on Instagram: @its.not.rocket.science
• Send me an email: rebecca@itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com
• Follow, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts.

Related Episodes:

• Episode 74, My #1 Way to Simplify Future Lab Days
• Episode 105, What Happened When I Stopped Assigning Formal Lab Reports
• Episode 131, End of Year Resource Audit

Feeling torn between getting ahead on lesson plans and fully embracing summer break? That’s exactly what we’re diving into in this episode. Inspired by a thoughtful listener question, I’m sharing a realistic and flexible approach to summer planning for teachers that helps you make progress and prioritize rest. You’ll hear tips for setting intentional goals, deciding when it’s actually worth planning ahead, and how to give yourself permission to recharge—without the guilt. Whether you’re a planner, a napper, or a little of both, this episode will help you find your summer balance!

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode185

Resources Mentioned:

• INRS Complete Units
• Labs When Limited
• 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.

Related Episodes and Blog Posts:

• Episode 80, Strategizing Your Sequence: Curriculum Design Part 1
• Episode 182, End the Year Organized: Your Resources
• Episode 183, End the Year Organized: Your Classroom
• Episode 184, End the Year Organized: Your Management

In this final episode of the “End Your Year Organized” series, we’re wrapping up by reflecting on the classroom management methods you used this year. I’m walking you through six simple but powerful reflection questions to help you evaluate what worked, what didn’t, and how to set yourself up for a smoother classroom experience next year.

We’ll look at the difference between whole-class and individual behavior challenges, and I’ll share tips for improving routines, building stronger relationships, and being more intentional with your approach. Thinking through your classroom management methods now will make a big difference for your future self!

Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode184

Resources Mentioned:

• Classroom Management Spotify Playlist
• Core Values Mini-Course
• Relationships Mini-Course
• Culture Mini-Course
• Secondary Science Simplified Virtual PD Bundle
• Subscribe on YouTube
• Follow me on TpT (and leave a review to score credits!)
• 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.

Related Episodes and Blog Posts:

• Episode 35, Competency, Classroom Management, Teaching Chemistry, and MORE with Guest Zach Matson
• Episode 41, 4 Practical Tips for Building Relationships with Your High School Students
• Episode 134, Prioritizing Relationships Over Being Right
• Episode 182, End the Year Organized: Your Resources
• Episode 183, End the Year Organized: Your Classroom