If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed trying to make earth science engaging and hands-on, this episode is for you! I’m joined by Becca from Science Lessons That Rock, a veteran teacher with over 15 years of experience and a passion for turning abstract concepts into meaningful, accessible learning experiences. Becca shares creative ways to teach everything from planetary distances to landforms using simple, affordable materials—plus practical tips for lab prep, grading, and boosting student engagement.

We also talk about supporting ELLs, teaching in Title 1 schools, and building classroom buy-in. Whether you’re new to earth science or just need some fresh inspiration, you’re going to love getting to learn from Becca. I’ve known her online for nearly a decade, and I’m so excited you get to know her now, too!

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode191

Resources:

• Climate Change Ice Core Lab
• Igneous Crystal Size Lab Activity | Rock Cycle Experiment
• Landforms Stop Motion Video Project
• Rewordify
• Vocaroo
• 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.

Connect with Becca:

• Instagram: @sciencelessonsthatrock
• Website

Related Episodes:

• Episode 126, Teaching AP Environmental Science with Ashton Allgood
• Episode 157, Serving ELLs with AI and More with Guest Alyse of Keystone Science
• Episode 189, True Life: I Grade Everything and Because of It, I Have No Life
• Episode 190, Student Mastery, Switching Schools, and Teaching Chemistry with Heather Bonanno

Have you ever met a teacher who just gets it—who knows how to challenge students, meet them where they are, and do it all with purpose and empathy? That’s exactly who you’ll hear from in this episode. I chat with Heather Bonanno, a high school chemistry teacher from Pennsylvania who recently returned to the classroom after a five-year break.

Heather shares how she navigates 40-minute class periods, makes chemistry relevant through real-world connections, and uses labs to spark inquiry from day one. We also dive into her flexible approach to grading, classroom management tips, and strategies for keeping students engaged, even when the content gets tough. This episode may be about teaching chemistry on the surface, but trust me, it’s so much more than that!

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode190

Resources Mentioned:

• Chemistry Curriculum - FULL YEAR BUNDLE
• Chemistry Bell Ringers or Exit Slips - FULL YEAR 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.

Related Episodes and Blog Posts:

• Episode 35, Competency, Classroom Management, Teaching Chemistry and More with Guest Zach Matson
• Episode 127, Teaching AP Chemistry with Zach Matson
• Episode 140, 5 Tips for Teaching Chemistry
• Episode 186, True Life: I Am a Science Teacher Who Hates Labs

If grading has taken over your life, this final episode in the True Life Teacher Confession series is here to help. I’m unpacking the hidden costs of grading everything, challenging the belief that every assignment needs a grade, and sharing mindset shifts and practical strategies to help you reclaim your time. From setting clear grading boundaries to building a classroom culture where students stay accountable without constant grading, this episode is your first step toward a more sustainable teaching life!

➡️ Show Notes: https://itsnotrocketscienceclassroom.com/episode189

Resources:

• Culture Mini-Course
• Secondary Science Simplified 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.

Related Episodes:

• 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 145, How to Build Resilience in Students Post-Pandemic
• Episode 155, How to Create Active and Accountable Learners in Your Secondary Science Classroom
• Episode 160, 4 Proven Tips to INSTANTLY Decrease Your Grading Time
• Episode 187, True Life: I’m Drowning