Science Notebooks Make Sense

When mathematics and reading are the primary ways to test students, science has fallen by the wayside in some schools. Using inquiry-based instruction and science notebooks is a way to inco... See More

When mathematics and reading are the primary ways to test students, science has fallen by the wayside in some schools. Using inquiry-based instruction and science notebooks is a way to incorporate all subjects with one purpose to improve instruction and students understanding of science. This article suggests five components in a science notebook as follows: purpose/question; predictions; planning/procedures; observations/data; and student reflection/summary. Reading this article provides more insight for each of these components and talks about designing prompts. Although many teachers already use these notebooks already, this article might help to refine a teacher’s approach.

Science Notebook

I use notebooks in my science classroom and this article clarifies the importance of the science notebook.