Science Notebooks
Effective Use of
Science Notebooks
in K-12 Classrooms
Carolyn Landel
Introduction
The purpose of this website is to support classroom teachers in their quest to use science notebooks in their classroom. Science notebooks can be used to help students develop, practice, and refine the science understanding, while also enhancing reading, writing, mathematics and communications. On this site you will find examples of student work from science notebooks - many from common used commercially developed science instructional materials, information to support the use of science notebooks, and strategies to use notebooks to integrate reading, writing, mathematics, and science.
Science Notebook Entry Types• Drawings• Tables charts graphs• Graphic organizers• Notes• Reflective and analytical entries• Inserts• Investigative formats• Writing frames
Drawings
Purpose:
Make thinking and observations visible
Access diverse learning styles
Assist in vocabulary development
Drawings
Purpose:
Make thinking and observations visible
Access diverse learning styles
Assist in vocabulary development
Drawings
Purpose:
Make thinking and observations visible
Access diverse learning styles
Assist in vocabulary development
Drawings
Purpose:
Make thinking and observations visible
Access diverse learning styles
Assist in vocabulary development
Tables Charts and Graphs
Purpose:Organize information
Display patterns and trends
Compare and analyze data
Tables Charts and Graphs
Purpose:Organize information
Display patterns and trends
Compare and analyze data
Tables Charts and Graphs
Purpose:Organize information
Display patterns and trends
Compare and analyze data
Tables Charts and Graphs
Purpose:Organize information
Display patterns and trends
Compare and analyze data
Graphic Organizers
Purpose:
Organize ideas
Communicate connections and relationships
Graphic Organizers
Purpose:
Organize ideas
Communicate connections and relationships
Graphic Organizers
Purpose:
Organize ideas
Communicate connections and relationships
Notes and Practice Problems
Purpose:
Record ideas, observations or information
Notes and Practice Problems
Purpose:
Record ideas, observations or information
Notes and Practice Problems
Purpose:
Record ideas, observations or information
Notes and Practice Problems
Purpose:
Record ideas, observations or information
Reflective and Analytical Entries
Purpose:
Record ideas, observations or information
Reflective and Analytical Entries
Purpose:
Record ideas, observations or information
Reflective and Analytical Entries
Purpose:
Record ideas, observations or information
InsertsInserts
Purpose:
Document and enrich learning
InsertsInserts
Purpose:
Document and enrich learning
InsertsInserts
Purpose:
Document and enrich learning
Investigative Formats
Purpose:
Guide thinking during investigations.
Discuss findings and ideas
Investigative Formats
Purpose:
Guide thinking during investigations.
Discuss findings and ideas
Investigative Formats
Purpose:
Guide thinking during investigations.
Discuss findings and ideas
Investigative Formats
Purpose:
Guide thinking during investigations.
Discuss findings and ideas
Writing Frames
Purpose:
Organize ideas
Structure written responses
COMPARE AND CONTRAST Writing Frame
Start with how things are the same or similar.
The _____ and the ______ are the same because they both ___________.
Add more details as needed. In addition, they both
________________.
Explain how they are different. You can compare the same property or characteristic in the same sentence. Use “and”, “but”, or “whereas” to set up the contrast.
They are different because the ______, but the ______ does not.
Add more detail as needed. Also, the ________, whereas the
________________.
Remember to ask, “Will it be clear to the reader what I mean when I use pronouns such as they and it? If not, how can I edit the sentence to make it clearer?”
Writing Frames
Purpose:
Organize ideas
Structure written responses
Writing Frames
Purpose:
Organize ideas
Structure written responses
Discuss
Which of these entry types were new to you?
In what ways did having a clear definition and purpose clarify your thinking about science notebook entry types?
The Mini Notebook
Using post-it notes, work in table groups to identify the entry types represented in the mini notebook.
But wait…there’s more
• Searchable database of student work
• Templates and rubrics for classroom use
• PowerPoint presentations and handouts for professional development
• Tools and templates for English Language Learners
• Frequently asked questions
• Upload features in every section
Note to self
“When I get back to my classroom the first thing I’m going to use this web resource for is…..”
• Make a note to yourself• Share your note with your elbow partner
www.sciencenotebooks.org
Mathematics and Mathematics and Science Partnership Science Partnership
(MSP) Programs(MSP) Programs
U.S. Department of U.S. Department of Education: Education:
San Francisco San Francisco Regional MeetingRegional Meeting